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Ssangyong Tivoli 1.6 (A) Review
04 Sep 2015|33,607 views
Think of the South Korea-based automobile manufacturer Ssangyong and the vehicle that would probably come to mind is the Mercedes-Benz powered Musso.
This time around, Ssangyong are set to shake up the compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) market, under the Mahindra & Mahindra ownership with its all new Tivoli.
The Tivoli, named after an Italian town, is a big step forward for the brand. Looking past the badge, the Tivoli - which also spells 'I Lov It' backwards - is a cheerful and modern contender that may give cars in its segment a good run for their money. On the other hand, it comes at the cost of $125,888 (as of 20th August 2015), making it $4,000 more expensive than even the top trim 1.6 Adventure Series Nissan Juke. This brings about the question - is the Tivoli really deserving of such a price tag?
Unlike their previous vehicles that were slightly rough around the edges, Ssangyong's new Tivoli is a step upmarket
Exterior
Designers of the Tivoli seemed to have drawn their construction inspiration from several cars. The front end, a blend of sharp dynamic lines on a two-toned front bumper, is reminiscent of its Korean cousin, the Kia Soul. Looking at it from the side, the Tivoli's 'floating roof' visage also adds a little bit of MINI flair into the mix while its curvaceous wheel arches give it that Juke touch.
This time around, Ssangyong are set to shake up the compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) market, under the Mahindra & Mahindra ownership with its all new Tivoli.
The Tivoli, named after an Italian town, is a big step forward for the brand. Looking past the badge, the Tivoli - which also spells 'I Lov It' backwards - is a cheerful and modern contender that may give cars in its segment a good run for their money. On the other hand, it comes at the cost of $125,888 (as of 20th August 2015), making it $4,000 more expensive than even the top trim 1.6 Adventure Series Nissan Juke. This brings about the question - is the Tivoli really deserving of such a price tag?
Exterior
Designers of the Tivoli seemed to have drawn their construction inspiration from several cars. The front end, a blend of sharp dynamic lines on a two-toned front bumper, is reminiscent of its Korean cousin, the Kia Soul. Looking at it from the side, the Tivoli's 'floating roof' visage also adds a little bit of MINI flair into the mix while its curvaceous wheel arches give it that Juke touch.
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One may even be as bold as to state that from an angle, the Tivoli very faintly gives off that Land Rover charm.
However, the Tivoli could use some bigger wheels to match its size. The 16-inch alloys that come standard are a tad too tiny and rob the car of the road presence that its purposeful design otherwise conveys. Ssangyong offers an 18-inch option as well but in doing so will increase the cost of the Tivoli even more.
But if the size does not bother you and upgrading to a set of aftermarket wheels is on the cards, then the Tivoli bears a nice concoction of styling ques that Ssangyong should be really proud of.
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Interior
Keeping up with the its exoteric aesthetics, the interior design of the cabin is equally nice. Although there remains to be anything revolutionary on the inside, the Tivoli's cabin represents SsangYong's best efforts yet.
Design is pleasantly clean and better materials have been employed to give the car that premium touch
First off, the flimsy plastics dressed in dreary black found in the Ssangyongs of old are thankfully gone. In its place sits an interior that bursts with character, contrast and substance.
The dashboard is a mash of better quality plastics that are paired off with silver and shiny black inserts. At this price point, the cabin doesn't look or feel like an interior that most would initially expect it to be. Along with sharpened materials, you also get a multimedia audio and video system with navigation and rear view camera as standard.
Keeping up with the its exoteric aesthetics, the interior design of the cabin is equally nice. Although there remains to be anything revolutionary on the inside, the Tivoli's cabin represents SsangYong's best efforts yet.
First off, the flimsy plastics dressed in dreary black found in the Ssangyongs of old are thankfully gone. In its place sits an interior that bursts with character, contrast and substance.
The dashboard is a mash of better quality plastics that are paired off with silver and shiny black inserts. At this price point, the cabin doesn't look or feel like an interior that most would initially expect it to be. Along with sharpened materials, you also get a multimedia audio and video system with navigation and rear view camera as standard.
The audio controls and cruise control buttons on the steering aren't cheaply slapped on too, and both look and feel well put together.
Secondly, there's loads of space both front and back. The Tivoli will seat five adults comfortably and has one of the largest cargo capacities in its class - a total of 423 litres with the rear seats folded flat. That is notably bigger than the Nissan Juke's 354 litres.
Class-leading occupant room in the back seat is easily generous enough for larger adults even on long drives
Throughout the cabin, you'll also find storage spaces for bits and pieces to chuck your items in. With the absence of a central lump in the floor of the rear, the passenger in the middle won't be complaining either.
Secondly, there's loads of space both front and back. The Tivoli will seat five adults comfortably and has one of the largest cargo capacities in its class - a total of 423 litres with the rear seats folded flat. That is notably bigger than the Nissan Juke's 354 litres.
