In-depth Reviews

SsangYong Tivoli owner reviews

Name: SsangYong Tivoli SUV
Brand: SsangYong

"The SsangYong Tivoli is a stylish car with a low price and generous standard equipment, which may tempt some buyers from more established competition"

by Carbuyer team

26 Aug 2020

Carbuyer Rating

3.5 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.3 out of 5

Buy used for less at Buyacar

85%of people would recommend this car to a friend.

Owner Rating

11reviews
5reviews
2reviews
2reviews

Common Problems

Electrics (2 cases)
Engine (1 cases)
Other (3 cases)
Brakes, Electrics, Other (1 cases)

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

ELX Diesel

Year of registration

2107

Average annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

Brilliant. Top spec. Three years free servicing included. Everything works as it should. Excellent as a daily commute. OR you could pay more for badge with a lot less spec.

Reliability

5 out of 5

No problems.

Performance

5 out of 5

As good as anything else I have driven in its class.

Running Cost

5 out of 5

Excellent, Average cost to insure.

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

1.6 petrol

Year of registration

2016

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

we love it really great car nice handling low fuel consumption good engine power and good acceleration good quality very comfortable almost no problem with the car

Performance

5 out of 5

performance is great

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

Petrol ELX

Year of registration

2016

Average annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

Had the car nearly 2 months. Impressed with interior and specification but have had a few niggling problems. First problem is that the tyre pressure warning light comes on during just about every journey and has been doing so from day 1. Mainly linked to off-front tyre but sometimes all 4 tyre readings disappear. 2nd problem is that the fuel cap release lever does not always open the fuel cap. To do so I have to pull really hard on it for 5 or 6 times. In fact the fuel cap seems really cheap. Both problems will hopefully be rectified this week when the car goes to a SsangYong dealer. Otherwise happy so far although the instructions to use the satnav are not sufficient! Bought the car via an online broker and saved a good amount however this means I did not use a local dealer so hope the couple of problems do not persist.

Reliability

OK so far

Performance

OK so far

Running Cost

5 out of 5

Getting 43 mile to the gallon according the on board computer

Version

ELX 1.6 petrol

Year of registration

2016

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Review

This car has great potential however ours had electrical faults right out of the showroom. Very comfortable car on long journeys and easy to use AV system when it does not have faults.

Reliability

2 out of 5

Faulty electronics mean reliability is in question

Performance

3 out of 5

Comfortable car but faulty electronics affects performance

Running Cost

3 out of 5

Tank cheap to fill

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

ELX black

Year of registration

2017

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

Having owned this for two months I must say it isn't the car I set out to buy. But it is in striking red, with black alloys, black leather and every toy you could wish for. The dealer wasn't pushy and was very helpful, so that's how I ended up with it. So far It's covered 2,000 miles in two months with not a single problem even in the snow.

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

1.6 Deisel

Year of registration

2016

Average annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

Review

My Tivoli is sitting in a garage for the 3rd week, with no compression to one side of the engine, loved the car until this happened now feel lack of confidence, lots of car for the money but no use to me when I need to drive for a living. Pleased about the 5 year warranty. SsangYong customer service has been outstanding, shame I cant say the same about the car.

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

1.6 deseil

Year of registration

2016

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

Hi, I have had my Tivoli 4 months now and love it. It's great on fuel and drives super. We went for top spec, so far very good no problems

Version

1.6 diesel 2 wheel drive manual

Year of registration

2016

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

2 - 3 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

A good value vehicle which is enjoyable to drive. My problem is not the product but the lack of customer care or empathy. I bought the vehicle from new from a main dealer, which closed but I still had a sister Ssangyong garage fairly nearby, but when that closed I had to make a round trip of 140 miles to the next nearest dealer to guarantee the excellent warranty is secure. I complained about this lack of local support and all Ssangyong UK could offer was an assurance they were seeking a new dealer closer to me and some 14 months later they still have been unable to provide one. Hardly what I wanted coming from a company that is an international brand. I wrote to the UK SsangYong MD hoping he would understand my position and come up with a practical solution to provide service/warranty repairs closer to my home but have heard nothing. During the almost two and half years I have owned the car the independent Ssangyong agents have been excellent. Sadly Ssangyong UK have yet to demonstrate positive aftercare. Sadly despite liking the product I cannot recommend Ssangyong especially if you live in Shropshire, South Cheshire and the Welsh Marches where there are no official Ssangyong workshops.

