2020 SsangYong Tivoli gets new engines and trim levels

• Tweaked exterior styling
• Two new petrol engines make their debut
• On sale now

The SsangYong Tivoli SUV has been updated for 2020 to keep it fresh against established rivals like the SEAT Arona, Nissan Juke and Suzuki Vitara. Buyers get the choice of two new petrol engines and some refreshed trim levels, plus SsangYong’s class-leading seven-year/ 150,000-mile warranty.

Kicking off the new range is the EX model, which starts from just £13,995. At this price, the only cheaper SUVs on sale are the Dacia Duster and MG ZS, and all the essentials are present; you get cruise control, electric windows, air conditioning, Bluetooth and DAB radio. Ventura (previously called ELX), costs £3,000 more but includes plenty of extras, including 16-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, a heated leather steering wheel, keyless start, front and rear parking sensors, auto lights and wipers, and a touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a reversing camera.

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Tivoli Ultimate models benefit from 18-inch alloys, leather seats, dual-zone climate control, a digital instrument cluster and power-folding door mirrors. This version starts from £19,995, rising to £22,995 for a car with a diesel engine and automatic gearbox.

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The 1.2-litre and 1.5-litre petrol engines are both new for 2020. Available on EX and Ventura, the 1.2-litre offers 126bhp, a standard six-speed manual gearbox and 40.4mpg. The 1.5-litre engine is more powerful, with 161bhp, but not noticeably less economical at 39.2mpg - although the optional automatic gearbox does bring economy down to 36.7mpg and push CO2 emissions from 164g/km to 175g/km. SsangYong has also updated the Tivoli’s 1.6-litre diesel engine, so it now offers 134bhp and 50.4mpg.

It’s worth noting that the Tivoli no longer offers four-wheel drive, which previously set it apart from small SUVs like the Renault Captur and Kia Stonic.

Styling changes are minor, but the new Tivoli gets redesigned headlights and chrome grille inserts, while the rear end now boasts an eye-catching LED light signature.

Euro NCAP gave the Tivoli a four-star safety rating, which is good if not amazing, but SsangYong’s smallest model still features lane-keeping assist, auto emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, driver attention alert and a system that warns you if you’re getting too close to the car in front.

Read our guide to the best small SUVs on sale today.