Ssangyong Motor launches Tivoli diesel

By Park Jin-hai

A Tivoli diesel compact SUV runs on a race track during a media showcase for Ssangyong Motor at the Speedium in Inje, Gangwon Province, Monday. / Courtesy of Ssangyong Motor

INJE, Gangwon Province ― Ssangyong Motor, the local unit of India’s Mahindra & Mahindra, launched a diesel version of the Tivoli compact sports utility vehicle (SUV), Monday.

“The diesel version focuses more on improving driving performance,” said Shin Young-sik, Ssangyong’s managing director, during the media showcase at the Speedium in Inje, Gangwon Province.

The latest Tivoli is powered by the e-XDi160 diesel engine that meets the tougher Euro 6 emission standards. The automaker spent three years developing the engine, which can generate up to 115 horsepower.

Its fuel efficiency stands at 15.3 kilometers per liter.

The Tivoli diesel could realize maximum power at 1,500-2,500 rpm, providing dynamic driving at the most frequently used rpm on daily drives, the company said.

The gasoline version was launched in January and has made a huge contribution to the carmaker’s profit.

Selling 18,524 units, the Tivoli topped first-half sales in the compact SUV segment, resulting in a wait o

f at least a month for the vehicle, the company said. Ssangyong’s June sales reached a high of 8,420 units.

With the Tivoli diesel, the company aims to accelerate growth in the latter half of the year.

“The Tivoli diesel is a car that combines the highest-level product standards in design, safety and convenience of the gasoline model, with the powertrain optimized for Korean driving conditions to meet the need for high performance and fuel efficiency,” company CEO Choi Johng-sik said. “It will appeal to customers who enjoy a dynamic driving experience as well as value reasonable price and style.”

The Tivoli diesel launched is a two-wheel drive model with auto transmission. Prices start from 20.45 million won.

The automaker said development of the all-wheel drive model has been almost completed and it will be launched later.