Mahindra SsangYong Tivoli imported to India for research, development; likely to be launched in 2016

With the growing demand for compact SUVs in the country, leading utility vehicle manufacturer Mahindra is planning to increase its SUV portfolio. The homegrown UV manufacturer, which launched TUV300 in September, is also looking for the feasibility of Tivoli from its Korean subsidiary SsangYong Motor.

The import details available on zauba.com explains two units of Tivoli compact SUV have already reached Indian shores from South Korea's Nhava Sheva Sea port. The purpose for import has been marked as 'for research and development', and its value is estimated at Rs 7,54,502 and Rs 8,43,762 for the two units.

The Tivoli comes with 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engine for international market. The four-cylinder petrol unit develops 126bhp at 6000rpm and 160Nm of torque. The Diesel unit develops 113bhp at 3400-4000rpm and 300Nm at 1500-2500rpm. Both the engines are mated to six-speed manual and Aisin six-speed automatic transmission. In India, Mahindra is likely to use the 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder, mHawk80 diesel debuted with the TUV300. The Tivoli also comes with 4x2 and 4x4 avatars.

As a global product, the Tivoli features a different style as compared to the current generation of SsangYong vehicles, with a more evolved design and detailing. The compact SUV measures 4,195mm in length, 1,795mm in width and 1,590mm in height, with the wheelbase of 2600mm.

Inside, the design of the dash is classy and upmarket with a flat-bottom steering that adds a sporty touch. The dashboard will include a central touchscreen, Bluetooth audio, a rear-view camera and dual-zone climate control.

The Tivoli comes with seven airbags, including a driver's knee airbag, curtain airbag, and side airbags. Despite being a compact SUV, the compact SUV offers a very competitive luggage space of 423 litres.

The Tivoli is expected to enter the Indian market in the second half of 2016. The compact SUV will be the second product from SsangYong to be sold in the country, first being the current selling Rexton SUV.