SsangYong Tivoli 2019 review (2023)

SsangYong is looking to crash-tackle Australia’s small SUV market segment with its competitively priced, feature-packed Tivoli as part of its brand relaunch here. A seven-year warranty is also set to make the Tivoli even more appealing.

SsangYong Australia is SsangYong’s first fully owned factory subsidiary outside of Korea andthe Tivoli is part of its four-model push to re-establish itself as a brand worth your car-buying bucks.

So can the Tivoli get a foothold in an already-busy small SUV segment, loaded with the likes of Mazda CX-3 and Mitsubishi ASX? Read on.

Ssangyong Tivoli 2019: EX
Safety rating
Engine Type1.6L
Fuel TypeRegular Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency6.6L/100km
Seating5 seats
Price from$13,860

Does it represent good value for the price? What features does it come with? 7/10

There are six variants in the 2019 Tivoli range: base-spec 2WD EX with a 1.6-litre petrol engine (94kW and 160Nm) and six-speed manual gearbox ($23,490); 2WD EX with a 1.6-litre petrol engine and six-speed automatic ($25,490); mid-spec 2WD ELX with a 1.6-litre petrol and six-speed auto ($27,490); 2WD ELX with a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine (85kW and 300Nm) and six-speed auto ($29,990); AWD Ultimate with a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel and six-speed auto ($33,990); and top-spec two-tone paint AWD Ultimate 1.6-litre turbo-diesel and six-speed auto ($34,490).

We drove the two-tone Ultimate at the launch of the new range.

SsangYong Tivoli 2019 review (1) The Ultimate 2-Tone, as indicated, gets the two-tone colour package.

As standard, every Tivoli has a 7.0-inch touchscreen media system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, auto emergency braking (AEB), forward collision warning (FCW), reversing camera, and seven airbags.

The EX gets leather-covered steering wheel, telescopic steering, fabric seats, front/rear park assist, lane-departure warning (LDW), lane keep assist (LKA), high-beam assist (HBA), and 16-inch alloy wheels.

(Video) 2019 Ssangyong Tivoli Review - New Motoring

The ELX also gets the optional 1.6-litre diesel, roof rails, luggage screen, dual-zone air-conditioning, tinted glass, and HID headlamps.

SsangYong Tivoli 2019 review (2) The EX and ELX are fitted with 16-inch alloy wheels, while the Ultimate comes with 18-inch alloys.

The Ultimate gets AWD, leather seats, powered/heated/vented front seats, sun roof, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a full-size spare tyre. The Ultimate 2-Tone, as indicated, gets the two-tone colour package.

Every SsangYong has a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, seven years’ roadside assistance and a seven-year service-price plan.

Note: There were no petrol versions of the Tivoli to drive at the launch. The Tivoli XLV, an extended body version of the Tivoli, was not available for testing at the launch, either. An updated, facelifted Tivoli is due here in Q2 2019.

SsangYong Tivoli 2019 review (3)

Explore the 2019 Ssangyong Tivoli range

  • SsangYong Tivoli EX 2019 review: snapshot
  • SsangYong Tivoli ELX 2019 review: snapshot
  • SsangYong Tivoli Ultimate 2019 review: snapshot
  • SsangYong Tivoli XLV 2019 review: snapshot
  • SsangYong Tivoli 2019 review: ELX diesel

What are the key stats for the engine and transmission? 6/10

SsangYong Tivoli 2019 review (5) The diesel donk and six-speed auto generally work okay together.

The 1.6-litre petrol engine produces 94kW at 6000rpm and 160Nm at 4600rpm.

The 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine punches out 85kW from 3400-4000rpm and 300Nm from 1500-2500rpm.

The diesel donk and six-speed auto generally work okay together, although on a few fast-blast, bendy back roads, the Tivoli was heading up a gear when it should have grabbed a lower one.

(Video) What are Some Issues With the SsangYong Tivoli? Let Us Ask Some Owners!

Is there anything interesting about its design? 7/10

The Tivoli, named after the Italian town near Rome, is a neat-looking little buzzbox, with a touch of the Mini Countryman about it, as well as a healthy dash of chunky retro styling.

SsangYong Tivoli 2019 review (6) The Tivoli sits low and squat and certainly has a nice presence to it.

While it may not be the most exciting thing around to look at, it sits low and squat and certainly has a nice presence to it. Take a look at the accompanying photos and make up your own mind.

Similar Cars

Kia Sportage Ssangyong Korando Subaru Outback

How practical is the space inside? 7/10

For a small SUV, it feels like there’s a fair bit of functional space inside the Tivoli.

