SUV to save money in style

the ELX top-of-the range version we tried with leather heated seats, sat-nav, reversing camera, parking sensors front and back, cruise control, keyless entry and start, auto headlights and wipers, ESP with hill start assist, 18” alloy wheels, air conditioning and a 7-inch infotainment touch screen on the long list of standard fittings - and all for under £20,000.

Missing is DAB radio, which is a surprise, but there is something I have not seen before on a budget SUV, adaptable steering. This is a switch on the dashboard which has the choice of Sport, Normal and Comfort with the first one given the more responsive feel at the wheel.

Unlike the standard Tivoli, which also has a petrol version on offer, the XLV only comes with a 1.6, 113bhp turbo diesel - but it has plenty of power and, linked to our car’s auto box, provides quite a pleasant driving experience.

Performance figures are 0 to 62 in 12 seconds and a 108mph top speed while, more importantly at the budget end of the market, fuel consumption is a quite respectable 48mpg combined and over 57 extra urban (the manual claims more than 62).

With the range starting from £18,750 for the 2WD manual going up to our XLV (but with ‘on demand’ 4x4) at £21,000 price is once again SsangYong’s big selling point as it is considerably less than its similarly-specced main rivals.

Also, later this year, the Tivoli is due to get even better with a suite of new safety features being added including Autonomous Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning and Traffic Sign Recognition.

Our car was £19,750 on the road and represents great value especially with SsangYong’s five year unlimited mileage warranty - which makes it well worth a look, provided you are not someone for whom the badge on the bonnet is a prime concern.