First Driving Impressions - UK Press Launch, Aylesbury
This is going to be a bit difficult to explain as the Tivoli XLV is an extended version of the Tivoli, but as most people will never have heard of the Tivoli and never seeing one, explaining the differences could take some doing. It is like describing a traditional pint of beer to lager to a Tee-totaler or beef to pork to a vegetarian...but here goes.
In the Tivoli's short life it has now sold over 100,000 globally so it is proving fairly popular. The Tivoli measures 4195 MM compared to the extended version XLV being 4440mm The XLV has an additional rear window where the standard car doesn't.
The model lineup of the XLV is really simple: just one engine - a 1.6-litre diesel that produces 115PS and goes from 0-62mph in a leisurely 12 seconds, just one model ELX which has a top spec and the choice of a six speed manual or six speed automatic and a choice of two wheel drive and four wheel drive. We found they drove pretty much the same although they did feel a bit choppy at low speed and you could feel every lump and bump in the road, the two wheel drive did have a slightly better feel to it but at higher speeds there was hardly any choppiness and felt much better and more comfortable. We did drive the four wheel drive on the standard Tivoli on and off road course and we were all really surprised just how well it performs and at a cost of only £1,250 over the two wheel drive it does make sense to go for the off-roader.
The list of standard specification is really impressive with a digital-dual zone automatic air-conditioning system, infotainment with RDS radio, 7-inch high resolution touch screen, USB/AUX port, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, TomTom Navigation and rear view camera, cruise control, parking sensors front and rear, rain sensors auto headlights and roof rails, oh if that isn't enough, you also get leather upholstery and front seat heaters,18-inch alloy wheels, front and rear LED daytime running lights, headlight levelling system and lots more too.
Out on the road, apart from the choppiness, which could be put down to the 18'' wheels the car drove really well. The 1.6-litre engine is not the quickest thing, but is quiet and refined. There was hardly any cabin noise, and it just felt a nice comfortable place to sit. The leather upholstery is up to a high standard, but some of the plastics were a bit hard, but this is a budget car, and not an expensive premium car, so what do you expect?
Ssangyong says it has created a new class of car - The SUV-ESTATE, as it does have the carrying capacity and practicality of a SUV, the looks of an estate, so they may be right, but it can be summed up as a good, useable car. There is plenty of rear leg room, and a great sized boot that has the advantage of a moveable false floor, that can be moved down for more space, or moved up so it is almost level with the boot lip for easier loading and unloading.
As with all models in the ssangyong range, the TIvoli is covered by a 5-year limitless mileage warranty. Prices for the TIvoli XLV are: 2WD manual £18,250, 2WD Auto £19,250, 4x4 Manual £19,500 and 4x4 auto £20,500
The TIvoli XLV certainly ticks a lot of boxes, is well priced, drives well, has loads of standard equipment and looks ok, but getting the message over and convince non-believers may take some doing, but with limited amounts to sell, SsangYong should achieve their sales targets.
Summary stats:
- On the road price £18,250.00 to £20,500.00
- Diesel: 1.6 D 115 PS
- CO2 117 to 164 g/km
- Combined MPG 44.8 to 60.1 MPG
- Gearboxes 6 Speed Manual & 6 Speed Automatic
New options and features:
- 18” Diamond cut alloy wheels – Standard on all
- Privacy glass – Standard on all
- Reversing camera – Standard on all
- Full leather seats – Standard on all
- 7” touchscreen RDS radio with iPod & Bluetooth connectivity, TomTom navigation – Standard on all
