More on the Korean brand SsangYong, back on the local market with a three model range, encompassing the small Tivoli SUV in five and seven-seat configuration, in a fourth generation and very good looking Rexton 4WD and in an all-new generation Musso ute.
The Musso in the previous series gaining a strong reputation for it’s ladder frame strength and durability. But today I wanted to focus on the Tivoli – an interesting small SUV with either 1.6-litre petrol or diesel power and depending on model in six-speed manual or automatic in front or all-wheel-drive. Pricing running from a sharp $23,490 to $33,990 for the five-seater, from 31,990 to 35490 for the seven. This is great SUV for a small family, rugged, strong, well built with a practical interior, I drove front and all- wheel drive five –seat versions and apart from overactive electronic stability controls they were impressive on-road. Driven hard they sit flat in corners with superb steering feel, far better than I had anticipated. SsangYong have had several false starts in this market, as such this time the factory- backed subsidiary had to offer a package with a lot of specification and all Tivoli SUV ‘s comes with autonomous emergency braking, a rear view camera, Apple Car Play and Android Auto, and rear parking sensors. All models arrive with a seven-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, road side assistance and capped-price servicing. This first SsangYong under Indian manufacturer Mahindra’s majority ownership is a big step up, the first of a number of new models. I’m David Berthon

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