Interior width is 1795mm and it feels like designers have pushed that room right out to the fringes – up and out – because there’s plenty of head and shoulder room for driver and passengers, including those in the back seat. The ergonomic D-shaped leather steering wheel, crisp instrument cluster, quilt-stitch trim and semi-bucket-style leather seats also add up to a real premium feel for the cabin, and the multi-media unit is easy enough to use.

The Tivoli’s storage spaces include an iPad-sized spot in the centre console, glove box and inner tray, an open tray, twin cupholders, door bulges for bottles, and a luggage tray.

SsangYong Tivoli 2019 review (10) For a small SUV, it feels like there’s a fair bit of functional space inside the Tivoli.

Rear luggage space in the Ultimate is a claimed 327 cubic litres because of its full-size spare tyre under the floor; it’s 423 litres in lower specs with space-saver spares.

The second-row seats (a 60/40 split) are rather supportive for a back pew.

(Video) سانج يونج تيفولى XLV التقرير الشامل 2019 SsangYong Tivoli XLV Ultimate Review

What's it like to drive? 7/10

The Tivoli isn’t going to set any hearts a-thumping as it feels a bit underpowered and it’s not an electrifying drive, but it’s good enough.

Steering offers three modes - Normal, Comfort and Sport – but none of them are particularly precise and we experienced noticeable under-steering on the twisting routes, bitumen and gravel, that we took.

The suspension set-up – coil springs and MacPherson struts at the front, and a multi-link coil rear – over a 2600mm wheelbase, yields a mostly settled ride, keeping the 1480kg Ultimate steady and composed when not pushed too hard. The 16-inch tyres offer up adequate traction on bitumen and gravel.

SsangYong Tivoli 2019 review (11) Steering offers three modes - Normal, Comfort and Sport.

It is rather quiet inside the Tivoli though, testament to SsangYong’s hard work in keeping NVH levels civilised.

The Tivoli Ultimate is technically an AWD and, yep, it has a centre diff lock but, get this straight, it is not an off-roader. Sure, it can, at a stretch, traverse gravel roads and formed trails with no obstacles (in dry weather only), and it might be able to get through very shallow water crossings without damage or stress, but with its 167mm ground clearance, approach angle of 20.8 degrees, 28.0-degree departure angle, and 18.7-degree ramp angle, I’d be reluctant to test its off-road limits in any way.

SsangYong Tivoli 2019 review (12) It is rather quiet inside the Tivoli, testament to SsangYong’s hard work in keeping NVH levels civilised.

And all of that’s perfectly fine because the Tivoli is not intended as a serious off-roader, no matter what any salesperson might tell you. Be happy driving it in the city and around town – and perhaps on the occasional short stretch along someone’s gravel drive-away – but avoid anything more challenging than that.

The Tivoli AWD’s towing capacity is 500kg (unbraked) and 1500kg (braked). It’s 1000kg (braked) in the 2WD.

How much fuel does it consume? 7/10

With the petrol engine, fuel consumption is claimed as 6.6L/100km (combined) for the manual and 7.2L/100km for the auto.

With the turbo-diesel engine, it’s claimed as 5.5L/100km (in the 2WD auto) and 5.9L/100km in the AWD auto. After a short, fast blast in the top-spec Ultimate, we were seeing 7.6L/100km on the dash.

Warranty & Safety Rating

Basic Warranty

7 years / unlimited km warranty

ANCAP Safety Rating

SsangYong Tivoli 2019 review (13)

(Video) 2019 SsangYong Tivoli 1.6 e-XGi Ultimate Manual: Two And a Half Year/23,000 Mile Ownership Report

What safety equipment is fitted? What safety rating? 6/10

The Tivoli does not have an ANCAP rating because it has not been tested here yet.

Every Tivoli has seven airbags including front, side and curtain airbags plus a driver's knee airbag, reversing camera, rear parking sensors, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), forward collision warning (FCW), lane-departure warning (LDW), lane-keep assist (LKA) and high-beam assist (HBA).

What does it cost to own? What warranty is offered? 8/10

Every model in the SsangYong Australia range comes with a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, seven years’ roadside assistance and a seven-year, service-price plan.

Servicing intervals are 12 months/20,000km, but pricing was not available at time of writing.

SsangYong Tivoli 2019 review (14) Every model in the SsangYong Australia range comes with a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

Verdict

The Tivoli is an all-round, reasonable small SUV – comfortable inside, and okay to look at and drive – but SsangYong is hoping that its drive-away pricing and seven-year warranty is enough to set the Tivoli apart from some of its more modern-looking rivals.

