THE TIVOLI is probably the most disruptive car to enter the crossover sector since the original Nissan Qashqai. Priced to undercut its rivals, equipped to make them all look overpriced and with a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty on its side, it’s a massive eye-opener.

You can now add diesel power to the list of options when buying a Tivoli. A 1.6-litre unit squeezes 113bhp and a meaty 221lb/ft of torque through the front wheels.

That’s plenty given that the car is no fatty, so it delivers the midrange muscle that the petrol model lacks.

Dandy Blue is a winner, with beautiful blue metallic flecks that sparkle in the sun. The car is good looking anyway, having apparently nicked its silhouette from the Kia Soul and then added a healthy serving of its own distinctive styling. The front is prettier than the back, but even the latter hardly leaves you shielding your eyes in horror.

The boot is deep and broad, although you have to lift your bags over the fairly significant load lip. You’ll find ample space for four adults or two grown-ups at the front and three kids across the 60:40 split rear bench seat. Bungee cord stretched across the backs of the front seats is just one of the dozens of practical touches you’ll find. As an everyday car for parents with little people in tow, it’s ruddy excellent.

One caveat is that the lovely, supple perforated leather seats – beige only, for Dandy Blue cars – isn’t especially practical for toddler-related spillages. Liquid mess will sink through the holes in the upholstery and you’ll never get the smell out. Elsewhere, the shiny black centre console plastic picks up fingerprints far too quickly and obviously.

The diesel is tuned to give you a big hit of torque almost straight away as you press the pedal, which takes a little getting used to but means it feels nippy and powerful around town. You sit high, with excellent outward visibility and more than enough comfort for most journeys. I’d like a bit more lower back padding for longer trips, though.

SsangYong has clearly engineered the Tivoli with precision. It feels solid, stable and composed at all times and has extremely strong brakes. They can be a bit grabby, but boy do they stop the car quickly.

The one thing this car really needs is more engine soundproofing. There’s much more old-school diesel clatter audible at low speeds than in rival cars.

The word ‘astonishing’ comes to mind when describing this car’s value for money. Leather seats, a large touch-screen, dual-zone climate control, reversing camera, 18-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth, USB and HDMI inputs are all standard on this mid-range EX model. All for less than £16,000 with a diesel engine. That’s remarkable. This type of car is fast becoming the new compact family hatchback. As more and more people choose compact crossovers instead of the likes of the Kia Cee’d and Vauxhall Astra, the diversity of buyers only increases. From parents and grandparents who love the pricing and warranty backup, to younger drivers who want that big car feel for supermini money, the Tivoli’s appeal is obvious.

This car summed up in a single word: Undeniable.

If this car was a…: housing estate it would be the one you always thought you should avoid, before one day finding out that it’s become the place to be.

 

FACTS AT A GLANCE
SsangYong Tivoli 1.6 e-XDi EX, from £15,850

  • Engine: 1.6-litre turbodiesel producing 113bhp and 221lb/ft
  • Transmission: Six-speed manual driving the front wheels
  • Performance: Top speed 109mph, 0-62mph in 12 seconds
  • Economy: 65.7mpg combined
  • Emissions: 113g/km