The Korean manufacturer Ssangyong has given his mini-SUV available from 15.490 Euro the name Tivoli, after the already known in ancient times spa town just outside Rome. For grace and performance, the vehicles of the off-road vehicle specialist were previously less known. Rather for good value for money.
The Koreans have therefore put in a lot of effort - and put a well-proportioned SUV on the wheels, which can certainly keep up with Opel Mokka or Nissan Juke. In the Ssangyong, which will be available from the end of June, the "Crystal" basic version is a newly developed 1,6-liter petrol engine with 94 kW / 128 hp. In Germany in particular, the diesel that will be available from August is likely to be shortlisted, which will be slightly more than 2.000 euros more expensive. Its 300 Newton meters of torque certainly give the Tivoli a livelier swing - and the Koreans also promise the level of the best in class when it comes to smoothness and dynamism, which the petrol engine presented does not achieve. Incidentally, the all-wheel drive for both engines comes in August, for which 2.000 euros will be charged extra. The combination of all-wheel drive, automatic and diesel offers only a few competitors in this class.
For almost four years, the Korean-Indian company has been working on the development of Tivoli, investing over 280 million euros. In addition to space and variability was mainly a chic atmosphere than in previous Ssangyong models in the center.
With smartphone connections, Bluetooth hands-free speakers or Tomtom navigation (600 euros) with a seven-inch touchscreen, the Tivoli is no compromise in comparison to the competition, at least for the higher versions Quartz (17.990 euros) and Sapphire (22.490 euros). Only the touch screen is sometimes a little hesitant. All around parking beeper and reversing camera as well as two-zone full air conditioning are on board the top version Sapphire. Keyless opening and closing is optionally available like a heated steering wheel - as well as a chic red on leather seats, dashboard and door panels.
On the other hand, what the Tivoli lacks are electronic safety aids such as emergency brake assist, distance warning, lane departure warning - or even an automatic cruise control, such as that already offered by rival Suzuki Vitara. The Koreans can add more here. Presenting, at least to the European competition, Ssangyong manages with the guarantee: Five years or 100.000 kilometers are a word that makes it easier to overlook some of the Korean's small weaknesses.
Author: Peter Weissenberg / SP-X
