Mahindra XUV300 petrol 1.2 liter BS6 engine in India is rated at 109 hp / 200 Nm

The Tivoli has been one of the best selling product of Mahindra-owned SsangYong Motor Company. In fact, the Tivoli has helped Mahindra to come up with the XUV300 too, which is largely based upon the South Korean compact SUV. As the Tivoli was getting older, SsangYong has decided to bring in a much-required mid-life update.

As is the case with most facelifts, the updated Tivoli now looks sharper and more modern compared to the variant which was already on sale. For the design update, SsangYong’s designers have taken a fair bit of inspiration from Tivoli’s larger sibling, the Korando. Overall, the compact SUV looks updated, both on the outside and inside too.

Changes aren’t restricted to just cosmetic enhancements. SsangYong has tried to include some additional features on the UV too. These include a 10.25 inch all-digital instrument cluster and an updated 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

However, the major highlight of the 2020 Tivoli is the all new Mahindra sourced 1.2 litre turbo petrol motor. Yup, you read that right. SsangYong has employed a new engine from Mahindra’s mStallion range for its latest offering. This motor is available in two of the entry-level trims on the Tivoli and comes solely with a 6-speed Manual Transmission setup.

The new engine is a 1.2 litre direct injection unit which can churn out 126hp and 230Nm of max torque. Mahindra had unveiled this motor at the 2020 Auto Expo and will be introducing it in XUV300’s upcoming Sportz variant. Ssangyong says that the engine will help Tivoli to do a 0-100 kmph in 10.6 seconds, which is arguably quick for a budget-compact SUV. This same engine is also expected to be introduced in Ford EcoSport, at least for India, as a replacement for the 1 litre EcoBoost engine – as part of Mahindra-Ford JV.

In global markets, Tivoli competes with the likes of Nissan Juke, Seat Arona, Dacia Duster, Hyundai Kona, Vauxhall Mokka and MG ZS. Back at home, its Indian derivative, the XUV300 faces major competition from Vitara Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon and Ford EcoSport.

SsangYong had first launched the Tivoli back in 2015 and it is often credited for turning around the balance sheet for SsangYong. It was the first product from SsangYong’s stable, after Mahindra had acquired a majority stake in the South Korean auto firm. The SUV had achieved quick success and received good response from both Asian and European customers. Over the years, SsangYong has continued to invest in the brand and has introduced regular updates and even additional variants like the Tivoli Air.