SsangYong Details Facelifted Tivoli As Subcompact SUV Reaches European Shores

The facelifted SsangYong Tivoli debuted a year ago in Korea and has now reached European markets.

The refreshed subcompact SUV brings exterior and interior styling tweaks, advanced safety and infotainment tech, as well as new powertrains. Starting with the design, the SsangYong Tivoli now sports an updated front end with restyled headlights, a revised grille and new bumper boasting a more generous air intake and triple-stacked fog lights.

Out back, the 2020 Tivoli brings a new bumper, a revised signature for the LED taillights and a new tailgate with a more pronounced hump.

There are more significant changes inside as the 2020 Tivoli now features a redesigned dashboard with a refreshed center console and higher-quality switchgear. The SUV also gains a configurable 10.25-inch LCD instrument cluster paired with an 8-inch Screen Smart Audio System (standard on Ventura and Ultimate models).

The infotainment system includes DAB radio with RDS, USB port, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a rear camera. In addition, each trim level features DAB+ for a clear sound and Bluetooth technology to connect to phone and to stream music.

The Tivoli sees major mechanical updates too as it is now available with two new turbocharged petrol engines: a 1.2 GDi Turbo three-cylidner and a 1.5 GDi Turbo four-cylinder. The previously-available 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel has been uprated, and all three engines are compliant with the latest Euro 6D emission standards.

The base 1.2-liter unit is mated to a six-speed manual transmission and delivers 128 PS (126 HP) at 5,000 rpm and 230 Nm (170 lb-ft) of torque at 1,750 – 3,500 rpm. The 1.5-liter petrol comes hooked to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission and produces 163 PS (161 HP) at 5,500 rpm and 280 Nm (206 lb-ft) of torque at 1,500 – 4,000 rpm.

As for the updated diesel, it’s rated at 136 PS (134 HP) at 4,000 rpm and 324 Nm (239 lb-ft) of torque at 1,500 – 2,500 rpm. It’s also available with six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. Regardless of the engine, all 2020 Tivoli models are front-wheel drive.

SsangYong has also upgraded the Tivoli’s active safety, with standard systems including Front Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Automatic Emergency Breaking, Lane Keeping Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Front Vehicle Start Alert, Driver Attention Alert, Emergency Stop System, and Safety Distance Alert.

Prices in the UK start from £13,995 (approximately $17,000) for the base Tivoli EX which comes fitted exclusively with the three-cylinder petrol engine. For the money, customers get standard features such as cruise control, electric windows, remote central locking, DAB Radio with iPod & Bluetooth connectivity, 16-inch steel wheels with covers, manual air conditioning, six airbags, and more.