SsangYong Tivoli XLV 1.6D ELX

What is it?

SsangYong claim this the SsangYong Tivoli XLV is a new class of car – the SUV-Estate; but in reality it’s essentially a Tivoli with additional luggage space.

The Korean company claims that the extra space and practicality now makes the SsangYong Tivoli XLV a contender against bigger crossovers, such as the Nissan Qashqai and larger estates including the MINI Clubman.

Has it got what it takes? We hit the road in what’s expected to be the most business-friendly XLV of the lot, the two-wheel drive 1.6-litre diesel, to find out.

What’s hot

•  Still not pretty, but the extra 24mm of length is well integrated into the Tivoli’s neat design. We still like the curves around the front and rear arches, although now only the front lights follow those curves. Then there’s the large cut-out at the bottom of the doors to make the side of the Tivoli seem more dynamic. Like before, there’s even the chance to personalise your Tivoli with different alloys and contrasting roof colours.

• Even a year on since launch, the interior still feels stylish, spacious and conventional. The XLV is only available in range-topping ELX trim, with plenty of standard kit including climate control, touchscreen sat-nav, keyless go, stop/start, parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, and a rear-view camera – all for just £18,250. Automatic and four-wheel drive versions cost more, but there’s still the same five-year warranty.
•  Despite the extra length, there’s no more interior space in the XLV than the standard Tivoli, then again it was spacious in the first place with plenty of room for five-passengers. That extra 24mm of space means a more spacious 720-litre boot.
•  Thankfully, despite grafting on an extra 24mm to the back of the standard Tivoli, you’ll be pleased to know that when driving, we couldn’t feel any noticeable differences over the standard car. Competent rather than exciting best sums up this Ssangyong to drive. Body control impresses, with negligible body roll. The steering is also surprisingly precise and the gearchange sharp, although it still doesn’t like to be rushed!
•  The 1.6-litre XDi diesel is smooth enough, although it gets noisy when worked. The 123g/km CO2 figure and 62.8mpg fuel figure mean a competitive 23% charge.

What’s not 

• The 1.6-litre Xdi diesel might be frugal, but we think it’s a bit noisy.
• The Tivoli feels solidly built, but many of the plastics are hard and scratchy, there’s too much shiny piano black trim that we reckon won’t look quite so sharp after a while, the switchgear sometimes feels brittle and the red leather interior of our test car will only appeal to the few.
• The XLV’s boot might be bigger, but the high loading lip compromises its usability.
• The ride seems even more unsettled than the four-wheel drive version we also drove. The Tivoli XLV rides unmade surfaces and pot holes competently, but always feels unsettled on the road, we think the standard- fit 18-inch wheels don’t help here

Verdict on Ssangyong Tivoli XLV 1.6D ELX

Even in extended XLV form, the SsangYong Tivoli remains a likeable, spacious, high-value and well-equipped alternative to the crossover mainstream.

There’s no doubt that the 1.6 XDi diesel is frugal, but questionmarks remain over the refinement and 23% tax band.

The lowdown on: SsangYong Tivoli XLV 1.6D ELX

…..and what it costs