Throughout the cabin, you'll also find storage spaces for bits and pieces to chuck your items in. With the absence of a central lump in the floor of the rear, the passenger in the middle won't be complaining either.
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The Drive
Thus far, the Tivoli has been easy on the eyes and a pleasant place to be in. This brings us to the unavoidable question of how does it drive?
A 1.6-litre e-XGi160 petrol engine that delivers an average fuel consumption of 13km/L isn't too shabby at all
For starters, it is powered by a four-cylinder 1.6-litre e-XGi160 petrol engine. With it, the Tivoli gets a decent 128bhp and 160Nm of torque. While the car will not be spiritedly running around town, this engine mated to a six-speed Aisin automatic transmission offers a smooth and equally fuel efficient drive.
We only get the front-wheel drive variant here in Singapore as opposed to the four-wheel drive option in other countries. Still, the handling of the Tivoli is sufficiently tight and the ride quality is comfortable. And even though the NVH refinement won't be inspiring any reflection time, it certainly does not qualify as noisy.
Thus far, the Tivoli has been easy on the eyes and a pleasant place to be in. This brings us to the unavoidable question of how does it drive?
For starters, it is powered by a four-cylinder 1.6-litre e-XGi160 petrol engine. With it, the Tivoli gets a decent 128bhp and 160Nm of torque. While the car will not be spiritedly running around town, this engine mated to a six-speed Aisin automatic transmission offers a smooth and equally fuel efficient drive.
We only get the front-wheel drive variant here in Singapore as opposed to the four-wheel drive option in other countries. Still, the handling of the Tivoli is sufficiently tight and the ride quality is comfortable. And even though the NVH refinement won't be inspiring any reflection time, it certainly does not qualify as noisy.
The best feature in the car that makes it a great city-goer is Ssangyong's Smart Steer system that allows the driver to select between three settings for the steering - Normal, Comfort and Sport mode.
This feature, activated by a simple push of a button on the centre console, allows the driver to adjust the car's steering weight depending on whether you are cruising down the expressway or parallel parking on a narrow street.
Smart steer system is toggled via the right most button but it would be easier if it was fixed on the steering wheel
Conclusion
If you're in the market for a compact crossover that isn't your run-of-the-mill Asian marque, then the Ssangyong Tivoli is seriously worth a look. Despite falling on the slightly higher end of the price spectrum, the Tivoli is a handsome car that packs the necessary creature comforts that should leave its rivals a little worried.
This feature, activated by a simple push of a button on the centre console, allows the driver to adjust the car's steering weight depending on whether you are cruising down the expressway or parallel parking on a narrow street.
Conclusion
If you're in the market for a compact crossover that isn't your run-of-the-mill Asian marque, then the Ssangyong Tivoli is seriously worth a look. Despite falling on the slightly higher end of the price spectrum, the Tivoli is a handsome car that packs the necessary creature comforts that should leave its rivals a little worried.
Think of the South Korea-based automobile manufacturer Ssangyong and the vehicle that would probably come to mind is the Mercedes-Benz powered Musso.
This time around, Ssangyong are set to shake up the compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) market, under the Mahindra & Mahindra ownership with its all new Tivoli.
The Tivoli, named after an Italian town, is a big step forward for the brand. Looking past the badge, the Tivoli - which also spells 'I Lov It' backwards - is a cheerful and modern contender that may give cars in its segment a good run for their money. On the other hand, it comes at the cost of $125,888 (as of 20th August 2015), making it $4,000 more expensive than even the top trim 1.6 Adventure Series Nissan Juke. This brings about the question - is the Tivoli really deserving of such a price tag?
Exterior
Designers of the Tivoli seemed to have drawn their construction inspiration from several cars. The front end, a blend of sharp dynamic lines on a two-toned front bumper, is reminiscent of its Korean cousin, the Kia Soul. Looking at it from the side, the Tivoli's 'floating roof' visage also adds a little bit of MINI flair into the mix while its curvaceous wheel arches give it that Juke touch.
This time around, Ssangyong are set to shake up the compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) market, under the Mahindra & Mahindra ownership with its all new Tivoli.
The Tivoli, named after an Italian town, is a big step forward for the brand. Looking past the badge, the Tivoli - which also spells 'I Lov It' backwards - is a cheerful and modern contender that may give cars in its segment a good run for their money. On the other hand, it comes at the cost of $125,888 (as of 20th August 2015), making it $4,000 more expensive than even the top trim 1.6 Adventure Series Nissan Juke. This brings about the question - is the Tivoli really deserving of such a price tag?
