By Tet Andolong
IF you’re in the market for a family vehicle and are looking for either a multipurpose vehicle (MPV) or sport-utility vehicle (SUV), don’t miss out on these two new irresistible vehicles from SsangYong—the all-new Tivoli and all-new Rodius. SsangYong Berjaya Motors Philippines (SBMP), the sole distributor of the Korean brand, launched these initial offerings at the Manila International Auto Show last year. According to SBMP Managing Director Dave Macasadia, these vehicles cater to families and individuals who are looking for trendy designs amid the commonality prevalent in many SUVs today without having to pay so much. “We want to prove that great design doesn’t mean that you have to spend a lot of money,” he said.
Packed with the latest safety, comfort, amenities and powertrain technologies, this couple scores in many ways against its competitors in the same segment and some rivals even cost twice as much.
The Tivoli Sport R
The all-new Tivoli’s design is honed from rhythmical lines. The slim, wide grille and bumper with built-in honeycomb air intake project a rugged feel. Projector headlamps with Daytime Running Lights in the Tivoli Sport R trims enhance the front end, while rear LED clusters and auxiliary brake lights provide a luxurious touch to the exterior finish. An aggressive rear bumper with a centrally mounted rear fog lamp matches the front and balances out the over-all dynamism of the fresh design. The Tivoli Sport R is equipped with 18-inch wheels and brilliant black finishes, making it look bolder and sportier.
Inside the Sport R, a sporty D-cut steering wheel is the first to greet the driver. Its characteristic, shape and girth, as well as its leather wrapping in the top-of-the-line models, make the all-new Tivoli ready for dynamic moves on the road.
The interior for the Sport R variant is finished in red leather, further reinforcing the uniqueness of this specific trim in the product line. The center fascia switches are laid out clearly and logically for ease of operation. Finished in gloss black, the central console adds to the heightened luxury present in the overall design. A driver-centric Supervision Cluster with a 3.5-inch LED information screen provides essential driving details. To add to the Sport R’s playful character, six backlight colors can be chosen to enhance daytime visibility of the display. SBMP has also equipped the all-new Tivoli with Smart Steer, which allows the driver to adjust the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) assistance to the steering wheel’s weight and response based on driver preferences and driving conditions. The system features three pre-designed modes: comfort, normal and sport.
A seven-inch touchscreen HD monitor, which plays CDs and MP3s, is equipped with Aux-in and Bluetooth connections, as well as being mirror-link ready. Audio remote control buttons are, likewise, located on the steering wheel to keep the driver’s hand in line.
To further accommodate the all-new Tivoli’s passengers in comfort, ergonomically constructed seats are fitted in order to address the distribution of pressure points around the body. A Pullmaflex suspension system in the front seatbacks enhances cushioning support to front occupants, minimizing fatigue. While the rear seatbacks recline to a maximum 27.5 degrees allowing for a more relaxed posture when needed. Head, knee and legroom are all more than adequate for its class thus providing an airy atmosphere within the cabin.
There is also an abundance of large storage areas on the side and center panels, as well as the center arm console. There is even an upper tray on the dashboard that can accommodate a wide variety of items such gear and gadgets making the all-new Tivoli perfect for the mobile and active crowd.
And speaking of space, the rear cargo area is designed for easy access for up to three golf bags even. With 423 liters of volume, it is the largest in its class.
The Tivoli is equipped with highly efficient and quiet-running 1.6-liter XGI160 gasoline engine with the latest technologies, such as a Variable Intake System with Dual Variable Valve Timing, which improves power and efficiency; and a 4-2-1 exhaust layout that minimizes exhaust gas interference and enhances low to midrange engine response. It is rated at 128 hp with 160 N-m of torque at 4,000 rpm.
When it comes to safety features, the Tivoli is equipped with the latest, available active and passive safety systems in its class. Airbags and seatbelts are standard in the vehicle along with Anti-lock Brake Systems (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).
The Tivoli Sport R is priced at P1.08 million.
The Rodius
The Rodius combines the best attributes of an MPV and SUV in one design. An edgy front end with black bezel projector headlamps, as well as SsangYong’s triple-line signature radiator grille and stylized bonnet, express its rugged personality. The chrome trimmings in the grille and bumper further elevate its status on the road. A functional roof rail for the top-of-the-line ELX variant expands usable storage space when a carrier is attached, making it perfect for those long, epic journeys with the family.
The Rodius is designed to accommodate people and cargo in the most convenient manner possible. From the 11-seat SX, to the nine-seater EX, all the way to the luxurious seven-seat ELX, the Rodius provides a variety of configurable seating positions that allow for multifunctional cargo space.
The captain’s chair layout offers an extended range of fore and aft sliding adjustments. Designed to provide better thigh support and luxurious comfort during long drives, these seats can be configured to offer more comfort and recreational space. With all the seats folded flat, one can stretch out inside the cabin on makeshift beds. Remove the third row in the ELX variant and open up more cargo space at the back. Tabletops on the back of the second-row seats are, likewise, available and provide usable surfaces for drinks and loose items.
Inside, the interiors are finished in top-quality tiffany gray with either leather or woven seat covers. An expansive view of the surroundings is made available to the driver with the centrally mounted LED-lit instrument cluster. To address the need for information, a discrete digital cluster that features details about speed, fuel consumption, range and travel time are mounted in front of the driver of the ELX variant.
A 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with DVD, CD, MP3, Aux-in, USB and Bluetooth connectivity in the EX and ELX trims keep passengers entertained. Further audio controls are found on the steering wheel, as well.
Additional comfort features in ELX include auto-dimming rear view mirrors and eight-way power (driver) and manual (passenger) adjustable front seats. Finally, the Rodius ELX is equipped with headlight leveling for better visibility at night when the vehicle is loaded.
The Rodius is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged direct injection diesel engine that produces 155 hp and 360 N-m of maximum torque. The engine is available with either a wide ratio six-speed manual transmission or a smooth-shifting German Technology, E-Tronic five-speed automatic with tip-switch manual override. Both are designed to deliver the best quality shifting performance for a more luxurious driving feel. The motor is also equipped with a torsional damper to counter engine vibrations while bonnet side seals block off noise from the engine bay. Newly developed two-tier engine mounts further isolate vibrations from intruding into the cabin.
Aside from its rigid chassis and subframe structures that are designed to absorb energy through multiway dispersion upon impact, the Rodius is also equipped with air bags for both the driver and passenger in the ELX variant. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is, likewise, featured in the seven-seat ELX. Side- and roof-impact protection are also designed into the structure with the use of high-rigidity steel plates in these areas.
Together with standard ventilated disc brakes in all four corners, and front and rear seatbelts for the passengers, the Rodius is one of the safest MPVs available in the market today. The Rodius is priced at P1.29 million for the 2.0L 6MT SX 11-seater; P1.49 million for the 2.0L 5AT EX nine-seater; and P1.59 million for the 2.0L 5AT AWD ELX seven-seater.