As is, the Ultimate AWD is the pick of the bunch.

The Tivoli is a pretty good value-for-money prospect, but the updated, facelifted Tivoli, due here in Q2 2019, might be an even more appealing proposition.

What do you think of the Tivoli? Tell us what you reckon in the comments section below.

(Video) SsangYong Tivoli XLV 2016 Full Review | Car Review

FAQs

Are SsangYong cars reliable? ›

My experience has generally been that Ssangyong is a brand with decent reliability. Many people think it's a Chinese brand, but it's actually a South Korean company.

Who makes SsangYong Tivoli engines? ›

2015 was an exciting year for SsangYong with the launch of Tivoli, a small crossover vehicle. Engineered in conjunction with Mahindra and powered by an all-new SsangYong 1.6L engine, Tivoli has become SsangYong's best selling model yet!

Is Tivoli a good make? ›

The SsangYong Tivoli is a decent pick if you want comfortable, family-orientated driving on a small budget. It drastically undercuts other compact SUVs like the Vauxhall Mokka X and Ford EcoSport price, although its cheapness is given away with its scratchy interior and bouncy ride quality.

Where is SsangYong Tivoli made? ›

SsangYong Tivoli
Production2015–present
AssemblyPyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea (SsangYong Motor Company) Saveh, Iran (Ramak Khodro) Chakan, Maharashtra, India (Mahindra), (for Sri Lanka) (2015-2020)
Body and chassis
ClassSubcompact crossover SUV (B)
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What are the common faults with SsangYong Tivoli? ›

What are the most common problems with a used Ssangyong Tivoli hatchback? There was a recall for Tivolis produced between 1 July 2015 and 31 January 2016 for a possible fuel leak. A line in the engine bay could discharge fuel, and the driver might notice a lack of power, accompanied by a pungent fuel smell.

How safe is SsangYong Tivoli? ›

Euro NCAP crash-tested the Tivoli back in 2016, awarding it a four-star safety rating. Since then, SsangYong has increased the amount of standard safety equipment on offer, taking autonomous emergency braking off the options list and bolting on the car as standard.

Is SsangYong owned by Mercedes? ›

In 1986 the SsangYong Group acquired the company and subsequently all vehicles were given the SsangYong name. In 1991 SsangYong formed a powerful partnership with Daimler-Benz. This allowed SsangYong to develop products using Mercedes-Benz technology.

Who buys SsangYong? ›

The name SsangYong appeared in 1988, after its acquisition by the chaebol SsangYong Group. SsangYong Motor was then acquired by Daewoo Motors, SAIC Motor, and then Mahindra & Mahindra. In 2022, the company was acquired by the KG Group. The SsangYong name is planned to be dropped by the company in March 2023.

Is SsangYong in trouble? ›

Without funds from Mahindra, SsangYong filed for bankruptcy. South Korean bus and truck maker Edison Motors led a group of investors with a bid of $348 million for the company in late 2021 but couldn't complete the payments. KG Group then stepped up with its bid.

Why is Tivoli famous? ›

The park is best known for its wooden roller coaster, Rutschebanen, or as some people call it, Bjergbanen (The Mountain Coaster), built in 1914. It is one of the world's oldest wooden roller coasters that is still operating today.

What is Tivoli known for? ›

Although Tivoli is mainly known to tourists for its two world-class attractions—Hadrian's Villa and Villa d'Este's gardens—the town itself has other reminders of Tivoli's long history, including ruins of Roman aqueducts, a medieval castle, and several interesting churches.

How long do you spend in Tivoli? ›

How many hours should you spend there and what time of day should you go the park? I would recommend allotting between four and seven hours at the park. Four hours would be sufficient if you plan on eating lunch and dinner elsewhere, or seven hours if you plan on watching a show or having at least one extended meal.

Is SsangYong sold in USA? ›

Even though SsangYong has never sold its wares in the USA, you likely know the name from watching Jeremy Clarkson's Top Gear. The show famously made fun of the Rodius, which might be the ugliest car ever.

Do SsangYong make their own engines? ›

SsangYong Rexton diesel engines

Unlike previous models with engines produced under license from Mercedes, this engine is all SsangYong's own work, and it's impressive.

Is SsangYong Tivoli AWD? ›

The 2020 Ssangyong Tivoli ULTIMATE (AWD) is an all wheel drive four-door wagon that was released to the Australian market on 01/11/2018 classified as a X100 MY19. The Tivoli is regarded as a small SUV built in Korea with prices from a dealer as a used car starting at $26,200.

