SSANGYONG cars seem to have come and gone in the UK in recent years, rather like the automotive equivalent of a pop-up shop or restaurant that's there one minute and gone the next.

Like many Korean car-makers their models have always had a reputation of being cheap and cheerful but all that looks set to change.

Just as Korean firms like Kia and Hyundai have made a determined assault on the European mainstream SsangYong looks set to follow suit.

With the exception of the downright peculiar Rodius (one of those cars only its maker could love surely) I've actually found SsangYong vehicles over the years to be rather good.

Both the Rexton and Korando were SUVs with more than a smattering of style that were also capable and pretty decent all-rounders.

Yes, they had certain limitations but there was no doubting they offered excellent value for money.

Perhaps if the firm had enjoyed a more permanent presence in Europe they would have fared better.

But now SsangYong, having been taken on by Indian firm Mahindra, is back with a vengeance with its latest creation the Tivoli.

A competitor in the compact SUV sector it's aiming to take on the Nissan Juke and Renault Captur.

It boasts a stylish profile that might not be quite as funky as the Juke - favouring a more linear look over the Juke's curves and bumps - but it certainly looks good.

While the exterior impresses the interior is a revelation. Once upon a time Korean cars were let down by poor quality materials and garish instrumentation and switchgear but the Tivoli is easily on a par with established European levels of refinement.

There are three trim levels to choose from - SE, EX and ELX - and all come generously equipped. This EX featured a multi-function leather steering wheel, front fog lights, dual-zone climate control, a seven-inch colour touchscreen with iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, TomTom navigation, font and rear parking sensors and plenty more besides.

The outstanding interior feature on this car was cream leather stitched upholstery which looked decidedly classy - to the point you'd imagine encountering it in a premium marque rather than what's certainly perceived as a budget brand. If you want to imbue your Tivoli with a touch of uber flash individuality you can opt for red leather which costs an additional £350.

In addition there's an abundance of soft touch plastics and well-designed switchgear.

Thanks to its square-ish shape the Tivoli has a roomy and open cabin and both head and legroom for rear seat passengers is excellent. It also has 423 litres of bootspace.

The first Tivolis launched earlier this year were petrol-powered models, with the range starting at £12,950 for an SE and going up to £17,500 for the ELX with automatic transmission.

The 126bhp 1.6-litre unit is an able performer and will deliver 44.1mpg on the combined cycle. In addition it handles well and offers a smooth and comfortable ride.