RENAULT is aiming to Captur your heart by offering the best of three worlds with its new supermini SUV crossover model.

The French motor manufacturer has attempted to combine the styling and driving position of a Sport Utility Vehicle with the cabin space of a people carrier as well as the driving pleasure of a hatchback.

And by and large the Captur succeeds in moulding these ingredients into a tasty dish - while also offering smooth, fluid lines that are easy on the eye, plus extensive options to personalise the vehicle.

Built on same platform as the supermini Clio and Nissan Juke, Captur offers three themed collections - Arizona, Manhattan and Miami - which combine colours and finishes across the upholstery, trim details, wheels, external styling features and paint colours.

For added impact, show-stopping two-tone paint finishes can be specified with contrasting colours for the roof and body.

The striking appearance begins with the in-your-face Renault diamond logo on the nose - set against a contrasting black gloss background - and moves on through nifty headlights and side panels sporting more curves than a supermodel.

But don't be fooled by the chunky plastic cladding and increased ground clearance which seem to point to an off-road capability as all models are front-wheel drive only.

The UK range is available in four trim levels - Expression, Expression+, Dynamique MediaNav and Dynamique S MediaNav.

All models get cruise control, front and rear electric windows, trip computer, hill start assist, electronic stability control, traction control and fuel-saving ECO driving mode.

Renault's hands-free key card with push button start comes with Expression+ while the MediaNav motor includes an integrated multimedia system with seven-inch touchscreen display and Nav'n'Go satellite navigation.

The flagship model I drove also offers a choice of 17-inch Explore alloy wheels as well as electrically adjustable, folding and heated door mirrors, plus tinted rear windows and tailgate.

The cabin offers a generous amount of room for five adults with sliding rear seats and a reasonably generous boot.

If the rear seats are moved back there is space for 377 litres of luggage thanks to a dual-height bootfloor, and this can be expanded to 455 litres with the rear seats pushed forward. The seat backs also split 60-40 giving the Captur a maximum capacity of more than 1,200 litres.

There is plenty of room for odds and sods in the large door bins, dash-top cubby hole and a 1.6-litre storage facility between the rear seats.

The dash is modern and thoughtfully set out, while neat touches include body-coloured foils around the centre console and vents.

As well as the 1.5-litre diesel I drove, the Captur can be specified in either 0.9-litre and 1.2-litre petrols. The diesel claims fuel economy of 76mpg - and to be fair it was very economical. Carbon dioxide emissions are also low at 95g/km.

The five-speed gearbox is neat and tidy and, although the Captur is not going to set anybody's hair on fire, it is reasonably nippy around town and quite happy cruising on a motorway.

Renault's 4+ care programme includes four year/100,000 warranty for motoring peace of mind.

The company expects Captur customers to include couples of all ages, young families plus style-conscious single households - and this stylish compact crossover is unlikely to disappoint.