THERE has been a long standing collaboration between Renault and Nissan involvimg engines, drivetrains and even complete cars.

And there are many other similar collaborations between manufacturers, which save companies a huge amount in development costs.

Renault and Nissan have shared work on the design and production of both internal combustion engined (ICE) cars and electric models.

And one of the last ICE cars shared between them is the Renault Kadjar, which is based on the Nissan Qashqai, but uses the best from both companies to produce a svelte and sleek crossover that looks more like a larger Captur than anything else - and unmistakably a Renault.

However, don't be fooled by its looks, only the top of the range diesels are available with four wheel drive so the majority will only fair slightly better than a normal hatch if taken off-road.

The Kadjar was made between 2015 and 2022 and probably the main seller from the range was the 1.5 diesel, one model of which is capable of an incredible 74 miles per gallon with very low emissions. It reaches 60 miles an hour from rest in about 11.5 seconds.

There are two other diesels - a 1.6 and a 1.7. The 1.6 has 130bhp and comes with a standard automatic gearbox. It reaches 60 in 10.7 seconds and should give a very best of 58mpg.

The 1.7 has 150bhp and drops the sprint by a second while being rated at 55mpg.

The petrol range includes four different engines at different times, and some are only available with the higher levels of trim.

The lowest powered is a 1.2 turbo that has 130bhp and gets to 60 in 9.8 seconds while managing a best of 50mpg.

Next comes a 1.3 turbo with either 140 or 160bhp. Both oddly cover the sprint in 9.5 seconds and can do 47mpg.

Finally, there was an earlier 165bhp 1.6 turbo that got to 60 in 8.9 seconds and was also capable of 47mpg.

They all drive beautifully with very smooth engines that are willing and easy to live with. The 1.5 diesel is quite slow but it does offer superb economy.

Refinement is excellent on the move, and all are well insulated from both the road and the passing air.

They are also very comfortable over all surfaces, rolling over the worst of lumps and bumps without a murmer, and taking speed humps with disdain.

They also cling on very well through the corners, albeit with a little roll as you might expect from such a high sided vehicle.

Manuals all have a six speed gearbox with an easy change and a light clutch, and the brakes are excellent.

Despite the sleek shape, there's plenty of room inside, with good rear legroom and headroom and a big boot.

The Dynamique S Nav in the middle of the range is very well equipped, and comes with climate control, DAB radio and Bluetooth, good sat nav, remote stereo controls on the steering wheel, voice activation, start/stop, and a system that reads traffic signs and warns when you go over the speed limit!

There's also lane departure warning, self-levelling headlights, traction control and part leather upholstery.

Pay about £10,150 for a '19 19-reg Expression+ BlueDci 1.5 diesel, or £18,100 for a '21 21-reg GT-Line 1.3TCe 140bhp petrol.