SsangYong Tivoli 2020 to be a 'major facelift'

A facelifted version of the SsangYong Tivoli will debut in Korea within months, with the 2020 model set to introduce 'major changes' compared with the current version.

CarsGuide has learned that 80 per cent of the Tivoli will be new as part of the mid-life update, which comes about four-and-a-half years after the debut of the small SUV. It's set to be a lot more significant than simple nip and tuck.

That said, the update will come as part of a long life-cycle for the Tivoli small SUV - but the current version is Korea's best-selling model in that segment, outselling the Hyundai Kona and Kia Niro. 

The Tivoli only launched in Australia late in 2018, and it hasn't had any form of serious impact on the sales charts locally, where the Kona easily betters it, along with the Mitsubishi ASX and Subaru XV.

But the facelifted version of the Tivoli is set to introduce class-first features - many of which are borrowed from the larger, all-new Korando - including a 10.25-inch digital dashboard display, a 9.2-inch media system, as well as the potential inclusion of the Infinity mood lighting system. New trims and materials are set to be used too. 

According to Kisup Yun, product manager for SsangYong, the exterior changes for the 2020 Tivoli will also be extensive.

Mr Yun told CarsGuide the renewed Tivoli will carry over only the doors, window glass and roof panels - the entire front of the car including the guards, headlights, bumper and bonnet will change. The rear will is also set to see big changes, including new tail-lights and a changed back-end design.

It isn't only cosmetic changes for the Korean brand's smallest model, either - Mr Yun said the new Tivoli will also carry the same engine line-up as the all-new Korando.

For Australia that means a new 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 120kW of power and 280Nm of torque with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with the flagship model likely to be offered with a 1.6-litre turbo diesel four-cylinder producing 100kW and 324Nm, also with an automatic transmission but likely offered exclusively with all-wheel drive.  

The updated version of the Tivoli is set to arrive on sale in Australia around August 2019.

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