Ssangyong aims to go global with Tivoli

Models pose next to Ssangyong Motor’s compact SUV Tivoli during a launch event at Dongdaemun Design Plaza, in Seoul, Tuesday. / Yonhap

By Park Jin-hai

Ssangyong Motor, the local unit of India’s Mahindra & Mahindra, launched its first compact SUV, the Tivoli, Tuesday.

The gasoline-powered compact SUV with a sharper looking exterior has been highly expected by many as a vehicle that has the potential to raise the financially ailing automaker and put it back on the growth track.

Anand Mahindra, the chairman of Mahindra Group who visited Korea, said the Tivoli marks a significant new milestone in the growing partnership between Mahindra and Ssangyong.

“This new SUV epitomizes the spirit of Korea Can Do and reflects Ssangyong’s rich legacy of innovation in product development. We are confident that the Tivoli is poised to drive Ssangyong’s growth in the future,” he said during a launch ceremony at Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul.

Ssangyong Motor’s CEO Lee Yoo-il said, “The Tivoli is a strategic global model we have developed with great devotion over the past four years after the acquisition. It will be a cornerstone for the company to become a global SUV maker.”

He said that the Ssangyong's first compact SUV with a 1.6-liter engine will be a solid driver for the company’s turnaround and mid- to long-term development strategy.

It plans to produce 100,000 vehicle per year. The Tivoli, developed over 42 months with an investment of 350 billion won, boasts a sleek design and outstanding spatial utility, courting young first-time SUV buyers.

Aside from a color-changing cluster and D-cut steering wheel, widely used in sports cars, its interior has a unique and sporty look.

The vehicle’s safety has been maximized as well with the first-in-segment seven airbags and use of 71.4 percent high strength steel.

With the launch of the gasoline-powered Tivoli, the carmaker will add a diesel line in June and a long-body model in December.

The company expects to sell 38,500 this year.

From March, the Tivoli is slated to be exported to Europe and China.

Tivoli delivers 126ps maximum power and a maximum torque of 16.0 kilogram meters. Combined fuel economy is 12.0 kilometer per liter with automatic transmissions and 12.3 with manual transmissions.

The base price for the TX model starts from 16.35 million won, while its top trim LX is priced at 23.47 million won.