SsangYong has been a value for money car maker here in the UK since launching their Musso SUV way back in 1994… but not anymore.
For the South Korean manufacturer has changed its name after a global takeover by the KG Mobility Corporation and from now on will be known as KGM.
Their first car to appear under this new flag is the revised Tivoli which has had major improvements and upgrades for 2024.
We got our hands on the range-topping 1.5-litre petrol Ultimate Nav Auto which proved surprisingly refined with a smooth six speed auto box and peppy 155bhp turbo motor delivering up to 40 plus mpg.
While it looks like an SUV the Tivoli, which takes its name from the Italian town near Rome and was first launched in 2015, is two wheel drive and around the same size as a family hatchback.
With a renewed exterior design and brand-new interior, KGM say Tivoli offers European styling, class-leading safety and competitive fuel efficiency.
The entry-level Ventura model has 8in colour touchscreen, air con, cruise control, heated front seats, DAB radio, reversing camera, heated leather steering wheel, rear parking sensors, 16” alloy wheels and a host of the latest safety systems.
Move up to Ultimate and you get larger 18” alloys, leather seats, a large digital dash, dual zone air con, power fold mirrors, triple LED front fog lights, front parking sensors, a rear spoiler and privacy glass. Nav spec increases the size of the central colour touchscreen to 9in and adds TomTom sat-nav.
Getting in and out of the Tivoli is easy as it has wide-opening doors and, once inside, you’ll find that space is good too. The front seats have generous leg room and lots of head room while storage provision is also decent and boot space quite generous. The centre console comes with a tray for a smartphone and two cup holders.
Spending a week with the new Tivoli proved a pleasure and showed just how much their cars have moved on since those early 1990s models. It proved to be capable, well equipped and very easy to drive. On the interior it all seems well put together with a robust feel to the materials used.
SsangYong’s USP has always been price and value for money and KMG are keeping that value led approach with the range starting from a shade over £20k in 1.5 petrol Ventura spec going up to £24,340 for our top of the range Ultimate Nav version.
By Motoring Editor Steve Howarth