November 28, 2024

• 

[THE INVESTOR] To test the enduring appeal of SsangYong Motor’s Tivoli compact SUV, The Investor took its revamped model Tivoli Armour for a spin last weekend. 

As the name suggests, the latest Tivoli Armour is stronger and more masculine than its predecessor that was launched in 2015. The carmaker also added a new customization option called Tivoli Armour Gear Edition, which allows customers to choose from a myriad of options, from exterior and interior design, down to the decal on the hood and roof. Wheel types and emblems can also be customized for a personal touch. 

The car, which runs on SsangYong’s 1.6-liter standard diesel engine, delivers stable steering and powerful performance for an agile drive. It outputs a solid 115 horsepower with a 30.6 kilogram-force meter torque, strong enough for a compact car that is suitable for both congested city roads and highways. 

A gasoline option is also available, and drivers have a choice between two or four-wheel drives, and also between a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox. 

Tivoli Armour, despite its nimble size, handled high speeds with a certain durability, zipping through corners with ease. But accelerating to 100 kilometers did feel a bit sluggish. Noise from the diesel engine was still quite harsh, and there was noticeable road noise but it’s still a major improvement from the previous model. 

Design-wise, SsangYong really rose to the occasion on the Tivoli Armour. It exudes a smooth, masculine vibe -- the result of a design change highlighted by a more aggressive front bumper, chrome molding and an LED fog lamp. 

The carmaker kept the interior simple, while adding quilted leather seats for that luxurious feel. The high driving position, in comparison to other compact SUVs, makes for a wide driving view. The back seats are spacious, with plenty of legroom, as well as the large trunk that fits three golf bags when the rear seats are folded. 

The new Tivoli is also loaded with high-tech features, a move on SsangYong’s part to solidify its market position against Hyundai’s popular Kona and Kia’s Stonic that are equipped with a host of advanced driver assistance and safety technology. 

Depending on the configuration, the Tivoli Armor comes with a lane assist system, autonomous emergency braking, traffic sign recognition and high beam assist.

The drive was a testimony to why Tivoli -- “i lov it” spelled backwards -- is so popular here. It is a small but capable crossover that offers bang for the buck. In September, SsangYong became the third largest seller among domestic brands after Hyundai and Kia for the first time since its establishment, thanks to the popularity of Tivoli. It sold 5,097 units of Tivoli, up 25.7 percent on-year, that month. 

Prices range from 16.51 million won (US$14,640) to 22.42 million won for the gasoline option, while diesel powertrain ranges from 20.60 million won to 24.20 million won. The special Gear Edition is priced at 21.95 million won and 24 million won for the gasoline and diesel models, respectively.