MOTORING MARCH: KGM Tivoli Ultimate Auto

George Loveridge Driving Around for Travel News Update

Formerly SsangYong, the KGM Tivoli is currently in its 9th year of production. Along with a total rebrand of the marque, what does this new 2024 model Tivoli look like? 

The Tivoli is a bit of an oddball in KGM’s lineup compared to their heritage and indeed current selection of vehicles. They have always been about building good value 4x4 utility vehicles. Over the last few years, however, the team in Korea have been edging into the premium, dare I say it, luxury sector. Despite this, the Tivoli is their entry-level cross-over, not offering off-road capabilities or much in the way of luxury.

This is no bad thing! We seem to lack premium-built entry-level vehicles now, and this Tivoli offers you a lot of value for money at the price point.

Starting inside, you will find a generously equipped interior on this Ultimate model. Nappa leather seats, of which the front are heated, a 10.25 inch digital driver’s cluster, accompanied by a 9 inch infotainment screen.

We have seen the Rexton and the Korando here before on TNU, so no need to go into the stats and facts of the cluster and infotainment screen. Upon stepping inside, I was confused as to where the climate controls were, after all, it is still winter! After switching the car on via the keyless start/stop button, I discovered that the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) unit was entirely digital.

First impressions are pretty good, a clearly positioned set of virtual touch-screen buttons with each function labelled. However, should you wish to adjust the temperature on the move, you’ll require a degree in computer sciences to locate whichever function you require. The poor Tivoli, it is not the car’s fault that it lives in a digital age. In all seriousness, it is extremely difficult to operate the climate control unless you have a passenger or are stationary.

We do get LED daytime running lights, along with front and rear collision warnings. So there is also modern tech being put to use effectively. Halogen headlamps and front windscreen wipers are also automatic. Combined with a crystal-clear reversing camera, you would be fooled into thinking you were in a superior rather than entry-level car.

With a cute and boxy exterior, the Tivoli does stand out in traffic. It is recognisably unique in styling terms, which I really like. Especially in white, you really notice the three front stripes on the bonnet, as well as the red tow-hitch cover. As to be expected, it weighs 1.8 tonnes. Despite being only 4-metres long, it does have to accommodate a lot of safety devices.  

How does it drive, then?

Well, this is not designed to be a motorway cruiser.

The 6-speed Aisin automatic gearbox is very efficient, but the ratios do not allow for a quiet motorway ride. You can tell that it is ‘the cheaper one’ as there is a lot of wind and road noise. Out and about in town, the turbocharged petrol unit is responsive and quiet enough to really aid with day-to-day driving. You are able to choose from Normal, Sport and Winter drive modes, although they did not feel to make any difference in all honesty. Put your foot down, and this FWD tall hatchback goes very wobbly. For 160bhp, you do get pushed to the back of your seat, but as a result, the steering goes very light and scarily vague when pushing on, well under the speed limit.

The George Loveridge Verdict  

For the price, the KGM Tivoli is absolutely great. Plenty of tech and accommodation at this price point; I have seen cars north of £30,000 with less. Five adults will happily climb aboard, even in the back with the front seats fully extended. Rear seats split 60:40 or will go fully down to reveal a very tall and long boot area. KGM’s 5-year, 100,000-mile warranty is not to be messed with either. However, what really lets this car down is the fuel consumption. If you buy one of these, it is for short trips to and from work, school, shopping, and friends. On such journeys, you will struggle to see anything over 25mpg. Sadly, this is just not adequate for a vehicle of this class.

Price as tested: £24,495
Lead in price: £20,495
Average fuel consumption: 24MPG
Range (fuel): 270  
Engine size: 1497cc
0-60: 12 Seconds  

Performance 7
Handling 3
Transmission 6
Noise 7
Economy 2
Ride and Comfort 7
Accommodation 8
Styling 9
Brakes 10
Finish 8
TOTAL = 67%

TNU Comment

In December 2023, SsangYong changed their name to KGM. KG Mobility to be exact. They still make plenty of 4x4 vehicles, as well as this FWD cross-over. As 2030 gets closer, the marque will release electric versions of its existing lineup, as well as totally new models. Exciting times ahead.

www.kgm-motors.co.uk

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