THE expansion of crossovers is reaching epidemic proportions. One in every five cars sold around the world is a crossover and now Renault has joined the global frenzy with the Kadjar.

It is the larger sibling to the Renault Captur, which has enjoyed huge success in the mini crossover segment - registering 178,000 sales in 2014.

The Kadjar is beefier and bolder and is squaring up nicely to its number one rival, the Nissan Qashqai, with which it shares the same platform and engine range under the Renault-Nissanalliance.

But don't think that this is merely a French makeover of the Nissan. Far from it. There's plenty of Gallic flavour and flair permeating the 4x2 and 4x4 models being built at Renault's Spanish factory in Palencia.

Just to hammer home the point, Renault say the new mid-size crossover has 95 per cent unique visible parts.

The company's global focus with the spacious family-sized SUV has extended to the Far East where the Kadjar is set to become the first Renault to be produced in China.

It is a measure of the rapid rise it has made in this particular sector since 2011 when the compact Captur first brought Renault into the crossover arena, though not on the world stage like the Kadjar.

With three engines, two gearboxes and two drive systems, there are 18 versions available in the UK range. They offer fuel economy of up to 74.3mpg and C02 emissions that dip as low as 99g/km.

The three engines are a 1.2-litre 128bhp turbo petrol unit, a 1.5-litre 110bhp diesel unit and a 1.6-litre 130bhp diesel which can be available with 4x4.

The latter, in top Signature Nav trim and liveried in an eye-stopping Flame Red, boasts 0-62mph in 9.9 seconds, while registering reasonable emissions of 117g/km.

Average fuel consumption is 62.8mpg, but driven briskly along some demanding routes in the North Yorkshire countryside, the average registered around 43mpg.

It handled well while pressed along glorious fast-pace stretches, feeling composed and confident despite some interesting cambers. With the tempo turned down and in town, the "three-in-one car" makes for easy and stress-free driving.

Slightly over 200 miles was registered on the clock, yet despite its newness, the car felt impressively flexible. Strangely, it was the 1.5-litre 110bhp diesel-powered version (expected to be the best seller) which proved more flexible with smoother pedal operation and which was slicker through the six-speed box.

There are four trim levels and stacks of equipment - even at entry level. Standard equipment includes ABS, EBD, Emergency Brake Assist, ESC stability control with traction, cruise control, Hill Start Assist and six airbags. The entry level Expression+ also comes with auto electronic park brake, front fogs, LED daytime running lights, electric windows, air con, Bluetooth and more.

There's a pzazz about the Kadjar, and its sculptural lines and body swirls harmonize well with the car's bold attitude. This, and the generous interior which offers good head and legroom - and "class-leading elbow room" - provide a very stylish and practical crossover for the French car's first venture into the mid-size crossover market.

Very much a car for all seasons and environments, it has a five-star NCAP safety rating.

Renault predict 80 per cent of demand will be for the diesel engines while they reckon that only around eight per cent of buyers are likely to opt for the all-wheel-drive version.

On-the-road prices range from £17,995 to £26,295. CO2 emissions range from 99g/km to 130g/km.