THERE is a huge range of smaller SUVs out there now and their sales seem to be going through the roof.

These are the cars people want to own - so much so that a major manufacturer like Ford is ditching long time staples like the Focus and Fiesta to concentrate on SUVs, hybrids and electrics.

One company that has been making SUVs for many years is not so well known in this country, but its products are well liked by those who own them.

That company is Korean maker SsangYong, which was taken over fairly recently and renamed KGM.

There is a new range of cars on the way but the smaller Tivoli SUV has been around with updates since 2015.

It's available as both short and long wheelbase models but since apart from extra space, they are identical, I'll concentrate on the more numerous shorter one.

The Tivoli is unusual because it's available with four wheel drive. The majority of other small SUVs can only be had with front wheel drive and therefore have very limited off-road ability.

It is also available with an automatic gearbox, but this hits fuel consumption pretty badly.

It's a very relaxed and easy car to drive, with fair power steering that has a decent amount of feel, and a comfortable ride over almost all surfaces.

But this is not a car in which you look for quick corners because sporty handling is not part of its remit.

And despite decent power outputs, acceleration is not that strong either.

Petrol engines start with a non-turbo 1.6-litre that has 126bhp and can get to 60 miles an hour from rest in 11.6 seconds. This one is rated at 44miles per gallon.

Later in the model run, 1.2 and 1.5 turbos were introduced. The 1.2 also has 126bhp, which is enough for a 60 sprint of 12 seconds. It's good for 40mpg.

The 1.5 boasts the top power output of 161bhp which is enough to bring up 60 in 11 seconds but is pretty thirsty at 39mpg.

All the petrol models are 2WD and the upper two were available with a six speed automatic gearbox.

The single diesel 1.6 produces 113bhp and in standard six speed manual form, is good for 65mpg while getting to the benchmark sprint in 12 seconds.

It's also available with the auto ‘box, but in this combination, economy falls to 51mpg and acceleration is also slower.

In 4WD form, acceleration to 60 takes 12.5 seconds and economy is 60mpg.

The Tivoli has plenty of interior space, with high front seats and room for two big teens or adults in the back.

The views to the front and the side are very good, but the wide rear pillars restrict that and without care, can cause blind spots.

All models come well-equipped with air conditioning, Bluetooth, alloys and cruise control, while mid-range EX versions have leather upholstery, forward collision alert, climate control, reversing camera and a touch screen infotainment system.

Top ELX spec adds sat nav, front and rear parking sensors, automatic lights and wipers, lane departure warning and traffic signal recognition.

Pay about £6,050 for a '19 19-reg 1.6 EX petrol, or £13,500 for a '22 22-reg 1.5 ELX petrol.