Text and photos by Eric Tipan You can’t help but get looks when you’re in a Tivoli 1.6L 6AT Sport R. I try to read faces to at least learn why people seem so puzzled and it seems to be one of only two things, or both, that very unique exterior and/or the unfamiliar badge. That last one may soon change as Korean auto brand, SsangYong, has been doing a marvelous job of overhauling its image with three solid models in the local market. We spend a week with this subcompact crossover to see what toys it has come to play with. Standout looks As with any Tivoli variant, what really catches the eye is that unique body frame that is admittedly like nothing you’ll come across regularly. Blacked out pillars and roof literally sit on white panels — hood, sides and rear, all of which is held up by glossy black 18-inch wheels. Sideview mirrors play around a little bit by inverting the contrast of the colors for effect. Toying around with this two-tone palette is an obvious risk. Certain people will look at it as too flashy while others will say it’s trying to make a statement. Well, both are right. It’s flashing a statement saying, it’s the most stylish SUV out there. Oh, and did I mention that the LED daytime running lamps put a nice touch to the overall look? Mic drop. Efficient drivetrain Even with only a modest 1.6 displacement, the engine is already capable of living up to its Sport trim moniker. Like the engine, the yield also seems inadequate at 128-PS and 160-Nm of torque. But put that in concert with dual Variable Valve Timing (VVT) and you get a harmonious combination of on-demand power and a calm, confident drive. Helping make the drive feeling punchy and alive is a six-speed automatic transmission with Smart Driving Mode (Economy, Winter, Power). Winter and Power are self-explanatory but what I’d like to stress is that even on the default Economy mode, just a little throttle input goes a long, long way. That prompt response may not be so ideal in stop-and-go traffic, so driver’s may need to temper their right foot and drive less aggressively. Combined fuel consumption is 8.7 kilometers per liter. Unique interior The interior is what truly sets this trim apart from the rest of the Tivoli trims and even competitors in the same segment. Bright red leather dominates the five-seater cabin and even highlights each of the four door panels. Again, this is a major hit-or-miss for SsangYong as such an outrageous color can either represent warmth and love, (or if you’ve got a bullish personality), abject hate. Even parts of the dashboard, steering wheel and straps to hold stuff on the backside of the front seats are colored red to match the cabin’s theme. The leather is supple and the seats are firm. The driver’s is manually adjusted, but highly customizable to get a great fit and comfortable position when you’re behind the wheel. The infotainment panel is glossy and houses a seven-inch touchscreen LCD screen that also serves as a reverse monitor. The operating system is third party — Android perhaps —but it serves the purpose of running audio, connectivity and many other tech functions. Sporty is as sporty does The engine output may not set records for an SUV, but that’s not to say it’s a slouch. That initial burst of acceleration will constantly keep you sharp in daily city traffic and will surely bring that rush of adrenaline as you accelerate to max speed on the highway. Handling feedback can be tweaked to suit your taste or mood based on three steering modes: Comfort (minimal steering effort, muted feel), Normal (a tad heavier with tangible response) and Sport (steering reflects vehicle weight much better). All of the above come with the car, plus a hands-free entry system and a Start/Stop button. If you’re looking for a sporty SUV that actually looks the part inside and out, for P1.08-million, you’d be remiss not to shortlist the SsangYong Tivoli 1.6L 6AT Sport R.