SsangYong is one of those brands that little by little is improving the image and quality of its cars. The first models that arrived on our market, 30 years ago, did not have the quality required in Europe. Although they were cheap, yes. Nor was the design a point particularly well addressed by the Korean manufacturer. Just remember the first generation of the Rodius minivan.
But all that is behind us and the Korean brand has created a range of cars much more adapted to European tastes than a few years ago. The Torres, a modern-looking SUV, is a clear example of the path taken by this Asian producer.
More affordable, safely designed for another user profile, the brand now presents an interesting renewal of the Tivoli model and the Tivoli Grand (previously called SsangYong XLV). It is an SUV with an economical, honest and rational approach, as demonstrated by its price: it is available from 17,900 euros (Tivoli) to 22,400 euros (Tivoli Grand).
On the other hand, it is interesting to know that, since its arrival on the market in 2015, SsangYong has sold more than 413,000 units worldwide. With the new update, the double dragon brand hopes to continue the pleasant path of success. In Spain, by the way, the goal is to reach around 2,300 units per year, between the two versions.
In size and compact appearance, both Tivoli and Tivoli Grand have a peculiar style. The proportions are certainly interesting, since they are practical for daily family use. Even by city.
The most aesthetic changes affect, above all, the front, with a new integrated bumper and a more attractive grille with triple LED fog lights. From the side view, the ribs on the body and the marked tension lines stand out. And some wheel arches and underbody with black protection.
To finish off a simple but attractive style, SsangYong offers 16 or 18-inch wheels, the diamond cut ones belonging to the Limited finish, the superior one.
The Tivoli measures 4.22 meters in length and its range brother, the Tivoli Grand, reaches 4.48 meters in length. Furthermore, the trunk capacity is another good argument for it to become a friendly family car: 427 liters for the Tivoli and an excellent 720 liters for the Tivoli Grand.
But the best thing is the multiple combinations of the second-row seats to increase capacity when we don’t need all five seats. In this way, the initial capacity of the Tivoli’s trunk can increase to 696, 842 or 1,115 liters depending on how we place the rear seats.
But even more capable is the Tivoli Grand, which can have 1,004, 1,156 or a surprising 1,440 liters, in the latter case with only the front seats operational. In this configuration, a bicycle or a surfboard fits.
Always with front-wheel drive, despite its SUV appearance, SsangYong offers the 1.5 GDi-T engine (gasoline with turbo) with 135 or 163 HP. The 135 HP is a novelty in the range. The standard transmission is a six-speed manual, but there is an option for a six-speed automatic transmission. For its part, the Tivoli Grand is only available with the most powerful engine, the 163 HP. In addition, the driver has the possibility of adjusting the feel and hardness of the steering in three levels: Comfort, Normal and Sport.
With the output type C environmental label, the Astara group, importer of the brand, offers an adaptation to LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) to obtain the ECO label.
In a spacious – and practical – cabin for the size of this SUV, the finish looks very correct. The materials used have a good feel and even the plastics seem to be of higher quality.
There is a new, more modern dashboard, with air vents at the ends. Also noteworthy is the digital instrument panel or the 8-inch multimedia system with touch screen compatible with Apple Car Play and Android Auto. With updated software, operation is easy and intuitive. And, following the trends of other manufacturers, the climate control buttons are haptic.
There are also ingenious storage solutions to make life on board more comfortable. The glove compartment has capacity for a laptop, under the front center armrest we find a storage space designed for a tablet and in all the door glove compartments there is accommodation for a bottle of up to 1.5 liters.
We also find improved seats, both in their design and in the materials used. And in the back row, there’s room for two adults to travel in comfort, with generous head and foot room. The center square, as is usually the case, is somewhat more uncomfortable.
And there are no differences between the Tivoli and the Tivoli Grand, beyond the trunk capacity, since the width is the same and also the wheelbase of 2.60 meters. In any case, there is a small difference in ground clearance: 178 mm for the Tivoli and 176 mm for the Tivoli Grand. Nothing remarkable, but useful in both cases for driving on unpaved tracks or roads.
The range of the new SsangYong Tivoli and SsangYong Tivoli Grand 2024 in Spain is organized into three trim levels: Line, Urban Plus and Limited. The equipment is quite complete, although the higher finishes include elements such as keyless entry and start, camera and parking sensors, seven airbags as standard and a complete package of assistants and driving aids.
Available colors are Grand White, Platinum Gray, Dandy Blue, Space Black and Iron Metal. With the Limited finish we can optionally customize the car with two-tone combinations between body and roof. And SsangYong offers a 5-year or 100,000 km warranty.