DRIVINGthrough some narrow country lanes recently I spent every minute taking avoiding action to miss all the potholes.

Our roads really are becoming a dangerous mess because of them.

One driver I saw the day before made a sudden swerve to avoid a particularly bad one and almost hit a lorry coming in the opposite direction.

The situation is getting ludicrous and it is way past time that the government freed up some money to get them all filled in.

That day I was driving the Vauxhall Crossland X, the company's smallest SUV, and if you choose the right model, it can be very good value for your hard earned cash.

I drove what is probably the biggest seller, the SE Nav mid ranger with power from parent company PSA's excellent petrol 1.2-litre three cylinder turbo.

It comes with very good standard kit and with 110bhp on tap, it's also a decent performer, while managing a government average of no less than 58mpg.

I managed 42 in real driving, which is very acceptable, and with low emissions and reasonable business tax, there is a lot going for it.

Many buyers will be delighted by the high driving position, which gives an excellent view all round, but this does mean there is more body lean through faster corners - more than would be expected from an ordinary hatch.

It still holds the road very well and once you get used to the roll, feels safe.

The roll might suggest softer suspension, but in fact, the ride can feel firm on some surfaces, even if it's rarely uncomfortable.

The engine is smooth, quiet and reasonably powerful and gives good performance in most situations. It pulls from low revs in higher gears and also revs sweetly when pressed.

There is a higher powered version of this same engine, with 130bhp, but it's only available in more expensive, higher spec models.

That's a great shame and is short sighted on Vauxhall's part.

The Crossland is very easy to drive, with light controls and that great all round vision helping to make easy car to park.

Don't be fooled by the off-roader looks. This is a car meant for road use because it's not available with four wheel drive, and therefore only has the same amount of traction as any other ordinary car.

Its spacious inside, with room for four adults, or five at a pinch, and the boot is much better than the average hatch, with a split folding back seat to extend it.

The SE Nav comes with plenty of standard kit. The sat nav operates through a large seven inch touchscreen at the top of the centre console and this also has Vauxhall Onstar, an Intellilink infotainment suite, Apple car play and Android auto.

But the screen can be rather slow to respond to inputs, which spoiled it a little.