New Korean SUV Ssangyong Tivoli with an attractive appearance invites to the walks in nature. And the hikers will not be disappointed, because neither the petrol engine nor the chassis can not be criticized for anything.

Tivoli is the first new model since the Mahindra & Mahindra Limited Corporation took over Ssangyong. Compared to its vehicle class it belongs to the group with a more spacious cabin and luggage compartment.

Tivoli is with atmospheric engine and the lack of high-tech systems very simple to use, we could say it is made for experienced drivers, who mastered driving without a ton of switches, sophisticated devices and touch screens. On the other hand, the uncompromising position on the road and tempting look can surprise dynamically inclined teenagers.

Ssangyong Tivoli is a sympathetic hiker

The side line of 4.2 meter long Ssangyong Tivoli, like in Korando, rises from the front wheel arch past the door to the rear lights. The contour is even emphasized by the chrome strip that comes out of the windscreen and uninterruptedly continues under the side windows.

If we look the Tivoli from the front, we can claim that the designers extensively let their imagination run wild. Both LED parts of the large headlamps are linked with piano black plastic, unusually shaped fog lamps are mounted into the fenders, the lower grille has a black plastic, underneath it is a shield panel from kevlar imitation. By reading this description someone may think that all together could work kitschy. If you are one of them, see photos. We find Tivoli attractive, one might even argue that it has the soul. Although reminiscent of a Kia Soul.

Tivoli’s equipment

In addition to six airbags and electronic stability of the vehicle we have a hill-starting assistance, cruise control, gear shift indicator for fuel economy and trip computer, as well as a hands-free telephone installation.

For its vehicle class Tivoli has exceptionally spacious interior, which does not work badly. Although it is not a designer surplus. We can find a lot of plastic, treated in some places treated, but with the lack of that soft feeling.

Inside a piano black center console there are two smaller screens. The upper one is for the audio system and Bluetooth and the lower for managing dual-zone air conditioning.

A sense of security and space, and an error in the trunk

Protective high tin door surface with a sufficiently wide opening angle, with equally high seating position and good overview gives the passengers the feeling of safety. The spaciousness means that behind a 1.9 meter tall driver equally tall passenger can be comfortably seated. Front seat (without height adjustment) can be moved back for larger stature, who would have some problem on the lower part of the seat.

In addition to a large glovebox there is a locked drawer between the seats. Storage slots are handy, they can swallow four bottles and two cans. Trunk with an appropriate sized volume has a trivial flaw: on both sides are mounting brackets for installing hard board in two possible levels. Unfortunately, this beneficial plate belongs to a higher level of equipment, but in this moment it cannot be delivered. Whoever wants trunk with such a useful double bottom, we advise a visit to a local carpentry workshop.

With Tivoli on the terrain? Very carefully, yet better not.

With 167-millimeter ground clearance Ssangyong Tivoli can do more than just climb over the sidewalks. Suspension is sufficiently hardened, but Tivoli should stick to macadam roads or at most, some less hilly dirt track. On the slopes, the front part with 20.5-degree entry and exit angle  is more exposed one. In short, the drivers are advised to forget about the terrain and let Tivoli provide with sufficient enjoying on a well-fortified bases.

About speedometer and fuel consumption

Gasoline engine, which fills the lungs without shovel rotors, is moderately fuel efficient. The speedometer should show a little higher value than GPS, we agree with that. But almost 10 percent over at any given speed, that is a little too big exaggeration.

The official data on fuel consumption are usually lower that normal drivers can get. But not in Tivoli. The factory data tell us that driving in the city will cost us 8.6 liters per 100 kilometers. Well, guess what. We did it with 8 liters, not trying to be as eco oriented as possible. It is true that at steady 50 kilometers per hour Tivoli spent around four liters, but this is true for ideal conditions, not for starting, accelerating and stopping at city intersections and even without an integrated system for automatically switching off. Just normal city driving. Funny and good.

Ssangyong Tivoli competition and rivals

• Fiat 500X
• Honda HR-V
• Hyundai Tucson
• Jeep Renegade
• Kia Niro
• Kia Sportage
• Mazda CX-3
• Nissan Juke
• Nissan Qashqai
• Opel Mokka
• Peugeot 2008
• Renault Captur
• Toyota C-HR

Technical specification: Ssangyong Tivoli 1.6 e-XGI

Off-road vehicle; SUV, 5-door, 5 seats

Engine

petrol, liquid-cooled, 4-cylinder, 16V
Capacity: 1597 cm3
Maximum power: 128 hp at 6000 rpm
Maximum torque: 160 Nm at 4600 rpm

Transmission

front-wheel drive
6-speed manual transmission
Tires: 205/60 R16

Dimensions, weight

Length: 4195 mm
Width: 1795 mm
Height: 1600 mm
Wheelbase: 2600 mm
Turning circle: 10.60 m
Ground clearance: 167 mm
Entry angle: 20.5 degrees
Departure angle: 28 degrees
Curb weight: 1395 kg
Maximum permissible weight: 1810 kg
Maximum permissible weight of a light trailer: 500 kg
Max. permissible weight of the trailer with brakes: 1000 kg
Luggage compartment capacity: 423 l

Performance

Top speed: 170 km/h
Acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h: 12.2 s

Consumption

Urban driving: 8.6 liters / 100 km
On open road: 5.3 l / 100 km
Combined fuel consumption: 6,6 l / 100 km
Average autonomy: 712 km;
Fuel tank capacity: 47 liters;
Emissions: 154 g CO2 / km for Euro 6

Security

Front and side airbags, curtain airbags; 2x Isofix; ABS with electronic brake-force distribution by using the emergency brake, ESP; tire pressure meter

Image credit: Ssangyong