Used Ssangyong Tivoli 2015-present review
As alternatives go, the Ssangyong Tivoli does offer you a longer warranty than most rivals and lots of equipment; it’s just a shame it’s not nicer to drive or cheaper to run
- Used Ssangyong Tivoli 2015-present
- Used Ssangyong Tivoli 2015-present
- Used Ssangyong Tivoli 2015-present
- Used Ssangyong Tivoli 2015-present
- Used Ssangyong Tivoli 2015-present
What's the used SsangYong Tivoli like?
A number of car brands are only just getting into the SUV market, but Ssangyong has been producing hardcore off-roaders for many years. This additional experience ought to give the Tivoli an advantage over small SUV rivals such as the Kia Soul, Suzuki Vitara and Renault Captur.
The engine range consists of either a 126bhp 1.6-litre petrol or a 113bhp 1.6-litre diesel. Both engines can be found with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic, but only the automatic comes with three driving modes: Eco, Power and Winter. You can also have your Tivoli with front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive if you go for a diesel model. Most small SUVs are front-wheel drive only, so this counts in the Ssangyong’s favour if you need the extra traction.
Pros
- Rear legroom
- Lots of equipment
- Longer warranty than most
Cons
- Gruff petrol engine
- Dithering automatic
- Average handling
Used cars available now
Trim-wise, all models get air conditioning, cruise control, 16in alloy wheels and Bluetooth connectivity. Mid-range EX versions have leather seats, dual-zone climate control, a 7.0in touchscreen infotainment system, a reversing camera and forward collision alert. Step up to ELX for sat-nav, automatic lights and wipers, front and rear parking sensors, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assistance and traffic sign recognition. Ultimate models have diamond-cut alloy wheels and heated and cooled front seats.
To drive, the Tivoli is one for those with a relaxed driving style, because sporty handling is not on the cards, even with selectable modes for the steering. The helm doesn’t give you much feedback, but it feels most natural in its Comfort mode, which is light for parking and slightly heavier at speed, rather than in Sport, which feels artificially weighted. The front of the car can push wide fairly quickly if you try to drive with enthusiasm. though. Meanwhile, the ride is comfortable at higher speeds but can be caught out by large bumps and potholes, which tend to send a jarring thud through to the interior.
Space is on the Tivoli’s side, too, because there’s plenty of rear seat room – good news for those who need to transport taller children or adults on a regular basis. You can also get a pushchair in the boot should you need to, although the loading height of the luggage area could be quite an obstacle for some. Front seat occupants sit up nice and high with a good view ahead, but the rear pillars are quite thick and can block your view. If you get a mid-range EX car, you do get a reversing camera to help you out. Top-spec ELX and Ultimate cars add front and rear parking sensors.
Page 1 of 5
Tips & Advice
Ownership cost
What used SsangYong Tivoli will I get for my budget?
The cheapest Tivoli starts at around £6000 for a 2015 1.6-litre petrol with an average to high mileage. Increase your budget to between £8000 and £10,000 and you’ll have your pick of 2017 1.6-litre diesel examples in mid-range EX specification that have covered an average mileage for the year. If you fancy something from 2018 and with the balance of its manufacturer’s warranty, a Tivoli with 10,000 miles or less on it can be found for between £11,000 and £13,000.
Tips & Advice
Our recommendations
Which used SsangYong Tivoli should I buy?
If you mostly drive in the city, you ought to consider the 1.6-litre petrol to avoid DPF issues. We would recommend the diesel, however, because it’s nicer to use than the petrol alternative. The petrol tends to whine quite a bit at higher revs and the throttle on automatic versions is rather sharp and takes a bit of getting used to. The extra low-down torque of the diesel makes it more relaxing to drive.
The mid-range EX is the pick of the trims, because it adds plenty of additional luxuries to the standard Tivoli and represents good value. However, there are plenty of top-spec ELX models out there, so if you can find one of those for the same money as an EX, you’ll be getting a good deal, especially when you consider all the safety tech top-of-the-range Tivolis get.
Our favourite Ssangyong Tivoli: 1.6 diesel EX
Page 4 of 5
Tips & Advice
Alternatives
What alternatives should I consider to a used SsangYong Tivoli?
The Ssangyong Tivoli generally undercuts its rivals, but often this is only by about £1000. When you consider the additional expense of running some versions of the Tivoli over its alternatives, that saving will be eaten into.
It might seem a little bit smaller than the Tivoli, but the Renault Captur makes clever use of the space it has thanks to its sliding rear seats. Most models sit in low tax bands, making it cheap to run.
Small SUVs aren’t usually that much fun to drive, but the Suzuki Vitara is the exception, particularly when it comes equipped with the nippy turbocharged 1.4-litre Boosterjet engine. Like the Tivoli, you can have four-wheel drive to assist you in slippery conditions.
If you like the size of the Tivoli, try a Kia Soul, because it’s equally spacious on the inside. The dashboard is tastefully finished with higher-quality materials and it feels a bit nicer to spend time in.
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here
Buy a new car with What Car?
Before you buy, visit What Car?’s new car deals section.
We have discounted deals on most new cars on sale, so you're never far away from finding a new car deal in your area.
It's all based on Target Price, which is the price we think you should pay based on research by our team of mystery shoppers, and the best discounts they can achieve.
Page 5 of 5
How reliable is the KGM Tivoli ?
Used cars available now
About the writer