Reliability

4 out of 5

Good

Performance

Practical, but not exciting

Running Cost

Acceptable

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

1.6 diesel 2 WD

Year of registration

2016

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

Review

Initially it took a couple of weeks to get used to how the systems in the car worked – the heating, vents, radio were a bit frustrating at times but once understood it became intuitive. It gives unbelievable economy if driven at peak torque in each gear. My highest is 79.2 mpg over 190 miles, on a Cardiff to Manchester run with all driving situations. Amazing really. If I had done the trip through the quiet of night, I bet I could have gotten mid 80s mpg. I bought the car as a commuter only. The fact it's an EX spec did little to influence my decision. It was the 1.6 diesel engine with 300 NM of torque, the £30 per year road tax (because it was registered before 1 April 2017) and the lower cost of insurance that influenced my decision. It had three years remaining manufacturers warranty, too. So far things are going well. If I were to change anything it would be to put smaller wheel rims, deeper tyre walls, just to smooth the ride and lower the road noise. Good car. Buy for the right reasons though, not just on a whim.

Reliability

Lots of road noise with the big wheels.

Performance

It's a dart. It's refined. It's comfortable. It's pleasant to be in.

Running Cost

5 out of 5

Fantastic, economy a lot higher than the makers proclaim.

Version

ELX 4x4 diesel

Year of registration

2016

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

I have owned this car for 12 months. In that time it has developed the following faults, all dealt with under warranty: Re balanced prop shaft (vibration at 60 mph), broken / jamming exterior door handles, media unit resetting over night - loosing memory, defective crankshaft sensor, oil leak from 4x4 power take off, ECU faults triggering limp home mode, electrical interference effecting throttle requiring part dismantling of dashboard and bulkhead to re wire and re route throttle loom. The car has covered just 8500 miles. The design is very good and well though out with nice touches here and there as is the build quality - no rattles or squeaks, paint is very good. BUT quality control or development is not up to European standards. Other areas worth mentioning are tyres, avoid low profiles. They are very noisy and give a harsh ride, I have them on this car but the loan cars I have been given with standard tyres offer a superior ride. Avoid supermarket diesel, the car runs better on premium diesel and the DPF doesn't regenerate as frequently. Brakes are noisy and grab at low speed. Sat Nav, bluetooth phone unit is good and offers HDMI for phone mirror link. Easy to update with free map updates and is easy to use. Mine however intermittently looses the settings over night - maybe a wiring fault. Climate system is dual zone and very good with four memory settings. The fan is very noisy on anything above low. Auto box is notchy when cold but is very smooth once warmed up. The dealership is very good and spares have been available quickly, even the PTU for the gearbox. Ssangyong UK are easy to contact and were receptive to the problems with the car initially. In summary - this could be a very good car for the money if quality control were better. In my case too many faults, I wouldn't buy another Ssangyong

Reliability

2 out of 5

Too many faults in a new car.

Performance

3 out of 5

Powerful diesel, good 4x4 system.

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

G16 4X2 Line

Year of registration

2016

Average annual mileage

15,000 – 19,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

Really good quality, comfortable and a average engine with enough power. It's a good option if you don't want to spend lots of money on a car, this one has everything you would need from a high end SUV.

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

EX 4x4 Diesel

Year of registration

2016

Average annual mileage

More than 20,000

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

12800 miles in 3 mths, 50mpg and zero problems I mean nothing! Carries 5 adults easily and interior quality always commented upon, the fools are those who don't own a Tivoli

Reliability

5 out of 5

Nothing broken or fallen off and no rattling

Performance

Goes on motorways all classes of road and track effortlessly

Running Cost

1st service £195

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

1.6 diesal, EX, manual

Year of registration

2016

Average annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

Has for 2 months only so still to see how,hoes long term. But impasse with the deal I got ( got EX for price of SE). Lot room, high off the ground. Nice inside and out. Had extra shine added so keeps well in rain etc. Like inside and running lights. Reverse camera very good and clear picture. Like the little extras as well. Good price for what get.

Reliability

5 out of 5

So far so good but still early to say.

Performance

Good a long as not want quick pull away, need go down gear on hills but good in 6th gear on open road. 3 different steering options depending on road. Nice to drive as long as not a boy racer.

Running Cost

5 out of 5

Good, get at least 57 mpg and seems ok

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

ELX 1.6 Diesel 4x4 Red Pack

Year of registration

2016

Average annual mileage

0 – 4,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

Brilliant car, good ride quality, very comfortable, handles well, well finished and classy interior. Unbelievable specification for the price. Everything about the vehicle feels solid and well built. When people catch on to this model it will become the must have car.

Reliability

4 out of 5

To early to tell, but with 5 years unlimited mileage warranty I don't think there will be many problems.

