Ssangyong Motor launches diesel version of popular Tivoli crossover SUV

South Korea’s Ssangyong Motor Co. has started selling the diesel version of its popular Tivoli crossover sports utility vehicle (SUV). The diesel version of the Tivoli, which was unveiled in the mountainous town of Inje, east of Seoul, runs on the e-XDi160 diesel engine that meets Euro 6 emission standards.

In January, Ssangyong Motor launched the gasoline version of the Tivoli– the first model unveiled by the carmaker since it was purchased by India’s Mahindra & Mahindra in 2011–equipped with modern design, roomy passenger and cargo space and a more affordable price.

The e-XDi160 diesel engine, which took three years to develop, can produce a maximum of 115 horsepower and 306 kilogram-meter torque. The diesel version is designed to demonstrate the largest torque during the 1,500-2,500 rpm, the most frequently used range for actual driving, to deliver better response and driving performance, Ssangyong Motor said.

“The diesel version of the Tivoli is a car that combines the highest-level product standards in design, safety and convenience of the gasoline model with the powertrain optimized to driving conditions here in South Korea to meet the need for both function and fuel efficiency,” Choi Johng-sik, CEO of Ssangyong Motor, said.

The automaker expects the diesel version to attract more customers because of its fuel efficiency. Fuel consumption of the diesel version is 15.3 kilometres per liter (kmpl).

The diesel version, which is competing with the QM3 by Renault Samsung Motors Co. and the Trax by GM Korea Co., as well as foreign brands like the Mini, the BMW 118d and the Golf, is priced from KRW 20.45 million won (USD 18,102) to KRW 24.95 million (USD 22,085).