Ssangyong Motor’s new compact crossover vehicle the Tivoli is a keeper for those who want an affordable SUV.

Its starting price is 16.3 million won ($15,122), cheaper than that of 22.5 million won for Hyundai’s mid-sized sedan the Sonata, but the performance does not fall short compared to sedans or other compact crossovers.

Some may be wondering about the car’s social implications ― Ssangyong’s mother company Mahindra said that high sales of the Tivoli might bring laid-off workers back to work ― but the car itself is a good choice for every motor lover.

The test drive was held Wednesday on the roads between Yeouido in Seoul and Paju, Gyeonggi Province.

The sound of the engine and everything about the car boasted sportiness. Ssangyong marketing team manager Cho Young-wook said the target customers were those in their 20s and 30s, or people who wanted a compact SUV for their second car.

The car’s powertrain and the 3XGi 160, a newly developed engine, delivers 126 maximum horsepower and maximum torque of 16 kilogram meters.

The Smart Steer function, which has normal, comfort and sport modes, was not significantly noticeable but adds some fun to the driving experience. The steering wheel is also wrapped with a heating coil for wintertime driving.

The steering wheel itself was quite heavy and the pedals were stiff, which brought excitement to the driving.

The engine was quieter than ordinary SUVs, but one still had to speak up to communicate with people in the back seat. Its dual-structure dash panels minimize engine noise, the carmaker later explained.

Despite the car being rather tall, the body itself is rather stable ― the cornering was smooth and did not discomfort the passengers or the driver. The two-row cabin with full-flat folding second-row seats allows for a maximum of 423 liters of storage space, making the car spacious and functional compared to other compact crossovers.

But there are some reservations: The buttons are quite confusing ― because there are many functions and only a small number of buttons, it takes time and skill to manipulate them. They can easily become distracting. It may have been better to have more buttons, or have the buttons attached to the steering wheel.

And at a time when car manufacturers are competing for better fuel economy, Tivoli’s 12 kilometers per liter might seem inadequate to some people.

But at the end of the day, the Tivoli is likely to be a success, because it is an affordable and attractive compact SUV. Ssangyong plans to release its diesel engine model in June.

By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)