If safety, style, an elevated driving experience and fuel efficiency are top of your list of priorities when shopping around for your next family car - the Ssangyong Tivoli ticks all the boxes.
Described as a compact SUV, the Tivoli features the latest in safety innovation, is sure to turn heads on the school run and is so affordable given it's starting price of just €19,995, low fuel costs and road tax. With a five year service guarantee this city car will handle well in both winter conditions and off-road with an optional 4-wheel drive available on the DLX model.
The drivers cockpit of the car feels spacious and luxurious. My test car was furnished with an easy-clean cream leather interior and had ample leg headroom. Mums will love this car, which avoids any strain on your back getting in and out of this compact SUV, with its lovely elevated position on the road and waist height boot space.
The rear bench is fitted with three seat belts and a handy hidden drinks holder in the centre arm rest. In fact, the Tivoli provides numerous storage spaces around the interior, my children loved hiding their travelling companions in them!
The boot is not as big as you might expect in an SUV since the Tivoli is the compact version of an SUV. But it is the perfect size for a family's weekly grocery shopping and fold up stroller. And should you require additional space the rear bench seats fold flat in two sections if the need arises. The roof rails available on the DLX model which I test drove, lend themselves to adding a roof box when travelling on big trips.
What blew me away about this car was the fuel efficiency. I travelled around much of the east coast of Ireland in this car for a couple of weeks and the fuel gauge barely moved. I was test driving a 1.6 diesel model and it was as quiet as a mouse!
With so many luxury features as standard, the SsangYong Tivoli offers families and young professionals a truly exceptional value for money. The dual control air conditioning, Bluetooth, USB and iPod features, consistent tyre pressure monitoring and steering wheel controlled cruise function, all make this car a joy to drive every time. My children and I especially loved the gentle musical jingle that greeted us and bid us farewell when turning the ignition on and off.
For those who don't mind paying a little extra, you can benefit from parking assistance in the form of a rear parking camera and front and rear parking sensors. My test car sported these extras along with a heated steering wheel and seats offering extra comfort on those cold winter days. 
Safety is of course the biggest priority for families and this is where the Tivoli excels. With most of its body built with high-strength steel in order to minimise collision impacts, a further ten key areas of the car have been reinforced with hot-formed steel for the maximum protection of drivers and passengers. Those who upgrade from the standard model benefit from an automated braking system to which senses a pending collision, while the lane assistance system ensures your optimum position on the road.
Find out more about the SsangYong Tivoli here
