Mileage: 3,597
Economy: 46.0mpg
The first car I drove as an Auto Express journalist was a 2011 SsangYong Korando ELX. Back then, the South Korean brand was a relative newbie in the UK car market. It had just a handful of dealers and an even smaller model line-up. But four years and several new cars later, it should be an established player, right?
Not quite – SsangYong has sold just over 3,000 cars in 2015. While that’s a 114 per cent increase year-on-year, it’s some way behind the 97,000 Peugeots that have found new homes, or the 312,000 models that Ford dealers have shifted since January.
But when we were offered a Tivoli to run on our fleet, we jumped at the chance. It’s a game-changing model from the reinvented brand, and one that bosses want to capitalise on the ever-growing supermini-crossover market – spearheaded in recent years by cars like the Nissan Juke and Renault Captur. SsangYong is hoping it will help boost total sales to 5,000 in 2016, with that figure doubling in the next three years.
On paper, that seems entirely feasible. Our car is the all-singing, all-dancing, top-spec ELX model – the top seller in the range. It costs just £17,250 and comes loaded with kit. Keyless go, 18-inch alloys, auto lights and wipers and tinted rear windows are all standard. It also gets a seven-inch touchscreen with TomTom sat-nav, plus heated leather seats and dual-zone climate control from the mid-range EX.
In fact, this flagship model is such good value that the sales team at Horsham Car Centre in West Sussex haven’t yet sold a single lesser-specced Tivoli. We picked our car up earlier this month, and were greeted by boss John Pudney and sales executive Dean Stogdon. On a wet and windy Monday morning, it seemed little could dampen their spirits as they talked me through all the features we could find on our new Tivoli.
As they rattled through the spec sheet, it quickly became clear how much time and thought the Koreans had put into this hugely important car. Stogdon pointed out items like the customisable dials and centre console with iPad holder, plus the heated leather seats and space-saver spare wheel – features you just don’t see on similarly priced rivals.
On the open road, the SsangYong feels strong and stable; and the 1.6 diesel is the engine to go for. There is a petrol option, yet that’s a little underpowered. Our car feels punchy when you put your foot down in third gear, although low revs result in a type of lag rarely associated with modern diesels. It is frugal, though – we’re managing close to 50mpg on steady motorway journeys.
Elsewhere, the 18-inch alloy wheels and firm suspension result in a slightly harsh ride, and the lack of reach adjustment in the steering column is proving a little frustrating for one or two of my colleagues. You do get used to the driving position, however, and it would be very harsh to call the car uncomfortable. Interior quality isn’t quite up to VW standards, but, then again, neither are the great-value list prices.
It’s not the most desirable car around, but the Tivoli is a stylish and roomy supermini- crossover with heaps of kit – and it’s cheaper than a top-spec Ford Fiesta. There’s a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, too, which will be a big selling point for many buyers.
Insurance quote (below) provided by AA (0800 107 0680) for a 42-year-old living in Banbury, Oxon, with three points.
- Model: SsangYong Tivoli 1.6D ELX 2WD
- On fleet since: November 2015
- Price new: £17,250
- Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl, diesel, 113bhp
- CO2/Tax: 113g/km/£30
- Options: Style pack (£400)
- Insurance: Group 19, Quote: £318
- Mileage/MPG: 3,597/46.0mpg
- Any problems?: None so far