When a car becomes successful, it also becomes a burden for the brand, especially if it is as small as SsangYong. Europe is by far the second most important market for Koreans after their own country. For a long time, commercials have been asking for a B-SUV to compete with in the increasingly important European segment. In 2012, the answer was the SsangYong Tivoli, and it quickly proved to be good.. So much so that in 2016 they decided to release a larger version called XLV. Today this model has been renamed SsangYong Tivoli Grand.
Over the years, more than 413,000 units have been sold worldwide. I insist that SsangYong is a low-volume brand. By 2024, with the restart of the model, The Tivoli is expected to once again become the company’s most popular car with 2,000 registrations.. Against this background, it is logical to think that in Korea they had to carefully consider how to work on renovation so that it would not affect sales. The change is obvious.
The first thing you’ll notice is that the front image is no longer the same. The front end changes and becomes very similar to the SsangYong Korando and its electric version. In fact, given the high degree of fairing, you could say it looks like an electric one, but it doesn’t.. New optics, new bumpers, updated wheels with a diameter of 16 to 18 inches, as well as a full and colorful range of colors and details. Customization is one of the best qualities of the Tivoli, with 66 different body combinations. Absent in the most common unit.
Keep in mind that we are talking about a mid-life cycle update. The platform has not undergone any changes, which means that the dimensions are the same. Tivoli is 4.22 meters long, 1.81 meters wide and 1.61 meters high. with a short wheelbase of 2.6 meters. Tivoli Grand extends these levels to 4.48 meters long, 1.81 meters wide and 1.65 meters high. with the same fight. The big difference between the two is what we see behind the rear wheels. The large overhang allows it to offer one of the largest luggage compartments in the C-SUV segment.
Inside, the Tivoli exhibits the right look and feel with overall trim. Soft surfaces are mixed with hard plastics. Everything is well put together and gives a good feeling of solidity and finish. Their price justifies these materials. From a presentation point of view, the renovation allowed for new technological toys. The most striking thing is the presence of a 10.2-inch digital instrument panel.. It is also worth highlighting the new multimedia system with an 8-inch touch screen. This is a very simple and common system. Easy to use and easy to understand. It doesn’t overuse useless features and menus. Correct.
In Spain, the trim range is divided into levels: Line, Urban Plus and Limited.. Starting with the base trim, the Tivolis has a generous array of systems and technology, but we only find the best trinkets in higher trims. Features include keyless entry and engine start, the aforementioned screens, dual-zone climate control, camera and parking sensors, seven airbags as standard and a good range of assistants and driving aids.
Despite the aforementioned dimensions, the SsangYong Tivoli offers good interior space. Correct for four passengers and somewhat narrower for five. The second row of seats allows passengers up to 1.80 meters tall to feel comfortable. If we take the center seat, everyone will be uncomfortable, and on long trips it is better not to take a fifth passenger with us. The biggest difference between the two models in this test in terms of habitability is in the trunk. SsangYong Tivoli offers 426 liters of minimum volume and 1115 liters of maximum volume. The Tivoli Grand increases this to a minimum capacity of 720 liters.
and maximum capacity 1440 liters.When it comes to powering the Tivoli, we see two different options: both with a petrol engine without any electrical assistance. This dooms you to receive a C label from the DGT. All units are supported by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is capable of producing two different power outputs: 135 and 163 horsepower.. While Tivoli may offer both versions, Tivoli Grand only has the most powerful version. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission as standard, but an automatic transmission is available as an option. In all cases, power is transferred to the front axle.
Driving SsangYong Tivoli and Tivoli Grand
The Tivoli has won the hearts of many drivers across Europe with its good handling and affordable price. On the move, both models offer a pleasant ride without being eccentric. They require a calm demeanor, although they are responsive when needed, especially in manual transmission versions.. The optional automatic transmission is slow to respond, reduces maximum torque to 260 Nm and requires great anticipation and timing when overtaking on secondary roads. It’s easier for him to pick up speed, and he does it with some ease.
Once they reach cruising speed, they provide good stability and safety, especially the SsangYong Tivoli Grand. The noise is controlled and you can talk without raising your voice. Only at maximum acceleration does the engine make itself felt, especially in automatic versions. You can cover long kilometers without getting tired along the way, which surprised me., especially in the smallest version of the family. They feature a soft suspension that absorbs road imperfections well, but isn’t as useful on twisty sections. Logical configuration.
New to the lineup is the Tivoli with 135 horsepower and 280 Nm of torque. A very successful version. The engine is the same as its older version, but it is more economical in price. SsangYong thinks this variant will be in high demand, and so do I. Despite the reduction in power, response is still good and sufficient for almost everything there is to offer. Fuel consumption is also lower, with an approved average of 6.98 liters per 100 kilometers.. In the case of the Tivoli Grand, the lowest official record is 7.27 liters per 100 kilometers driven (with manual transmission).
The excellent quality and advantage of the Tivoli family lies in its price. The appearance of the MG ZS, its main competitor, alerted the Koreans, so they launched an aggressive pricing campaign. Tivoli is available in a price range from 17,900 to 25,700 euros., with campaigns applied but no funding discount. Older brother, The Tivoli Grand retails from €22,400 to €27,200.. Also using campaigns, but without promotions to be financed. If you pay in installments, prices drop to €14,600 for the Tivoli and €19.00 for the Tivoli Grand. Two incredible prices today.
conclusions
Tivoli and Tivoli Grand are really attractively priced. I have no doubt that the smallest member of the family will again become the best-selling model of the brand in our country. The competition isn’t going to make it easy for them, but their value for money is hard to beat.. The Tivoli Grand seems like a big hit to me because of its huge trunk and smooth handling. The performance is not the best in the world, but it is enough for a quiet and routine ride.