Ssangyong have announced plans to kickstart their fortunes in the UK market with the reveal of the all-new five-seater Tivoli.
The vehicle is set to rival market leaders such as the Nissan Juke and Mazda CX-3 both in terms of specs and pricing.
The Tivoli, much like the revolutionary Juke, will offer sharp and bold exterior styling that is very much unlike anything we’ve seen from the Korean-brand to date. The vehicle is widely-tipped to make many UK motorists re-consider Ssangyong and could well make a significant impact on the brand’s image and sales on these shores.
In terms of engines, we know the Tivoli will offer atleast two engines. A petrol 1.6-litre serving up 126bhp and a diesel with 113bhp, with both providing a six-speed manual and the option of a six-speed auto for a separate fee. There are two premium trim levels on offer including EX and ELX with both resulting in the addition of four-wheel drive, though you’ll be able to choose between 16-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels regardless of whether you decide to plump for the enhanced trim.
The entry-level models are still pretty hot on standard equipment with cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, air-con and 16-inch alloy wheels. Moving up through the trims, EX will provide you with 18-inch alloys, dual-zone climate control and a 7-inch touchscreen. Leather seats and heated front seats will also join this raft of features. The ELX trim offers everything you’d expect from a top-spec model including; diamond-cut alloys, sat-nav, rear parking sensors and privacy glass. HDMi and USB sockets mean you can screen all of your own stuff on the screen, which could appeal to those looking for a completely immersive technology experience, of course all of this results in a hike in price.
The Tivoli’s boot-capacity of 423-litres is by no means a market leader, but it is a key selling-point for the manufacturer whose previous models have been criticized for their boxy nature. There will be six standard colours and a wealth of personalisation options for those looking to really spec-out their Tivoli.
Ssangyong Motor UK CEO Paul Williams has every confidence the vehicle will reverse the fortunes of the relatively unknown manufacturer stating that the Tivoli “will really put Ssangyong on the map and change brand perceptions” adding “By any criteria but especially style, interior finish and value for money, Tivoli stands close scrutiny.
“This is a modern, safe, well-built and comprehensively equipped car, and with a price and warranty no one else can match. Anyone considering a small SUV will have to put it on their list.”
Whether the vehicle can truly rival those who’ve built a firm reputation in the industry remains to be seen but this is certainly the most enthused much of the motoring press has ever been of any Sssangyong vehicle to date and that's a great indication that this could be the time they hit the jackpot. We hope for Ssangyong’s sake and the general competition in the industry, that this is the case and their latest bold move finally pays off.
