SsangYong Tivoli, presentation and test drive in Madrid

SsangYong has been working for some time to stop being just another Korean brand. It wants to improve its image and its products, and that is why it is renewing its range of vehicles at great speed.

The greatest exponent of this renewal is the all-new Tívoli, a completely new model that we have already tried out in the Spanish capital.

Exterior design

Design, both inside and out, is one of the key points for understanding the Tívoli. The people behind the Korean brand have set out to offer a product that catches the eye, something that until now had not been SsangYong’s strong point.

We can state, without fear of being wrong, that they have succeeded. The new Tívoli sits within one of the most complicated and hotly contested segments of the Spanish market, that of urban SUVs, a segment that is winning over more fans every day and whose offering has multiplied in recent years.

The exterior design of the Tívoli shows character and distinction. It does not want to be like the others, and so it stands apart from its rivals with bold, strong lines, where angles and sharp creases are the predominant note, exactly the opposite of its rivals, which show a more rounded image.

The front features large headlights with elliptical optics and integrated LED daytime running lights, enhancing the “technological” side of the Tívoli. Once again it does not follow the crowd with its grille, which on this model is relatively small and sits in a position much higher than usual for this segment. The fog lights also have an angular shape.

The side of the SsangYong has a great deal of personality thanks to the textured black plastic cladding that runs along the entire body, including the wheel arches, which noticeably reinforces the model’s SUV image. The glass area is smaller than usual for a SsangYong, which, together with very strong, well-defined rear quarters, results in one of the most striking profiles in the segment. The alloy wheels, in sizes 16″, 17″ and 18″, also help, and depending on the finish they come in two-tone paint.

At the rear there are taillights that extend onto the wing and also feature LED technology. The tailgate, which opens to a wide angle, opens with total ease. The rear bumper has moldings shaped like reinforcements which, although not metallic, are made of a more resistant plastic, inviting us to take the Tívoli onto unpaved terrain. The fog light/reversing light is positioned in the centre of the bumper, giving it a distinctive look.

Interior design

If on the outside we find a very novel SsangYong, the interior design is not spectacular, but it is attractive. The overall lines convey an impression of quality and robustness, something that becomes evident as soon as we run a hand over the surfaces. The finishes are very good, with very precise fitting. SsangYong has skilfully combined soft-touch plastics with hard ones, the latter being the most abundant, and has also used piano-black trim, so fashionable at the moment.

The seats deserve a separate mention: without doubt the best in the segment, well ahead of other brands. They are really comfortable, hold you well on winding roads, and have a very good finish, with cloth and high-quality leather upholstery.

The interior space is very good. The front seats offer remarkable dimensions in every respect, but it is the rear seats that really surprise, with legroom and headroom similar to models from a higher segment. The boot also has good capacity, with square shapes and numerous practical solutions to improve the car’s load capabilities.

Driving dynamics

In the initial launch phase, the Tívoli will only be offered with a naturally aspirated direct-injection petrol engine producing 128 CV and 160 Nm. It is paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox with fairly long ratios, which sends power to the front wheels.

Although it is not an especially performance-oriented engine, with acceleration and in-gear recovery that are just adequate, it has two very specific virtues: smoothness of running and low consumption. On the route we took during the presentation, about 140 km over roads of all kinds, consumption did not exceed 6.8 litres, a very good figure considering that on more than one occasion we tried to test the car’s virtues and performance.

The suspension is well tuned, with a very pleasant firmness that is unusual for SsangYong, containing body roll and inertia effectively. In addition, the braking system offers good deceleration capacity, while the steering provides sufficient assistance and feel for everyday driving.

Equipment and prices

The Tívoli will reach our market in several trim levels, the most basic being the one called Line, priced from €14,900. Aimed at buyers looking for the essentials, it already includes features such as air conditioning, ESP and projector headlights.

The next trim is called Premium, priced at €16,500 for the petrol model and €18,000 for the diesel. It adds equipment such as fog lights, rear electric windows and tinted glass.

The most expensive model is the Limited, which includes a touchscreen navigation system, a rear parking camera, 18″ alloy wheels, leather upholstery and rain and light sensors.

The first units will reach dealerships in the coming weeks, while the diesel variants will go on sale in September.

Photography | Daniel Valdivielso