Fuel-sipping Ssangyong

THE Ssangyong Tivoli didn't make much of an impression when it was introduced here last year, but a second look may change some opinions, especially with its latest engine option. The Ssangyong Tivoli Diesel is a powerful yet economical alternative to the petrol version of this compact crossover from Korea.

Like the petrol unit, the turbodiesel also has a displacement of 1.6 litres. Unlike the petrol engine though, the diesel has loads more torque - 300 Newton-metres to be exact. Yet, a typical diesel characteristic is the low power - 115 hp - which means the Tivoli Diesel is a COE Cat A model.

Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission to drive the front wheels, it has excellent low-end oomph and moves off effortlessly from stationary. It also performs at higher speeds, thanks to the six well-spaced gear ratios. Noise, vibration and harshness or NVH levels are surprisingly good too, with diesel clatter mostly inaudible except when the engine fires up. Best of all, Ssangyong claims that the 1,390 kg Tivoli Diesel consumes just 5.5 litres per 100 km, or an impressive 18.2 km per litre under the combined cycle.