IT never ceases to amaze how Renault bounced back from a real crisis some years ago when models ranges were slashed, to the massively powerful position it occupies in today's market.

In addition to acquiring a bargain range, the Romanian car maker Dacia, Renault focused closely on customer demands and hurled itself into providing some of the best crossover styles available.

One such is the Kadjar, big brother to the successful Captur which comprises a strong range of highly-efficient two and four-wheel drive models.

It is built on the versatile new Renault-Nissan Alliance CMF platform which means it has out of sight links to vehicles such as the successful Nissan Qashqai - but this is a very different animal to the Nissan.

The Kadjar features an effervescent French character and makes a positive visual statement that it is there to help you enjoy life a little more. It has a hefty in-your-face stance with the massive Renault grille that says "I'm a Renault so how's about that!" Obviously not a trace of understatement.

Renault was previously well known for being a pioneer in the world of people carriers so its attack on the SUV and Crossover market was logical.

It all started at the Geneva Motor Show in 2000 with the original Koleos - again a Renault-Nissan Alliance project.

Then in 2013 Captur appeared and was a hit with its urban approach to motoring, and the Renault juggernaut began to pick up pace.

The Kadjar is an all-weather soft-roader crossover for those who want a lot more from their everyday vehicle.

Of course it can be used as an everyday car with its 2WD version or mode but it can tackle some tough tracks with all-wheel drive versions that can be fine-tuned according to road surface and weather.

But there is much more than a hatch/SUV cross with this model as it is also a credible estate car. There is a boot-mounted One-Touch easy folding rear seat system on the Dynamique S model and above.

It is easy to release and fold the 60/40 split rear seats in one action. There are high and low boot floor positions which offer simplified loading or increased boot capacity according to requirements.

I tried the Dynamique S Nav dCi which proved pleasant and engaging to drive.

With a respectable economy figure of 74.3mpg it could achieve 113mph and accelerate to 62mph in 11.9 seconds. CO2 emissions are low at 99g/km.

One of the biggest problems the Kadjar has to face is competition.

There are some formidable contenders out there including the SEAT Ateca, so it has to be good.