SsangYong adds space to Tivoli with new XLV model

SsangYong dealers now have two versions of the Tivoli B-segment crossover to offer following the arrival in showrooms this week of the XLV model.

Priced from £18,250, the Tivoli XLV is presented as a range-topping but chiefly more practical variant of the model launched last year, thanks to extended room in the boot. It is available in both 2WD and AWD formats.

While the XLV is built on the same 2600mm wheelbase as the standard Tivoli, extending the body back by 238mm from the C-pillar boosts luggage space from 423 to 720 litres.

Steve Gray, SsangYong UK’s marketing & communications director, believes the XLV will appeal to the likes of families, dog owners and golfers for its practicality, and is designed to be sold that way.

“For example, I don’t normally like roof rails on a Tivoli because they interfere with the look of our ‘floating roof’ styling, but the rails are standard on the XLV to add further to its practicality,” he told Motor Trader.

Gray believes the car will have wide appeal in what is the most competitive part of the B crossover segment.

“While we will obviously compete with other Korean models such as the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, we could appeal to those who’ve looked at the Renault Captur, or the Vauxhall Mokka with its luggage volume.

“We could even sway customers from the next segment up, who want to downsize but also want the space a Qashqai gives them.”

The XLV goes on sale with the 1.6-litre 115PS Euro 6 diesel engine, and a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed auto gearboxes and front or four-wheel-drive powertrains. The latter is an intelligent unit, automatically adjusting torque to front or all wheels according to the road conditions.

The £18,250 price buys the Tivoli XLV 1.6 diesel manual 2WD, costing £1,000 more than for the equivalent Tivoli ELX. The auto transmission version is £19,250, while 4×4 versions cost £19,500 in manual form and £20,500 with the automatic transmission.

SsangYong expects the XLV to account for around 500 units in its first full year, around 20% of total Tivoli sales, with AWD accounting for 15%.

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Andrew Charman is a freelance motoring journalist with over 30 years’ experience. He has been writing for Motor Trader since 2008