SsangYong Tivoli XLV Review

Published on 8 June, 2016

How this larger Tivoli XLV looks to create own space with families

Overview

Provided by Independent.ie

YOU can never have enough space, they say, and SsangYong must hope that's true.

They have just brought in a longer version of their Tivoli crossover - called the XLV - with a much bigger boot area (720 litres; 1,294 with the back seats folded).

Indeed that extra luggage room is the major difference between it and the more compact model that has been on sale here for some time now.

The key question is will people pay an extra €3,000 or so for the additional room and equipment?

There's a lot of spec - and an appreciable amount of overall space - so maybe they will.

The existing diesel version costs from €21,495. The new one in this larger SUV starts at €24,750 for the ES entry-level with the higher spec EL from €28,995.

The XLV is 60mm higher; there is a tiny bit more space in the rear seats but all the room really goes to the boot which now has a flat-platform floor.

The main-selling XLV version will most likely be the 1.6-litre diesel 115bhp, 6spd manual 2WD (€200 road tax, 4.5l/100km).

There are automatic versions too. And there is an interesting 'intelligent 4WD' which has 1.5-tonne towing capacity too. The electronically controlled on-demand system automatically adjusts power the front and rear depending on conditions.

The 4×4 versions also have multi-link rear suspensions which make for a better drive on-road.

Regardless of how many wheels are driving it, the larger model now gives the South Korean automaker a foot in the larger 'Compact Crossover' segment. That puts them in direct competition with hugely popular names such as the Nissan Qashqai (dimensions largely similar), Peugeot 3008 and the likes of the Mitsubishi ASX.

The XLV looks a good deal different to the smaller edition and I'm not so sure the overall profile is massively improved as a result. I think the first Tivoli takes the plaudits on that front.

They say they will be expanding the range further. And they will have a new Rexton, a face-lifted Rodius and a Korando Sport next year so, after quite a while waiting, the models are about to flow in earnest.

With the XLV, it is obvious that the extra room is designed to attract younger families with their need to accommodate all the bits and pieces that go with ferrying small children around. But just be aware that the standard spare wheel reduces boot space to 574 litres.

However, you can increase that to its 720-litre capacity with a puncture repair kit if you so wish.

A big thing in the XLV's favour is the level of standard equipment: from heated front and rear seats to digital-dual zone automatic air con, three-piece roof rail and LED daytime running lights.

The MP3 infotainment system has been revised - there is a 7ins high-res screen for sat nav and there's Bluetooth, iPod and iPhone connection - rear parking sensors and seven airbags. I asked about the possibility of it being a seven-seater but that isn't going to happen for quite a while if at all.

Irish Independent