Performance

4 out of 5

Very nippy, pulls well in all gears and very smooth with little road noise.

Running Cost

4 out of 5

Average about 45mpg on urban runs, so long distance should be a lot better.

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

Elx diesel 4x4 automatic

Year of registration

2018

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

The Tivoli is full of gadgets and, being the top model, a dream to drive for the average family. It's not a race car but has decent acceleration in the mid range. Ours is only a month old but we've not noticed any faults at all. Drives well, too. Fuel consumption is about 35mpg around town and 45 on the motorway. It's very comfy, too, and The heated front seats were brilliant in April's cold spell. The Sat Nav graphics could be better, and being an automatic 4x4 it has a smaller boot than the manual version, but SsangYong offers an estate if you require a bigger boot. Overall, for a new car it's definitely worth a look if you on a limited budget. Would definitely recommend.

Reliability

5 out of 5

No faults

Performance

5 out of 5

Performs better than expected

Running Cost

As anticipated but 45 mpg true mileage on motorway I thought not too bad for a 4x4 automatic.

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

1.6 e-XGi SE

Year of registration

2016

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

Great car for the money. Have owned it for 2 months and it works without problems. The only thing to really mention is the road noise when using snow tires. Manual gearbox works without any problem and is smooth. Easy-to-use infotainment system.

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

ELX

Year of registration

2016

Average annual mileage

0 – 4,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Review

As with some other reviewers, generally pleased with the car but one or two niggles. I've had the same problem as another reviewer with the tyre pressure warning light being on all the time, in my case flagging the front driver's side. The dealer rectified it a few weeks ago, I await to see if it recurs. Also the front passenger door handle broke after a few months – you couldn't open the door from the outside. The external door handles do seem a bit 'low rent'. Other than these relatively minor things, I really like the car. I have the ELX as the pricing allowed me to buy top of the range for the first time ever. The equipment level is impressive, although I'm a bit disappointed at the lack of a DAB radio - a surprising omission given everything that is included. The reversing camera is great. It can be slightly noisy but I don't find the ride to be particularly uncomfortable. I like the high driving position and you usually have to sacrifice a bit of handling to get that in a relatively small car. Overall I'm very glad I bought it.

Reliability

I have had no reliability problems so far.

Performance

Performance is fairly average.

Running Cost

I don't have high annual mileage so tend not monitor running costs too closely but it has auto stop technology which must help with costs.

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

1.6 Petrol Automatic

Year of registration

2016

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

One year ownership completed on last January and drove over 16000km. I changed front brake pads at 15,000km service as per dealer's instructions but they might be usable for another few thousands of kms. I had a small issue on the opening of fuel lid. It was difficult to open at times but the dealer rectified after notifying. We love the on-board AV system very much. Clarity of sound and powerful radio station reception is outstanding. It's engine has an impressive pulling power, no worries even with 5 adults. I use the car normally to run very short distances in traffic therefore not expecting much fuel saving but it witnessed good on long run over 200km. Best I got was 7.2/100 l/km.

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

1.6d ELX 4x4 auto

Year of registration

2016

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

Very impressed so far. Build quality is good, specification is excellent. In some reviews negative comment is made about the auto box, road noise and ride comfort. The auto box adapts over time to driver style and mine has improved dramatically after 500 miles. Very smooth. I have owned a number of 4x4 vehicles and all with an off road capability have harder suspension the standard road cars, this is no exception. Road noise - it has all weather tyres which are noisy. Massive spec, very comfortable, excellent warranty, excellent value for money and dealers / franchise that care.

Reliability

Too early to say

Performance

5 out of 5

Lively for a family SUV. Does what it says.

Running Cost

5 out of 5

45 to 50 mpg on mixed driving, not bad for 4x4 auto

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

Ex E-XDI 1.6 Diesel

Year of registration

2016

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

I have had this car for a year now, and have enjoyed it immensely. It is used mainly in and around town, and on our yearly trip through France and down to southern Spain. Last summer's trip to Spain was effortless, and with the clear continental motorways I averaged 59 mpg for the whole trip. It is not the quietest diesel on the market, but the engine has lots of pull, and you leave the diesel sound behind at motorway speeds. The car has not been faultless, with a noticeable clonk as you change up into second gear, and door handles that don't always work. However, I expect these issues to be dealt with on it's first service next week. I love the interior finish and trim, but find the high lip for the luggage door a bit of a nuisance.

Reliability

5 out of 5

Had no issues.

Performance

The diesel engine has real pull, and accelerates nicely through the gears. At motorway speeds it cruises beautifully, but not a car for the boy racer.

Running Cost

Relatively low, with decent MPG and reasonable insurance costs