Exterior
Designers of the Tivoli seemed to have drawn their construction inspiration from several cars. The front end, a blend of sharp dynamic lines on a two-toned front bumper, is reminiscent of its Korean cousin, the Kia Soul. Looking at it from the side, the Tivoli's 'floating roof' visage also adds a little bit of MINI flair into the mix while its curvaceous wheel arches give it that Juke touch.
One may even be as bold as to state that from an angle, the Tivoli very faintly gives off that Land Rover charm.
However, the Tivoli could use some bigger wheels to match its size. The 16-inch alloys that come standard are a tad too tiny and rob the car of the road presence that its purposeful design otherwise conveys. Ssangyong offers an 18-inch option as well but in doing so will increase the cost of the Tivoli even more.
But if the size does not bother you and upgrading to a set of aftermarket wheels is on the cards, then the Tivoli bears a nice concoction of styling ques that Ssangyong should be really proud of.
However, the Tivoli could use some bigger wheels to match its size. The 16-inch alloys that come standard are a tad too tiny and rob the car of the road presence that its purposeful design otherwise conveys. Ssangyong offers an 18-inch option as well but in doing so will increase the cost of the Tivoli even more.
But if the size does not bother you and upgrading to a set of aftermarket wheels is on the cards, then the Tivoli bears a nice concoction of styling ques that Ssangyong should be really proud of.
Interior
Keeping up with the its exoteric aesthetics, the interior design of the cabin is equally nice. Although there remains to be anything revolutionary on the inside, the Tivoli's cabin represents SsangYong's best efforts yet.
First off, the flimsy plastics dressed in dreary black found in the Ssangyongs of old are thankfully gone. In its place sits an interior that bursts with character, contrast and substance.
The dashboard is a mash of better quality plastics that are paired off with silver and shiny black inserts. At this price point, the cabin doesn't look or feel like an interior that most would initially expect it to be. Along with sharpened materials, you also get a multimedia audio and video system with navigation and rear view camera as standard.
The audio controls and cruise control buttons on the steering aren't cheaply slapped on too, and both look and feel well put together.
Secondly, there's loads of space both front and back. The Tivoli will seat five adults comfortably and has one of the largest cargo capacities in its class - a total of 423 litres with the rear seats folded flat. That is notably bigger than the Nissan Juke's 354 litres.
Throughout the cabin, you'll also find storage spaces for bits and pieces to chuck your items in. With the absence of a central lump in the floor of the rear, the passenger in the middle won't be complaining either.
Secondly, there's loads of space both front and back. The Tivoli will seat five adults comfortably and has one of the largest cargo capacities in its class - a total of 423 litres with the rear seats folded flat. That is notably bigger than the Nissan Juke's 354 litres.
Throughout the cabin, you'll also find storage spaces for bits and pieces to chuck your items in. With the absence of a central lump in the floor of the rear, the passenger in the middle won't be complaining either.
The Drive
Thus far, the Tivoli has been easy on the eyes and a pleasant place to be in. This brings us to the unavoidable question of how does it drive?
For starters, it is powered by a four-cylinder 1.6-litre e-XGi160 petrol engine. With it, the Tivoli gets a decent 128bhp and 160Nm of torque. While the car will not be spiritedly running around town, this engine mated to a six-speed Aisin automatic transmission offers a smooth and equally fuel efficient drive.
We only get the front-wheel drive variant here in Singapore as opposed to the four-wheel drive option in other countries. Still, the handling of the Tivoli is sufficiently tight and the ride quality is comfortable. And even though the NVH refinement won't be inspiring any reflection time, it certainly does not qualify as noisy.
The best feature in the car that makes it a great city-goer is Ssangyong's Smart Steer system that allows the driver to select between three settings for the steering - Normal, Comfort and Sport mode.
This feature, activated by a simple push of a button on the centre console, allows the driver to adjust the car's steering weight depending on whether you are cruising down the expressway or parallel parking on a narrow street.
Conclusion
If you're in the market for a compact crossover that isn't your run-of-the-mill Asian marque, then the Ssangyong Tivoli is seriously worth a look. Despite falling on the slightly higher end of the price spectrum, the Tivoli is a handsome car that packs the necessary creature comforts that should leave its rivals a little worried.
This feature, activated by a simple push of a button on the centre console, allows the driver to adjust the car's steering weight depending on whether you are cruising down the expressway or parallel parking on a narrow street.
Conclusion
If you're in the market for a compact crossover that isn't your run-of-the-mill Asian marque, then the Ssangyong Tivoli is seriously worth a look. Despite falling on the slightly higher end of the price spectrum, the Tivoli is a handsome car that packs the necessary creature comforts that should leave its rivals a little worried.
Photos by Low Fai Ming
Car Information
Ssangyong Tivoli Compact 1.6 (A)
CAT A|Petrol|14.3km/L
Horsepower
95kW (128 bhp)
Torque
160 Nm
Acceleration
12.7sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Ssangyong Tivoli Compact
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