Renault is entering the crossover segment its Nissan sibling created through use of the underpinnings from the Qashqai. Renault says there is a 60% parts share between that model and its Kadjar, but only 5% of visible elements are lifted from the Nissan.

The most popular engine will be the 1.5-litre dCi 110hp diesel driven here, with 130hp 1.6 diesel and 130hp 1.2 petrol units also in the line-up. The 110 is clearly the best bet, and feels like it loses little in performance terms against the more powerful diesel.

The Kadjar is a good-looking vehicle, and interior design and quality impress. Boot and rear passenger space are also plentiful, and the flexible boot layout is a useful practical point. It is worth noting, though, that the spare wheel is optional, which frees up a load of space, but does leave drivers in danger of being stranded in the event of a tyre mishap.

The ride is a little lumpy over the worst of bumps, but not upsettingly so, and there is plenty of road and wind noise coming around the wing mirrors in particular. Engine noise is, however, well controlled, and the car drives as nicely as should be expected from something based on the excellent Qashqai.

The big bonus, though, comes on paper, with the Kadjar recording an excellent 37.6% residual value. This combines with impressive efficiency figures and a lower P11D price than virtually all equivalent rivals to give the Renault a cost per mile figure that puts it at the top of the pile, ahead of the new Hyundai Tucson, which is significantly less efficient but enjoys a 41.8% residual value, and the Qashqai.

Renault is late to the crossover party, but the running costs, practicality, quality and drive come together to form a proposition to at least match anything in the segment.