SsangYong Tivoli gets a diesel engine option – costs from £14,200

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The SsangYong Tivoli compact SUV now comes with the option of a 1.6 litre Euro 6 diesel engine with 113bhp and 221lb/ft of torque. Costs from £14,200.

The SsangYong Tivoli – SsangYong’s attempt at a compact SUV – was revealed at the end of 2014 and, although not the most exciting offering in the UK, it does seem to offer quite a lot for not a lot of money.

Reviews of the Tivoli have been generally positive (although Top Gear’s new face – Chris Evans – found the Tivoli so poor he took it back when he had it in for review), although the lack of a diesel engined option hasn’t helped sales.

But that’s now changed with the arrival of a 1.6 litre diesel in the Tivoli offering 113bhp and 221lb/ft of torque, which should, thanks to the very decent torque on offer, make the diesel more responsive. It will also do up to 65.7mpg.

What you do get from the Tivoli – whether you’re opting for a diesel or petrol engine – is rather a lot for your money, with even the entry-level Tivoli SE coming with 16″ alloys, Cruise, stop-start, smart steering and Bluetooth, with the Tivoli EX (from £15,850 for the diesel) adding leather, 18″ alloys, 7″ touchscreen, rear view camera and heated front seats.

Pitch for the top of the Tivoli tree with ELX trim (which will cost you from £17,250 with the diesel engine) and you’ll also get diamond-cut alloys, auto option, Keyless, parking sensors all round, privacy glass. rear spoiler, auto lights and wipers and TomTom Sat Nav.

It’s a lot for the money – and the Tivoli seems to be well bolted together – and, although not the most exciting car, it does offer a lot for the money and the comfort of a five year warranty.