What car has the most transmission problems? ›

Here are the ten models with the most transmission problems, as detailed by Car Guide.
  • Ford Focus.
  • Kia Forte. ...
  • Nissan Murano. ...
  • Ford Fiesta. ...
  • Infiniti QX60. ...
  • Nissan Rogue. ...
  • Nissan Altima. ...
  • Chevrolet Traverse. The 2013 Chevrolet Traverse included a transmission that has not held up well over time. ...
Jul 14, 2021

What motor does SsangYong use? ›

Musso Pick-up (Q200; 2018–present)
SsangYong Musso (pick-up)
RelatedSsangYong Rexton
Powertrain
Engine2.0 L e-XGDI 200T turbo GDI I4 (petrol) 2.2 L e-XDI 220 I4-T (diesel)
Transmission6-speed manual 6-speed Aisin automatic
16 more rows

When did SsangYong 7 year warranty? ›

Kia introduced their seven-year warranty in 2006, so any used model under seven years old will have some warranty remaining. MG started offering a seven-year warranty on its ZS models in 2017 and extended it to its entire range in September 2019. Ssangyong introduced their seven-year deal in the summer of 2018.

Who owns SsangYong? ›

SsangYong Motor

Will SsangYong go bust? ›

SSANGYONG MOTOR HAS AVOIDED LIQUIDATION AND NOW HAS TO CHANGE ITS NAME. The automaker from South Korea managed to find an investor to avoid liquidation. The deal on the transfer of the enterprise under the control of the chemical concern KG Group was approved in the Seoul court.

Where are SsangYong cars built? ›

Reasons behind Edison Motors' interest in the SUV and ute manufacturer include an intention to enter the passenger car market, while also being able to mass-produce electric cars at SsangYong's factory in Pyeongtaek, South Korea.

Has SsangYong been saved? ›

SsangYong is officially saved from bankruptcy and has loosely outlined its plans for “fresh start” after a turbulent two years in which it was dumped by Mahindra and then fell through the cracks of a failed acquisition by Eddison Motors.

What is the future of SsangYong? ›

SsangYong also plans to launch the new Torres, which will sit above the Korando but below the Rexton in its line-up sometime in 2023. SsangYong was previously owned by Daewoo (before it became General Motors Korea), China's SAIC Motor (now of MG and LDV fame), and most recently Mahindra.

Is SsangYong Tivoli a SUV? ›

Ssangyong Tivoli 2022 is a 5 Seater SUV available between a price range of $141,888 - 161,888 in the Singapore. It is available in 7 colors, 2 variants, 2 engine, and 1 transmissions option: Automatic in the Singapore. It has a ground clearance of 178 mm and dimensions is 4225 mm L x 1810 mm W x 1621 mm H.

What is happening with SsangYong? ›

SsangYong currently operates a full factory subsidiary operation in Australia, and sells the Musso ute, and the Rexton and Korando SUVs. It's also working on launching the edgy Torres SUV in 2023.

Why did Mahindra sell SsangYong? ›

“M&M was also losing SUV segment market share to Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai Motor in Indian market. The liability was increasing for M&M and it decided not to further invest in loss-making Ssangyong Motor,” Mandal added. In India, Mahindra retailed Ssangyong Rexton but it wasn't a sales success.

Are SsangYong still making cars? ›

Ssangyong Rexton

Edison currently produces only commercial EVs but was vocal about its plans to target Tesla in the passenger EV market with a radically designed and high-powered electric saloon known as the Smart S and a similarly conceived SUV called the Smart X.

Is SsangYong still in business? ›

SsangYong currently operates a full factory subsidiary operation in Australia, and sells the Musso ute, and the Rexton and Korando SUVs. It's also working on launching the edgy Torres SUV and an electric version of the smaller Korando in 2023.

Who owns SsangYong 2022? ›

The South Korean car manufacturer was purchased by KG for 950 billion won (AUD$1.09 billion) in August 2022, ending nearly two years of uncertainty for Ssangyong.

What does Tivoli mean in Italian? ›

(ˈtɪvəlɪ , Italian ˈtiːvoli ) noun. a town in central Italy, east of Rome: a summer resort in Roman times; contains the Renaissance Villa d'Este and the remains of Hadrian's Villa. Pop: 49 342 (2001) Ancient name: Tibur.

What does Tivoli stand for? ›

Definitions of Tivoli. a town twenty miles to the east of Rome (Tibur is the ancient name); a summer resort during the Roman empire; noted for its waterfalls. synonyms: Tibur. example of: town. an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city.

