The SsangYong Tivoli is central to this aim, its built on an all-new platform to compete with cars such as the Nissan Juke, Ford EcoSport and the Vauxhall Mokka in the ever-popular (and still growing) small crossover market. While the Tivoli can’t match the striking styling of the Juke, this is arguably the best-looking SsangYong yet, and the company is claiming to have taken massive strides on the inside, too. The car will also come loaded with kit, including an optional seven-inch central screen on the dashboard.
Pros Spacious for its size Generous standard equipment Cheap
Cons Not as striking as the Juke Quality falls behind the best in class Bland to drive
The Ssangyong Tivoli competes in the small SUV market, alongside rivals such as the Nissan Juke and Kia Soul. These cars offer the look and feel of an off-roader, but with performance and running costs more akin to a family hatchback. Do bear in mind, however, they’re better suited to on-road driving than traversing muddy lanes. That’s certainly the case with the Tivoli, although unlike its aforementioned rivals, you can order it with four-wheel drive on higher trims. A 1.6-litre petrol or 1.6-litre diesel is available throughout the range, combined with a six-speed manual gearbox. A six-speed automatic is available for both engines on all but the entry-level SE.
You can put aside your reservations about the SsangYong badge, because the Tivoli is a thoroughly capable small crossover for the money. It’s not the most stylish inside or out, and it won’t win awards for ride comfort or refinement, but you get a lot of space and kit for little financial outlay. The latter two points are especially true of the Tivoli XLV, but it’s more expensive, and we'd go for the two-wheel-drive version to save some money. The standard Tivoli is decent to drive, while with the diesel engine and is by far the best on-road car SsangYong has built yet.
The Ford EcoSport looks to be a worthwhile offering in the subcompact segment.Although the Ford EcoSport is just now arriving in the United States, the automaker was actually one of the first to get in on the pint-size crossover game.
Pros Cheeky style Clean-looking interior Choice of powertrains Tailgate door could be useful
Cons No AWD with 3-cylinder Has been on sale globally for a long time Tailgate may also be inconvenien
The EcoSport truly embraces the tiny ethos. It’s 16.8 inches shorter in length than an Escape and rides on a 6.7-inch-shorter wheelbase. Even within its competitive set—which includes the Jeep Renegade, the Honda HR-V, and the Chevrolet Trax, among others—the EcoSport is the runt of the litter. The Ford’s wheelbase is the shortest of the group, and most of its competitors are at least a half-foot longer overall.
Pros User-friendly tech, park it anywhere, all-wheel drive is available.
Cons Tight back seat, modest power, drinks gas like a bigger SUV.
Pros Cute-ute styling fits with Ford showroom Very nice interior materials Lots of headroom Large cargo area with seats folded Sync3, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto available Sync3, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto available
Cons Side-hinged rear swing gate not good for urban parking Unknown horsepower figures Lesser trim models won’t have 8-inch screen Cargo room is tight with seats up Unknown fuel economy ratings
