Ssangyong Motor, the Korean unit of India’s Mahindra & Mahindra, launched the diesel-fueled long-body version of its best-selling compact Tivoli crossover Tuesday, targeting the growing compact SUV market.

“The Tivoli Air, which evolved from the luxurious and stylish brand of the original crossover, boasts more enhanced utility features than other existing 1.7-liter rival models,” the company said in a press release.

It has set a sales goal of 20,000 units this year for Tivoli Air whose competing models in the local market include Hyundai Motor’s Tucson and Kia Motors’ Sportage.

The carmaker expects the long-body version to be as successful as the original Tivoli, which was launched early last year and led the firm’s turnaround in the fourth quarter.

What is likely to appeal to customers most is its 720-liter luggage space, which is larger than other rival models, the company said.

Its driving performance is another selling point.

The company said that its e-XDi160 diesel engine can produce up to 115 horsepower with a maximum torque of 30.6 kilogram-meters, enabling strong driving performance at the most frequently used rpm range of 1,500-2,500.

For safety features, Ssangyong Motor said that it applied high tension steel to 71.1 percent of its chassis to enhance overall passenger safety. It used diverse safety features aimed at helping the driver avoid accidents.

As for its design, the front radiator grille gives the impression of a soaring bird, and the barbell-type bumper and the character lines that run on its sides make it appear strong and unique, the company explained.

Prices of the Tivoli Air will range from 19.49 million won ($16,241) to 24.49 million won, depending on trims and options. 


By Seo Jee-yeon and news reports
(jyseo@heraldcorp.com)