Who owns Tivoli? ›

IBM bought the company and ran the operation as its Tivoli Software division. Additional products were acquired and run under the Tivoli portfolio brand.
...
Tivoli Software.
Formation1989
Websitehttp://www.ibm.com
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What age is Tivoli for? ›

You can bring along up to two children age 3-7 with your Tivoli Pass, while all children under the age of 3 enjoys free entrance to the Gardens. The physical pass will be sent via PostNord. Delivery is expected to take 7–10 weekdays. Until the physical pass arrives in the post, the digital version can always be used.

What was Tivoli old name? ›

The name of the city came to be used in diminutive form as Tiburi instead of Tibur and so transformed through Tibori to Tiboli and finally to Tivoli.

Is Tivoli good for adults? ›

Visiting Tivoli Gardens

For adults, it is much more than a theme park and there is plenty to enjoy if you're not a thrill-seeker.

Is Tivoli better at night or day? ›

Tivoli is open all day long, but I would recommend that you experience it both in daytime and evening time. Maybe you could go there around 9 pm after dinner (or eat there Ang take a walk afterwards). Tivoli is fairytale-like when the lights are lit.

Can you walk through Tivoli? ›

Whether you're visiting Copenhagen on your own or with your family, Tivoli Gardens has so much to offer. You could easily spend the entire day simply walking around, taking in the sights. Please note that this ticket does not include the entrance fee, which has to be purchased separately.

Can you walk around Tivoli? ›

Hiking around Tivoli is one of the best ways to experience more of the landscape, although finding the right route is not always easy. To help, here are the top 8 hikes and walks around Tivoli — so you can just get out and go.

Does SsangYong do a 7 seater? ›

SsangYong Rexton SUV (2020 - ) review

The Ssangyong Rexton is a huge SUV that's offered with seven seats, and in that regard, it's a rival for cars like the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe. But in reality, while those cars are mainstream family SUVs, the Rexton plies its trade as a specialist towing vehicle.

What is the meaning of SsangYong? ›

SsangYong, literally translated, means "Double Dragon". It was largely broken up by the Asian financial crisis in 1997. SsangYong Group. Headquarters. Seoul.

Does Ssangyong Tivoli have heated seats? ›

The Ventura models offers TPU leather heated seats whilst Ultimate models have luxurious leather heated seats, available in grey or black.

How much horsepower does a Tivoli have? ›

SsangYong Tivoli Specifications
Body TypeCrossover
TransmissionAutomatic
Max Output (HP)126 HP @ 6,000 rpm - 136 HP @ 6,000 rpm
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Wheel Size18 in
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How much HP does a Ssangyong Tivoli have? ›

Technical Specifications of Ssangyong Tivoli

The G 1.5T AT DLX a 1497 cc, 4 cylinder Petrol engine powers the Tivoli G 1.5T AT DLX and produces 161 hp of power and 260 Nm torque.

Is it hard to get SsangYong parts? ›

SsangYong accessories and spare parts are often not easy to get in this country. However, our online shop ensures the supply of SsangYong parts for your car.

What is SsangYong known for? ›

As a premier manufacturer in Korea's automotive industry, SsangYong is respected for its advanced styling and outstanding performance since its foundation in 1954, made possible by the company's quality engineering.

Is a Ssangyong Tivoli 4 wheel drive? ›

Some, such as the T-Roc, offer four-wheel drive, but most, including the Tivoli, are two-wheel-drive only. If you're interested in the larger Ssangyong family SUV that offers more boot space, we have a full separate Tivoli XLV review.

Is Ssangyong Tivoli a 7 seater? ›

Ssangyong Tivoli 2022 is a 5 Seater SUV available between a price range of $141,888 - 161,888 in the Singapore. It is available in 7 colors, 2 variants, 2 engine, and 1 transmissions option: Automatic in the Singapore. It has a ground clearance of 178 mm and dimensions is 4225 mm L x 1810 mm W x 1621 mm H.

Videos

1. SsangYong Tivoli Review: 10 things you need to know
(HonestJohn.co.uk)
2. SsangYong Tivoli XLV 2019 Car Review
(New Car Reviews)
3. Tweed Jacket Reviews 1,500 Subscriber Special: 2019 Ssangyong Tivoli 1.6 e-XGi Ultimate Manual
(Lloyd Vehicle Consulting)
4. SsangYong Tivoli SUV in-depth review - Carbuyer
(Carbuyer)
5. 2019 SsangYong Tivoli 1.6 e-XGi Ultimate Manual: Two Year/19,000 Mile Ownership Report
(Lloyd Vehicle Consulting)
6. SsangYong Tivoli 2019 SUV India FULL Detailed Review - Latest Features, New Interiors | XUV300
(Power Racer)

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