It may be one of the lesser-known compact SUVs, but the SsangYong Tivoli has served buyers looking for something well-equipped and utterly dependable since it went on sale in 2015.
Five years on and the Tivoli has received a mid-life makeover – although visually this would be filed in the ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ drawer.
What’s different about the Tivoli’s looks?
If you can immediately spot what’s changed with regards to the small SsangYong’s styling, then it’d be wise for you to apply to be a contestant on Mastermind or join Mensa. Or both.
While there are no significant bodywork changes, the Tivoli’s been titivated with new front and rear bumpers, complemented by spruced-up lights – the LEDs in the tail lamps are certainly eye-catching.
Climb aboard and you’ll find the Tivoli’s cabin looks rather similar to before, too. That means large expanses of plastic, although past experience suggests it will be well-assembled, even if not all of the surfaces feel especially pleasant to touch.
SsangYong’s upgraded the multimedia system, featuring an 8.0-inch touchscreen, as well as all manner of connectivity, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
There’s also a new 10.25-inch digital instrument display, standard on top-spec Ultimate models, but we’ll reserve judgement on that until we’ve seen it – it appears to be turned off on the pictures SsangYong’s supplied.
Revised Tivoli engine range
There’s some bigger news under the Tivoli’s bonnet, thankfully, with a choice of two new turbocharged petrol units, although performance figures have yet to be published.
At the entry-level end of the scale, is the three-cylinder 1.2 GDi-T, producing 128hp and 230Nm of torque, which is fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Offering even greater punch is the four-cylinder 1.5 GDi-T. Here you’ve a choice of an automatic transmission as well as the manual to make the most of its 163hp and 280Nm of accelerative power.
Diesel fans needn’t be dismayed as the existing 1.6-litre motor is carried over, albeit with revisions to enable it to pass the latest round of emissions legislation. Output is rated at 136hp and 324Nm of torque. Both transmissions are available.
At the time of writing, there are no official fuel efficiency or CO2 emissions figures.
No word yet on electrification options, although SsangYong is known to be developing such technology for future models.
Improved Tivoli safety
When it was crash-tested by the experts at Euro NCAP, the Tivoli was given a respectable four-star score. SsangYong hasn’t rested on its laurels, though, as the facelift introduces even more technology across the entire range.
Standard features now include automatic emergency braking (AEB), lane-keeping assist to steer you back within the lines of your lane, driver attention alert and front vehicle start alert, whereby the Tivoli will notify you if you didn’t notice the vehicle in front was beginning to move.
Whether this raft of extra equipment will be enough to warrant a further Euro NCAP test remains to be seen.
How does the 2020 SsangYong Tivoli cost?
Available to order now, the facelifted Tivoli range is available from £13,995 for an EX model. It’s not poorly equipped, but it does miss out on some of the niceties you find further up the pricing ladder.
Only available with the 1.2 GDi-T engine, standard features include electric windows, remote central locking, cruise control, air-con, DAB radio, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, 16-inch steel wheels and the safety kit mentioned above.
More generous is the Ventura, from £16,995 – a not inconsiderable £3,000 from the EX. Still only available with the 1.2-litre petrol engine, extra kit includes black faux leather and fabric seats, multimedia touchscreen with reversing camera display, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, keyless start, automatic lights and wipers, front and rear parking sensors, and 16-inch alloy wheels.
Topping the range is the Ultimate trim level, from £19,995. Both the 1.5-litre petrol and 1.6-litre diesel are available in the flagship Tivoli, where additional equipment includes full leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, the 10.25-inch digital instrument display, electrically folding door mirrors and 18-inch diamond cut alloy wheels.
All of that, plus you also benefit from SsangYong’s impressive seven-year/150,000 warranty for peace of mind.
Parkers will be among the first to drive the refreshed SsangYong Tivoli so keep this page bookmarked for the latest news and views.
Further reading
>> How good is SsangYong’s mid-sized SUV, the Korando? We find out
>> Looking for a seven-seater SUV? These are the best ones around
>> Find out how much your car is worth with a Parkers valuation
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