SsangYong Motor launches the new SUV `Tivoli`

SsangYong Motor has launched its first new small SUV vehicle “Tivoli,” heralding the company’s revival. It is the automaker’s first new car in four years since its launching the Korando C in February 2011. It is also the first car that has been unveiled since India-based Mahindra & Mahindra`s takeover SsangYong Motor in March 2011.

SsangYong Motor celebrated the launch of the Tivoli at Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul on Tuesday with the presence of some 800 people including Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra, SsangYong Motor President Lee Yoo-il, SsangYong Motor employees, union leader Kim Gyu-han, and domestic and global dealers. The company has invested 350 billion won (322.7 million U.S. dollars) to develop the Tivoli over 42 months.

The Tivoli targets young customers who buy a car for the first time with the slogan, “My first SUV.” With a 1,600 cc gasoline engine, it delivers 126PS of maximum power and a maximum torque of 16.0kgm. Combined fuel economy is 12.0 kilometer per liter with automatic transmissions.

SsangYong has enhanced safety with 74 percent of the frame and body being made of high-strength steel and 40 percent of it is made of ultra-high-strength steel, also installing seven airbags. Boasting its comfortable interior, the Tivoli has an infotainment system allowing easier access to smart devices and a wider cargo space with foldable rear seats. The price ranges from 16.3 million won (15,030 dollars) for manual transmissions to 23.4 million won (21,580 dollars) for automatic transmissions.

“We will end the history of hardships with our new Tivoli and reconstruct SsangYong as a prestigious SUV maker,” SsangYong Motor President Lee Yoo-il said. “We plan to launch a new car every year.”

“I am very concerned about the laid-off workers and also aware that they are still protesting at the top of the chimney of the Pyeongtaek factory,” Chairman Mahindra said. “I trust that the Korean management team will make a good devision.” The chairman will visit the factory in Pyeongtaek on Wednesday.