Ssayong Tivoli launched

The applause was spontaneous and took time to die out when Modern Auto Services, distributors of SsangYong vehicles, launched the latest from the Korean automaker’s stable—the Tivoli— in Accra.

With the Korean automakers putting their heavy duty 4X4 engineering experience acquired since 1954 to use, the end product is a razor-sharp styling inside and out, classic premium features and sporty feel to car available in the showrooms of Modern Auto Services (MAS).
Engine

The Tivoli’s clout is backed by two engines of choice—a eXGi 160 petrol engine that delivers 128ps/6,000rpm max power with 160Nm/4,600rpm max torque and the-XDi160 diesel engine which  produces 115ps @ 3,400-4,000rpm max power with an impressive max torque of  300Nm @1,500-2,500rpm.

Transmission 

Transmission also comes in AISIN six-speed auto transmission and 6 speed manual transmissions with six forward gears. It stands for a practical cut-price option to the likes of the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur and also  more polished than the cheaper Dacia Duster.

Unique selling points

Speaking at the launch of the vehicle, the General Manager of MAS, Mr Amine Kabbara, “customers in Ghana would now have the opportunity to drive a car that scores so high on so many levels. This is a car that competes strongly on design, safety, reliability, interior space and practicality. And at a price few others can match.”

“It features an all new platform, new body and two new engines, and competes in the global compact SUV market with its European styling, class leading levels of safety, interior space, equipment and options.”

For those who want a compact SUV—to haul the family, shopping and climb up that steep gravel driveway—but don’t want to cough up so much for fuel, the Tivoli is certainly a good task executor to consider.

Inside the Tivoli
The Tivoli has an impressive interior. The new Tivoli shows off an interior that matches the needs of today's demanding market - modern and ergonomic to match the needs of the demanding driver, yet luxurious and well-appointed to give comfort with a dash of style.

The fit and finish have been kept simple but with rather too many buttons to press—a source of easy distraction for drivers.

That notwithstanding, the heart of Tivoli’s infotainment system lies in maximised use of smart devices. The HDMI connection allows passengers to enjoy clear images and sound from smart devices on the seven-inch display screen which is connected to the rear camera. Furthermore, the six-speaker sound system provides excellent audio quality.

The Tivoli also provides the largest cabins and boot volumes in its class, with a generous number of storage spaces—11 in all. The side pockets of all four doors are large enough to hold a 1.5-litre bottle.
On top of this, top-spec ELX adds satnav, keyless go, automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers.

Conventionally, cars the size of the Tivoli are not generous with space for adult passengers at the back. However, in the Tivoli, there is plenty of leg and headroom, and with no central lump in the floor, the traveller in the middle seat won’t feel cheated.

An extra score for the Tivoli dashboard, according to Mr Kabbara, was the “individualisation with the ability to change the background colour of the instrument cluster to any of six colours.”

 There are eight attractive exterior colours which can be teamed with beige or black interior, the choice of cloth, or leather upholstery, and also an exciting red interior colourway available as a special option.
Exterior
Outside, the Tivoli’s front styling projects a strong and purposeful sense. Width is accented by the slim line extending from the grille to the headlamps—reminiscent of a bird’s wing in flight.

 The car’s makers put chrome to use all over—unifying the look from front to rear. The tail-lamp assemblies seamlessly join the side back, while the rear bumper provides a solid base with an expansive tailgate

Safety
Tivoli roll call of safety offerings includes seven airbags – front passenger, side and curtain airbags plus a driver’s knee airbag. There is also multi-function ESP (Electronic Stability Programme), Active Rollover Protection, Brake Assist, Hill Start Assist and ESS (Emergency Stop Signal), a tyre pressure monitoring system and a warning reminder on all five seat belt positions.

There’s also a stability control system which cuts in if the car begins to skid, but other reviewers say  SsangYong doesn’t offer any kind of automated braking system that could help you avoid accidentally running into the car in front.
Warranty
For warranty, MAS offers three years or 100,000km whichever comes first.