Skip advert
Advertisement

New SsangYong Tivoli XLV 2016 review

We drive the longer, more practical SsangYong Tivoli XLV in the UK, but is a crossover estate a niche too far?

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your KGM Tivoli
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

If the SsangYong Tivoli’s blend of practicality and value has got your attention, this larger XLV version could be worth a look as well. It doesn’t cost much more than the standard car, and it offers plenty of extra boot space for those who need it. This 4x4 automatic version should be avoided, though, as it’s not very economical and the gearbox isn’t a particularly good match for the noisy yet punchy diesel engine.

Advertisement - Article continues below

We’ve already tested the SsangYong Tivoli XLV on Spanish roads, but now we’ve had the chance to see how the big-booted crossover fares on British tarmac.

• Best MPVs and people carriers

The standard Tivoli is one of the most spacious cars in its class, but this stretched-out XLV version gets an extra 245mm of bodywork, all of which hangs out over the rear wheels. Only the boot benefits from the added length, which now stands at 720 litres – although that is measured from the boot floor to the roof rather than the top of the rear seats. The load area on the standard Tivoli is 423 litres.

Our 4x4 model was fitted with a six-speed automatic gearbox, which doesn’t look like the best choice on paper. It only claims 44.8mpg economy, compared with 62.8mpg for the front-wheel-drive manual model. Plus the auto costs around £1,000 more to buy. It shifts smoothly enough, although it’s too keen to rev the noisy 1.6-litre diesel engine. There is a manual mode, but it can only be controlled using a tiny switch on the side of the gearstick.

• SsangYong Tivoli long-term test review

SsangYong’s intelligent four-wheel-drive system will spend most of its time in front-wheel-drive mode anyway, so unless you need the improved traction, we’d go for the front-driven version with a manual box.

The extra bodywork over the back wheels isn’t really noticeable, so the XLV drives much like the standard Tivoli. Unfortunately, that means it has vague steering and lots of body roll. The ride is a bit bouncy, although it soaks up potholes reasonably well and the seats are comfortable.

The XLV is set to cost about £1,000 more than the regular Tivoli, but there’s loads of kit inside, with nav, dual-zone climate control, auto lights and wipers and leather trim all standard.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,704 off RRP*Used from £7,295
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £8,094 off RRP*Used from £13,290
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £13,895
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,261 off RRP*Used from £13,500
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Future of Nissan in the UK: new Gigafactory to power bold EV plans
Future of Nissan in the UK - header with Phil McNamara

Future of Nissan in the UK: new Gigafactory to power bold EV plans

Nissan is about to go from building the Qashqai hybrid to three fresh EVs in the UK over the next three years – all powered by a new gigafactory
Features
19 Apr 2025
Best SUVs to buy 2025
Best SUVs - header image

Best SUVs to buy 2025

There are plenty of great SUVs to choose from, so we’ve picked out the very best
Best cars & vans
17 Apr 2025
New baby Nissan Juke EV on the way to challenge the Dacia Spring
Baby Nissan Juke exclusive image - rear

New baby Nissan Juke EV on the way to challenge the Dacia Spring

Nissan to fast-track development of new battery-powered city car to take on forthcoming Volkswagen ID.1, and our exclusive images preview how it could…
News
18 Apr 2025