The Tivoli, Ssangyong Motor’s new flagship compact SUV, is gaining popularity well beyond market expectations, analysts say.

According to market insiders, 9,500 oders for the Tivoli were received by mid-February, one month after its market debut on Jan. 13 orders are expected to exceed 10,000 by the end of the month. The figure is more than one-quarter of Ssangyong’s initial target of 38,500 units in the first year. Insiders say that buyers will face waiting times to receive their cars.

“The Tivoli has nailed the target customers ― those who are young and want to have an affordable SUV as their first car,” a market insider said.

“Before, the so-called entry-car market was filled with sedans but now that SUVs are getting popular, the Tivoli could be the largest beneficiary,” he added. 

The first car to be designed under Mahindra & Mahindra, which acquired the company in 2011, the Tivoli cost the company 350 billion won ($310 million) and took 42 months to develop. Named after the Italian cultural city of Tivoli, Ssangyong says the car is the epitome of its “dignified, dynamic and rhythmical” design philosophy.

The facade was inspired by the wings of a soaring bird. The wheels ― either 16- or 18-inch alloy wheels or 18-inch diamond cut wheels ― reflect the vehicle’s dynamic nature. The chrome line that links the rear doors, front doors, fender and hood symbolizes the Tivoli’s luxury aspect. The interior comes in three colors ― black, beige and red. 

Performance-wise, Tivoli’s powertrain and the e-XGi 160, a newly developed engine, delivers 126 maximum horsepower and maximum torque of 16 kilogram meters.

It has been tested under hot and cold temperatures, in mountainous areas and in deserts to fulfill all driving conditions.

The Smart Steer function, which has normal, comfort and sport modes, maximizes steering control and makes for safer driving, the carmaker said. The electronic power steering also enhances fuel economy.

The suspension system ― MacPherson struts for the front wheels and a torsion beam on the back ― provides softer, more stable driving performance.

The Tivoli’s market perspective is assumed to become even better, especially when all these features come for 16.3 million won.

The domestic SUV market has blossomed in the past couple of years. Even with the market competitors such as Renault Samsung’s QM3 and GM’s Chevrolet Trax, considering the pace of sales, the Tivoli could easily become a market contender, another industry source said.

The global sales are also rosy. China and the U.S. showed 17 percent and 23 percent increases in the so-called SUV B-segment, in October 2014, compared to the same month in 2013.

“The U.S. SUV market has recovered to the level of sales before the 2008 global financial meltdown, and has been growing ever since. This year, Chevrolet’s Trax and Jeep’s Renegade will be released and will fuel the market,” Ssangyong Motor stated.

Ssangyong has long eyed the U.S. market, and registered the names “Tivoli” and “Luvent” with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office last year.

By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)