SsangYong Tivoli has proved to be the first truly credible value-brand entrant in the growing small Crossover segment. There, it competes with cars like Renault’s Captur and Nissan’s Juke but it isn’t quite large enough to go up against slightly larger contenders like Skoda’s Yeti and Mitsubishi’s ASX. Here though, is a variant that is - the Tivoli XLV.

Sharing the same platform and 2,600mm wheelbase as the Tivoli, the XLV features a lengthened body from behind the C pillar, an increase of 238mm over the standard car, expanding the load capacity to a huge 720 cubic litres of space. Meanwhile, the styling cues that distinguish Tivoli are retained, including its harmoniously fused SUV body design, sports coupé look and floating roofline.

SsangYong has decided to restrict this XLV model to the best of the engines available in this standard Tivoli, the unit in question being a 113bhp 1.6 e-XDi 160 four cylinder diesel, offered with the option of either two or four-wheel drive and the choice of either manual or automatic transmission. Everything mechanical is exactly as it is in the smaller car, which means that this diesel Tivoli can lug along 1,500kg of braked trailer towing weight.

What you might not expect a small Crossover to be is in any way really capable when conditions or the terrain get nasty. This one though, might surprise you. Indeed, a key reason why you might consider this Tivoli is down to the fact that it’s one of the only small Crossovers you can buy that doesn’t cost ridiculous money in four-wheel drive guise. The ‘Torque-On Demand’ system in question isn’t quite as sophisticated a set-up as you’ll find in some of the brand’s bigger models but it’ll be quite sufficient for the needs of Tivoli owners who might live in remote areas or perhaps need to tow small boats and caravans.

Overall, there may be more dynamic, more efficient choices in this segment but can they really offer enough to justify their higher pricing? Are the products in question really that much better than this one? Try a Tivoli XLV and you may well decide not.

CAR: SsangYong Tivoli XLV
PRICE: £18,750 - £21,000
INSURANCE GROUP: 20
CO2 EMISSIONS: 117 - 164g/km
PERFORMANCE: top speed 109mph [2WD]
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 44.8mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: ESP, ABS, twin front and side airbags
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/height mm 4440/1798/1635