Cast aside any preconceptions you may have about SsangYong, as the larger Tivoli XLV crossover offers masses of boot space, a decent interior and a drive that matches many of its better known rivals.
In the metal
The SsangYong Tivoli XLV has a look unlike most other cars in the crossover segment. It stops short of being a larger SUV and is a crossover estate of sorts. What differentiates this from the regular Tivoli is the larger boot capacity that extends rearwards from the C-pillar. It can look ungainly when viewed from the rear quarter in comparison to the standard Tivoli, but given just how much more boot space it delivers few buyers will take issue. In terms of numbers, the Tivoli XLV is 245mm longer than its sibling and weighs 50kg more, but boot space grows from 434 litres to a massive 720 litres. That eclipses the likes of the 513 litres found in the Hyundai Tucson and 472 litres in the Renault Kadjar. Fold down the 60:40 split rear seat backs in the Tivoli XLV and you'll end up with 1,440 litres of space.
The somewhat boxy nature of the XLV's design results in a spacious interior that isn't lacking in headroom or legroom for the rear passengers, but despite its extended rear the XLV retains a five-seat layout. From the driver's seat the SsangYong gives a pretty unobstructed view of the road ahead even though it isn't the tallest vehicle on the road. Rearward visibility gives no cause for complaint either.
There are three different upholstery levels and whilst the switchgear does look and feel clunky in places none of it feels flimsy. Optional features like the seven-inch colour touchscreen helps to lift the look of the interior, as do the clear instrument dials.
Driving it
You can get the SsangYong Tivoli XLV with an automatic and all-wheel drive transmission setup, but this six-speed manual with front-wheel drive is what is expected to appeal to Irish buyers. The 1.6-litre turbocharged diesel engine produces 115hp and a useful 300Nm of torque, which sees it keeping up with the majority of competitors in the segment. It isn't as refined as some of the others in terms of noise levels, but the engine produces enough power to get up to speed quickly where it soon settles down. Once cruising in fifth or sixth gear the engine noise fades away and other than some wind roar at motorway speeds the Tivoli XLV performs well.
Even though it is only the all-wheel drive models that benefit from a more sophisticated multilink rear suspension design, the torsion beam setup and MacPherson strut in the front-wheel drive models make for a decent ride. Despite the increase in size the Tivoli XLV remains surefooted and composed through corners and exhibits little in the way of body roll even at higher speeds.
The electrically assisted power steering can be set to one of three different modes. SsangYong isn't the only company to offer such a system in a crossover, and we reckon most owners tend to just leave it in one setting. Regardless, the steering does give enough feedback to let you tackle winding roads with confidence backed up by a good level of body control. Threading the Tivoli XLV through traffic is helped by the relatively compact dimensions. Even though the car has grown to accommodate that larger boot space it does still easily fit into regular car spaces.
What you get for your money
Pricing for the Tivoli XLV starts at €24,750 for the ES specification grade. This sees the standard XLV get 16-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass and electrically adjustable mirrors. Inside, there are heated front seats, manual air conditioning and a multifunction steering wheel that includes switches for the cruise control. The two-tone paintwork, which does improve the look of the car, is an optional extra on either specification grades.
The higher EL specification tested here carries a hefty €4,245 price premium. That said it does add quite a lot more equipment to the car, which could be enough to lure buyers towards the higher trim level. Outside, there are 18-inch diamond cut wheels that not only look a lot better than the standard fare, but also have no impact on the emissions rating, meaning you won't face a motor tax penalty. Climbing inside you'll notice the steel kick plates on the sills and the large sunroof. At dusk you'll also spot the ambient lighting on the door panels and centre facia.
Tech-wise the EL spec also benefits from a seven-inch colour touchscreen, which, in addition to offering smartphone connectivity, displays the reversing camera view. Electric windows all-round along with keyless entry add to the more luxurious feeling, but at a fiver under 29 grand it faces a lot of competition from established rivals with interiors that feel that bit better put together.
Summary
With its huge cargo capacity and spacious cabin, not to mention the reasonably good looks (from certain angles), the SsangYong Tivoli XLV proves to be a worthy competitor in the crossover segment. It might not have the badge cachet of others, but if practicality is more of a priority rather than what the neighbours think then the Tivoli XLV scores highly.
