SsangYong Tivoli XLV SUV (2016-2021) - Interior & comfort
The SsangYong Tivoli XLV surprises with a well-built interior and good equipment for the price
As with the regular model, the Tivoli XLV’s interior pleasantly surprised us. It feels of a higher quality than we were expecting and is quite well designed. It's certainly an improvement over previous SsangYong models and marks a move towards being good value rather than just bargain basement.
SsangYong Tivoli dashboard
We’ve never been bowled over by interiors from SsangYong in the past, but just as the Tivoli is quite an appealing vehicle on the outside, it really isn’t at all bad inside, either. The design and layout of the XLV’s cabin compares well with its rivals and is lifted further on the more expensive versions by a seven-inch central infotainment screen.
The instrument cluster is adjustable and can be made to light up in six different colours. The materials are mostly fairly pleasant to the touch, though some of the more incidental plastics do feel a little cheap.
However, if you look at the cabin and dashboard as what it is; the control interface of a well-priced, practical and useful family workhorse, it becomes more than acceptable.
Equipment
The Tivoli XLV gets equivalent specification to the ELX trim level of the regular Tivoli. This means a pretty comprehensive list of equipment, including a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with TomTom sat nav, iPod and Bluetooth phone connectivity, USB audio input and a rear-view camera.
Motorways are made easier with cruise control, automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers. Parking sensors are fitted at the back and front. Considering the Tivoli XLV is priced from less than £20,000, it’s a very well equipped package.
Options
Like the regular Tivoli, it’s best to choose the trim level with the kit you need, as there aren’t many optional extras available for the XLV. If you’re prepared to wait a bit longer for a factory orde, you can choose from the ‘My Tivoli’ range of extra paint colours, contrasting roof colours and brighter interior trims. The automatic gearbox is very good (however it does result in a marked drop in fuel economy) so is worth considering.
The same can be said about the optional 'intelligent' four-wheel-drive system. However, many would say the drop in fuel economy is countered by the advantages it brings in other areas, as it transforms the XLV from just looking rugged to actually being able to work hard off-road.