RENAULT'S largest SUV of recent years is the Koleos, which is based largely around the excellent Nissan X-Trail as part of the long-standing agreement between the the two companies.

Its a great looking, sophisticated and well equipped large family car that was produced between 2017 and 2020.

Such a short run seems odd by today's standards, but the company's smaller SUV the Kadjar - based on the Nissan Qashqai - is due to be replaced.

The new model will no doubt be bigger and will definitely have a seven seat option so it will be the Koleos' replacement.

There are no petrol engines just two diesels which is rather odd on these days of the government trying to cut sales because of emissions.

The lower powered unit is the well-known 130bhp 1.6 used in many Renault cars, and then there's the 2.0-litre I've already mentioned with 175bhp.

Both are reasonaably smooth and refined, but the 2.0-litre is the only one that comes with four wheel drive and the option of an automatic gearbox.

The 1.6 is only available with front wheel drive and it covers the 0 to 60 miles an hour sprint in 11.1 seconds, while managing a very good government economy average of no less than 56 miles per gallon.

The 2.0-litre covers the sprint in 10.4 seconds with a manual six speed gearbox and is still capable of 50mpg.

The quickest model is the automatic, which gets to 60 in 9.2. This uses a stepped CVT system which has seven ratios built in electronically so that it feels more like other autos.

Called X-Tronic, and combined with all wheel drive, this is a very good system where the engine doesnt hit constant high revs if you floor the accelerator.

Both are very car-like to drive and easy to manage in tight spaces, and they are decently comfortable even over rougher road surfaces.

The six speed manual works very well and is easy to use in both models,

The lighter weight and willingness of the 1.6 makes it feel quicker than it is, and it also feels more agile through the corners.

The 4WD 2.0-litre is obviously the off-road king, with a choice of front wheel drive, 4WD auto that brings in the back wheels when needed, and 4WD lock, which sends power equally to both front and rear wheels, but disengages above 25 miles an hour.

The ride is good enough to soak up almost everything in its path, although it occasionally floats a little over undulations and rolls a fair amount when pushed too hard through corners.

The high driving position is excellent one of the main reasons why so many people buy SUVs when they never venture off the tarmac and the seats are pretty comfortable, even if they arent particularly supportive in the corners.

The cabin is a stylish and quiet place to ride, with little noise from the engines but more wind and tyre noise than would be perfect.

The Dynamique S Nav has an excellent range of equipment, including leather upholstery, heated front seats, powered tailgate and loads of safety equipment such as automatic emergency braking, blindspot monitor, lane departure warning and traffic sign recognition.

There is also sat nav, cruise control, traction control, parking sensors, remote control for the DAB infotainment and Bluetooth.

Pay about £13,300 for an 18 18-reg 1.6 Dynamique S Nav, or £20,300 for a '20 20-reg 2.0 Signature Nav auto.