To look at the two vehicles side by side it would be easy to believe that the only thing the Renault Kadjar and Nissan Qashqai have in common are their unusual names.

They do, in fact, share more than 60 per cent of their parts but whereas the Japanese crossover wears an off-the-peg suit the Kadjar is clothed in a rather more bespoke outfit.

It’s bold nose carries a huge Renault logo while the swept back headlights surrounded by the C-shaped daytime running lights creates a dynamic, fluid front end. That theme continues along the flanks where prominent curves and creases lend it momentum while the rear wheel arches blend into the rear, housing the distinctive, and distinctively Renault, tail lamps

The interior is a relatively straightforward affair with rather less of the creative flourish that adorns the exterior. The materials are first-rate – at least those above eye level – and the build quality is excellent. There’s harder plastics in evidence lower down in cabin but you’ll have to look reasonably hard to find them, if you’re so inclined.

The infotainment system is simple to use and sat nav is standard on all models with, erm, Nav in their name. It’s a relatively basic system that doesn’t feel as integrated as it should but it didn’t get me lost, it was easy to program and the instructions were nice and clear.

All versions in the range come with Bluetooth handsfree and audio streaming. It was a straightforward process to pair my phone and listen to my particularly tasteful collection of music

Passenger space, while not quite the best in class, can still accommodate four six-footers in reasonable comfort. The middle seat on the rear bench, as is usually the case, will be a bit of a squeeze for whoever draws the short straw but there’s no shortage of headroom.

The high seating position provides a commanding view of the road and the excellent all-round visibility ensures that, despite its size, the Kadjar is easy to manoeuvre in even the tightest of spaces.

The controls have a nice weight about them and the accurate, linear, steering provides a pleasing amount of feedback. It grips well through corners with minimum body roll but the suspension is the perfect compromise of ride and handling, meaning that you’ll be comfortable on all but the very worst road surfaces, where the Kadjar can be a little fidgety.

The cabin is fairly well insulated from external sounds and the diesel engine in my test car really only made itself known under heavy acceleration. Once up to speed there was only a slight whistling around the A-pillars to disturb the otherwise tranquil interior.

Despite its shared origins the Kadjar is actually a little larger on the inside than the Qashqai. Renault haven’t achieved this with clever packaging, they simply increased the rear overhang, adding 42 litres to the 430-litre capacity of the Qashqai’s boot. Stow the rear seats away and that rises to 1,478.

The Kadjar, then, is nowhere near as silly as its name would suggest. It drives well, is comfortable and accommodating. It’s also one of the better-looking crossovers and looks, despite what we’d like to believe, are important. The top spec models are on the expensive side but you’re getting a substantial amount of car for your money and that initial outlay is offset by the low running costs.

Renault Kadjar Dynamique S Nav DCi 130

Prices: from £17,995.

As tested: £20,495

Engine: 1.6-litre diesel

Transmission: 6-speed manual

Max power: 130hp

Max torque: 236lbft

Max speed: 118mph

Acceleration (0-62mph): 10secs

Urban: 55.4mpg

Extra urban: 68.9mpg

Combined: 62.8mpg

Emissions (CO2): 113g/km

For more information visit www.renault.co.uk