What's the news?
SsangYong has given us yet more details on its B-segment SUV/crossover, the Tivoli - a Korean car named after the town near Rome in Italy. These are the first genuine pics of its exterior, as in the preceding years (the Tivoli has been a long time coming, let's put it that way) all we've had are concepts, artists' impressions and digital renderings.
Exterior
It looks very similar to the XIV concepts and the renderings we saw back in November. However, this is a good thing as - while it will never win any design awards - it's sharp enough and attractive enough to just about banish the hideous memory of the Rodius. SsangYong says it features a 'dynamic, urban look', with the company's latest design language of 'Nature-born 3 Motion' (we're not making this up) and 'Rhythmical, Dynamic and Dignified' all encapsulated. Hmm, not sure about that but it has good, clean lines and appears to have exterior colour personalisation options for body and roof, as befits any self-respecting B-segment challenger these days. There are two wheel sizes, 16- or 18-inches; not sure why 17-inches are omitted but there we are.
Interior
Upmarket looks inside too, with SsangYong clearly taking a lead from other Korean carmakers (Kia and Hyundai) by improving the aesthetics no end. The heated sports steering wheel is D-shaped and covered in leather and you can pick from six colours for the cluster illumination - red, blue, sky blue, yellow, white and, somehow, black - and three for the upholstery, which are black, beige and red.
There's 423 litres of boot space out back, seven airbags are fitted as standard and smartphone connectivity is also included. Dual-zone climate control and smart key entry are thrown in, while options will include a sunroof, cruise control and auto wipers and lights. Saying all that, Irish specifications have yet to be confirmed in full.
Mechanicals
There will be a choice of 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines, but details on the latter are, sadly, at this stage unavailable. The e-XGi160 petrol engine delivers 126hp at 6,000rpm and 157Nm of torque at 4,600rpm. It features a timing chain to limit noise, vibration and harshness and can be mated to either six-speed manual or automatic transmissions (the auto incurs a 30kg weight penalty). Fuel consumption is quoted as 8.1 litres/100km (34.7mpg) for the manual and 8.3 litres/100km (33.9mpg) for the auto. Suspension is handled by MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the rear, with a 'Smart Steer' system offering Normal, Comfort and Sport modes.
Anything else?
The Tivoli is the first SsangYong launched since the merger of the company with Mahindra & Mahindra. It follows more than three years of development at a cost of 350 billion Korean won (around €27.46m).
The SsangYong Tivoli should go on sale in Ireland before the 152 registration period begins in July this year.