News: SsangYong Tivoli crossover to launch in 2015, rivals Nissan Juke

SSANGYONG made quite an impact at the Paris motor show this year when it unveiled a pair of small SUV concept cars, dubbed the XIV-Air and XIV-Adventure, that not only looked great but also promised to bring a sense of off-road ruggedness back to the city-friendly compact SUV sector.

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Now it is ready to launch them as the Tivoli, a rival to the Nissan Juke that will go on sale in later 2015. Judged from this first image, the showroom-ready car hasn’t strayed too far from its concept counterparts and features tough bashplates, a raised ride height and protective cladding at the rear.

A competitive price tag of around £13,000 is expected for UK models, which places it in firmly in the ring with basic specification Nissan Jukes, although standard equipment on the Trivoli is likely to be generous, with Bluetooth audio, phone-pairing and a rear-view camera said to be fitted to models.

Two engines will be available from launch: a 1.6-litre petrol unit and a diesel of the same capacity, both paired to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. In a nod to SsangYong’s rough n’ tough roots, both two and four-wheel drive variants will come to the UK, which will please drivers who intend to use their crossovers for more demanding purposes than the daily school run.

Exact performance, specification and pricing information is yet to be revealed but SsangYong has said it is considering changing its name to improve traction in European markets.

So don’t be surprised if the Trivoli arrives in showrooms wearing a new nameplate next year.