SsangYong Tivoli review

Interior

Dashboard & tech

Step inside the Tivoli and you’ll find a cabin that’s modern and, on the whole, pretty well laid out. If you go for one of the top-spec Ultimate models, you’re in for a treat. These get a fantastic 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a large 9-inch central touchscreen, which gives the cabin a really high-tech and premium feel.

On the less expensive models, the interior is a bit more straightforward. The screens are smaller and the climate controls look a little dated, but everything is easy enough to use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included on most models apart from the entry-level one, which is great for staying connected. Yes, there are a few cheap-feeling plastics dotted around, but that’s a fair trade-off for the car’s low price.

Comfort

The Tivoli is a perfectly comfortable place to spend time. The seats are supportive enough for daily driving, and the high driving position gives you a great view of the road ahead, which is something many crossover buyers love. Visibility is generally good, which makes the car easy to manoeuvre around town and in tight car parks.

The ride comfort is a bit of a mixed bag. The suspension is quite soft, which you’d think would make it great over bumps, but it can sometimes feel a little jiggly and unsettled on less-than-perfect roads. It’s by no means uncomfortable, but it’s not as smooth as a Renault Captur or Peugeot 2008.

Quality

The interior feels built to a price, which is to be expected. While the top-spec models with their big screens and leather seats do a good job of feeling quite upmarket, the lower-end versions feel more functional. The plastics are generally hard and durable rather than soft and plush, but everything feels solidly screwed together. It feels like a cabin that’s ready to stand up to the rigours of daily life.

Practicality & boot space

Interior space

For a small crossover, the Tivoli offers a decent amount of space for passengers. There’s enough headroom and legroom in the back for adults to get comfortable on shorter journeys, although it’s not as spacious as some rivals. It’s certainly roomier than a standard supermini like a Ford Fiesta, making it a viable option for small families.

Boot space

The boot is one of the Tivoli’s weaker points. On paper, SsangYong claims 393 litres of space, but in reality, it feels smaller. The boot floor is quite high and the opening is a bit shallow, which can make loading bulky items like a pushchair a bit of a squeeze. It’s perfectly fine for the weekly shop, but if boot space is a top priority, you might find rivals like the Ford Puma or Renault Captur more accommodating.

Versatility

The Tivoli is a straightforward and honest small family car. It has five doors, five seats, and enough space for the daily grind. While it lacks the clever sliding rear seats or false boot floors of some competitors, it does the basics well. Some older models were available with a four-wheel-drive system, which is a rare and useful feature in this class if you need extra grip for bad weather.

Driving

Driving experience

Let’s be clear, the Tivoli is not a car you’ll buy for a thrilling driving experience. The steering feels light but a little vague, and the soft suspension means there’s a fair amount of body roll in corners. It’s a car that prefers a relaxed pace.

Around town, it’s perfectly fine. The good visibility and tight turning circle make it easy to nip through traffic and into parking spaces. On the motorway, it’s reasonably quiet and stable. It gets the job done without any fuss, but it won’t put a huge smile on your face like a Ford Puma might.

Performance

SsangYong offers a choice of two petrol engines and one diesel. The entry-level engine is a 1.2-litre petrol with 126bhp. If you want a bit more oomph, there’s a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol with a healthier 161bhp.

For high-mileage drivers, the 1.6-litre diesel with 134bhp is the one to go for. It offers the best fuel economy and decent pulling power. You can choose between a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic gearbox on most engine options.

Running costs

Fuel economy & CO2 emissions

If you want to keep running costs down, the diesel engine is the undisputed champion of the Tivoli range. It’s capable of returning around 50mpg, which is pretty good for a car of this type. The petrol engines, on the other hand, are quite thirsty. You’ll be lucky to get 40mpg out of either of them, which means more frequent trips to the fuel station. High CO2 emissions on the petrol models also mean tax bills can be a bit higher than you might expect.

Value for money

This is the Tivoli’s ace card. It’s one of the most affordable crossovers on the market, both new and used. You get a huge amount of standard equipment for your money, making it feel like a real bargain. Because it depreciates quite heavily, used examples are incredibly cheap, allowing you to pick up a stylish, well-equipped, and relatively new car for a very attractive price.

Reliability & Warranty

One of the biggest reasons to consider a Tivoli is the incredible warranty SsangYong offers. From new, these cars came with a seven-year, 150,000-mile warranty. This is one of the best in the business and is fully transferable between owners. This means you could buy a three- or four-year-old Tivoli and still have several years of manufacturer warranty left, which is fantastic for peace of mind.

Safety

Safety features

The Tivoli was awarded a four-star safety rating by the experts at Euro NCAP, which is respectable. What’s really impressive is the amount of standard safety equipment you get. Even the entry-level model comes with autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition—features that are often optional extras on more expensive rivals. It’s a reassuringly safe choice for a budget-friendly family car.

Trims & Engines

Trim levels

The Tivoli is available in a few different trim levels, all offering great value.

• EX: The entry-level model. It’s quite basic, with steel wheels, but still comes with keyless entry, cruise control, air conditioning, and that all-important safety kit.
• Ventura: This is the sweet spot. It adds alloy wheels, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a reversing camera.
• Ultimate: The top-spec version, which gets 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, and the brilliant 10.25-inch digital driver's display.
• Ultimate Nav: As the name suggests, this adds built-in TomTom satellite navigation to the larger 9-inch touchscreen.

Engines

• 1.2-litre petrol: A turbocharged engine with 126bhp, available with a manual gearbox only.
• 1.5-litre petrol: A more powerful turbocharged engine with 161bhp, available with a manual or automatic gearbox.
• 1.6-litre diesel: The efficiency choice. It produces 134bhp and is available with a manual or automatic gearbox.

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