RENAULThas needed a ‘proper' crossover in its range for some years and now it has one right up with the best of the rest.

The Kadjar - as it is called - sits comfortably close to the top of a class that includes its sister car the Nissan Qashqai, the Vauxhall Mokka, MINI Countryman and excellent Suzuki Vitara.

Like those others, most models have the looks of a 4x4 without the all wheel drive, but this is available at the top of the range, with the most powerful 1.6 dCi diesel engine.

I've been driving what is likely to be the best seller - the 1.5 turbo diesel in Expression+ trim, and found it a great companion over many miles of varying roads.

Although I've heard that models fitted with larger wheels and lower profile tyres suffer from an unsettled ride at slower speeds, this car was comfortable over just about every surface.

It was also very well insulated, so that I hardly felt lumps and bumps in the road, and there was very little wind noise. This is unusual for crossovers, where greater height tends to cause more noise from the passing air.

The diesel engine is very smooth and quiet, only occasionally discernable as an oil burner from inside.

And once you find - and turn off - the Eco button, the performance is surprisingly good and much better than I had expected.

In eco mode, power is cut electronically to give better economy but I would rather use a lighter right foot and have the urge available if I need it.

The amount of body roll in corners can be a problem with some higher vehicles but not with the Kadjar, which is very composed and safe.

Well-weighted steering gives good feedback and the level of grip and road holding is excellent.

The Kadjar is very easy to drive, with a light clutch, good gearchange and excellent brakes.

There's plenty of space for four, but a third person sitting in the back would have to contend with a flat seat and a large tunnel.

The boot is a very good size - one of the largest in the class I think - and equipment is better than most, with aircon, cruise, audio controls on the steering column, alarm, traction control and 60/40 split, fold flat rear seats.