Test drive Ssangyong Tivoli: fresh breath

Ssangyong is planning an offensive in Europe, launched by the likeable Tivoli.

The Korean company is planning an offensive in Europe, starting with the charming Ssangyong Tivoli urban crossover. First impressions of the diesel version with dual transmission and automatic transmission.

The presentation of the Korean brand Ssangyong on the Old Continent was marked by promising peaks and severe recessions. Objectively speaking, at the European level, its volumes cannot be measured with compatriots from Kia and Hyundai, but in some markets, including the Bulgarian one, the company had periods when its products were in steady demand. Having gained momentum with the Musso and Korando models in the 90s, at the beginning of the new millennium, the company reached the peak of its popularity among the European clientele thanks to the Rexton model. Appearing only at the beginning of the peak of off-road fever, this modern SUV with an attractive design from Giugiaro Design has been on the crest of the wave for some time and even at some point became the best-selling model of its class in our country. ... Subsequent models Kyron and Actyon were also not unsuccessful, but due to the ever-increasing competition and to some extent due to controversial designs, they did not manage to surpass the success of the Rexton. Gradually, the brand's assortment became obsolete and the beautiful new version of the Korando hit the market too late to cause a splash.

Ssangyong returns

Ssangyong's “big comeback” begins with the all-new Tivoli, positioned in the extremely modern small SUV segment. In principle, at the moment, this class is so fashionable that there is almost no representative who does not sell well. And yet, to be truly successful, a model must stand out from the competition. And Ssangyong Tivoli is doing it more than successfully.

The first thing that sets the Ssangyong Tivoli apart from the competition is the design. The style of the car has a pronounced oriental touch, which, however, skillfully combines with the lines and shapes characteristic of the European automotive industry. The end result of Ssangyong's design efforts is undeniably pleasing to the eye - the Tivoli has proportions that somehow imperceptibly create associations with MINI, the proportions look harmonious, and the forms are both emotional and elegant. While not as provocative as the Nissan Juke, for example, this car has a strong personality and makes people turn to it. The fact that the company offers options with a two-tone body design is fully in line with the spirit of the times and in line with the trends of the segment.

Inside, the layout is one idea more conservative - here the manifestations of extravagance are limited to red translucent buttons on the center console. The quality of the materials is satisfactory, and the ergonomics do not give grounds for serious criticism. The seat is pleasantly high, the front seats are comfortable and fairly roomy, and visibility in all directions (except tilting back) is excellent. Combined with an impressively tight turning radius and well-functioning parking assist, the Ssangyong Tivoli is an easy car to park and maneuver in tight spaces.

Mature road behavior

The Tivoli's agility undoubtedly contributes to pleasant city driving: the steering wheel is extremely precise, the suspension adjustment is also pleasantly tight, so the car shoots out into the city traffic with an almost sporty note in its behavior. Even more impressive is that despite its rather short wheelbase, the car really rides comfortably, including on poorly maintained asphalt and steep bumps. An equally positive picture persists off-road, where the Ssangyong Tivoli is liked by its good handling, safe and predictable behavior and decent acoustic comfort. The dual-drive option for this vehicle aims to promote confident handling on asphalt with poor traction, rather than create the potential for serious off-roading. The all-wheel drive system in the Ssangyong Tivoli works quickly and accurately, ensuring reliable contact with the road.

Harmonic Drive

In real life, the 1,6-liter turbodiesel performs much better than its 115bhp suggests. on the paper. A car with common rail direct injection starts to pull confidently from about 1500 rpm when reaching a maximum torque of 300 Nm, but its energy remains in the foreground even at high speeds. In addition, the engine has a very distinctive, almost ringing tone that is almost pleasing to the ear, which is not obvious for a four-cylinder diesel engine. Choosing between a six-speed manual gearbox and a six-speed automatic gearbox is completely up to taste: the manual gearbox is light and precise, gear changes are fun and fuel consumption is one idea less. In turn, the automatic transmission with a torque converter from Aisin works very smoothly, improving comfort both in the city and during long trips, and its reactions are quite spontaneous and adequate to the current situation. Fuel consumption varies with driving style and road conditions, but the combined cycle average typically ranges from six and a half to seven liters of diesel per hundred kilometers.

The new offer from Ssangyong managed to impress us in almost all respects, but let's also pay attention to the model's pricing policy - a parameter that is actually one of the serious trump cards in favor of Ssangyong Tivoli. Prices for a diesel Tivoli start at just over BGN 35, while the maximum power model with dual transmission, automatic transmission and extravagant equipment costs around BGN 000. The brand definitely has a good chance of once again taking a strong position in the segment of small crossovers.

CONCLUSION

The Ssangyong Tivoli impresses with its agility, pleasant comfort, energetic drive and rich equipment, along with its streamlined characteristic design. The disadvantages of the car are limited by the inability to order a driver and trunk support system, which on paper has a large nominal volume, but in fact is quite small. For those looking for more space and cargo volume, we recommend looking at the XLV Longer, which will go on sale this summer.

Text: Bozhan Boshnakov

Photo: Melania Iosifova