Ssangyong Tivoli SUV

The SsangYong Tivoli, rebranded as the Mahindra XUV300 in India, is a compact crossover that stands out with its spacious interiors and appealing design. The vehicle is powered by a 1.5L direct injection turbopetrol engine, which delivers 120kW of power and 260Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It features a modern interior with an 18-inch touchscreen, LED lights, and a range of safety features including ESP, brake assist, and six airbags, although it lacks advanced features like blind spot monitoring. The Tivoli offers a comfortable ride, especially in urban conditions, and its elevated driving position provides a clear view of the road. With its blend of power, features, and comfort, the XUV300 is a strong contender in the compact crossover segment in India.

The SsangYong Tivoli SUV, though not widely available in India under the SsangYong brand due to its acquisition by Mahindra and subsequent rebranding as the Mahindra XUV300, offers a mixed bag of features and performance. From my perspective, the Tivolis updated 1.5L direct injection turbopetrol engine, producing 120kW and 260Nm of torque, is a significant improvement, making it one of the more powerful options in its class. However, the vehicles handling and braking capabilities are not its strongest points, with noticeable understeer and average braking performance. The interior, while spacious and featuring modern amenities like an 18-inch touchscreen and LED lights, is marred by hard plastics and the absence of advanced safety features such as blind spot monitoring. Overall, its a comfortable and feature-rich crossover, but its value proposition is somewhat diminished by its pricing and the intense competition in the compact crossover segment.

The SsangYong Tivoli, now rebranded as the KGM Tivoli, has undergone a significant update, including a new 1.5L direct injection turbopetrol engine producing 120kW of power and 260Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a six-speed Aisin automatic transmission. The new model also features LED lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a revamped interior with a larger touchscreen. I think these updates make the Tivoli a more competitive option in the compact SUV segment.

KGM has introduced a fresh design for the Tivoli, giving it a modern look that resembles an electric car, complete with a faired-in nose and semi-hidden radiator grille. The interior has also been updated with a well-sized touchscreen and proper heater controls, making it more user-friendly. However, the lack of all-wheel-drive option might affect its appeal to some buyers.

The Tivolis rear space is one of its strong points, offering ample room for passengers and cargo. The boxy shape and high roofline provide more space than many of its competitors, including the Dacia Duster and MG ZS. The rear seats are adjustable, adding to the comfort and versatility.

The 2024 KGM Tivoli boasts improved safety features, including autonomous emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and driver attention alert. It also comes with traction control, multiple airbags, and an electronic stability system. Despite these additions, it still lacks advanced safety features like blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control.

SsangYong, now known as KGM, has announced the discontinuation of the Tivoli XLV, which will be replaced by the Tivoli Grand. This change is part of the brands broader strategy to refresh its lineup and appeal to a wider market. The Tivoli Grand is expected to launch in the spring.

In India, the SsangYong Tivoli is not sold under its original brand name but is instead available as the Mahindra XUV300. The ex-showroom price for the Mahindra XUV300 starts around 7.9 lakhs for the base model and can go up to 12.9 lakhs for the top variant. On-road prices, including taxes and other costs, can range from approximately 9 lakhs to 15 lakhs, depending on the state and local taxes. Given the competitive pricing of other compact crossovers in the market, the XUV300s pricing seems reasonable, especially considering its feature-packed offerings and the brands reputation for durability.

When it comes to mileage, the Mahindra XUV300, which is essentially the Indian version of the SsangYong Tivoli, offers a combined fuel efficiency of around 17-20 kmpl for the petrol variants, depending on driving conditions. This is relatively competitive in its segment, though not the best. For users concerned about mileage and running costs, the XUV300 provides a balanced performance and economy, making it a viable option for those seeking a fuel-efficient compact crossover.