A STRETCHED version of the SsangYong Tivoli will have its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month taking the Korean car maker into the compact SUV market.

With either two or four-wheel-drive the Tivoli XLV is almost 10 inches longer than the standard model and can carry almost twice as much cargo.

As a rival to the likes of the MINI Countryman, the Suzuki S-Cross and the pumped-up Fiat 500 L and X derivatives, the Tivoli XLV has 720 litres of boot space making it one of the most practical cars of its type.

Despite its added length the XLV sits on the same platform as the Tivoli hatchback and has the same wheelbase with the additional space coming at the rear.

Like the hatch it will be available with a choice of 1.6-litre petrol or diesel engines and as a manual or six speed auto.

Full UK specifications have still to be announced but with the Tivoli range costing from £12,750 the XLV is certain to be pitched competitively.

SsangYong will also be showing a larger SUV concept at Geneva which has a 1.5-litre mild hybrid petrol-electric powertrain.

The company says that the SIV-2 concept, which stands for Smart Interface Vehicle, has a lightweight body and its eco-friendly powertrain shows the brand's intentions to develop full hybrid vehicles as well as electric and plug-in hybrid models.