Once, four wheel drive was the buzz-word. Then it was the multi-purpose vehicle, then the sports activity vehicle. Currently, the buzz-word is crossover. A crossover is a combination of four-wheel drive, compact MPV, and with a bit of sports activity function too. One of the latest to throw its hat into the ring in the crossover sector is Renault with its Koleos.

This attractively styled model is powered by a diesel engine, offering 150 hp, but the flagship version is slightly more powerful at 175 hp. It’s a 2.0-litre unit which in 150 hp form offers around 40 mpg in combined use, with a flagship version offering 35.8 mpg. Koleos prices start at £17,995 for the entry-level Dynamique trim. Most people will probably choose an S version starting at £19,495, and my test model was one of the top versions in Privilege spec, priced at £24,495.

Even in entry level form, the Koleos offers air-conditioning, alloys, CD player, all-round power windows, cruise control and a lot of detail features as standard. The test model Privilege version added such features as climate control, an electronic stability programme, leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof, Bose sound system, satellite navigation, heated front seats and cornering headlamps among its additional features.

The Koleos has permanent four wheel drive, but there is a two-wheel drive variant available for customers who don’t need the four wheel drive option. There’s a six-speed manual transmission as standard, with the option of a six-speed auto box as well. Renault says that the Koleos is “ideal for escaping from the everyday routine” and it’s certainly comfortable, easy to drive, quite versatile and it does have some genuine off-road ability so it ticks all those boxes. The visual design is attractive though within its sector not particularly distinctive. But it really scores points once you get behind the wheel.

The dashboard is laid out logically and its very user friendly, the seating’s extremely comfortable and there’s a lot of room for front and rear seat occupants. There’s also a neat feature at the back, the tailgate can open in two sections, the upper part to just drop in small items, or you can load bigger, longer items by dropping the lower section too.

The practicality continues with an easy to fold rear seat which drops down with just one pull of the lever, and it leaves an absolutely flat load floor for additional ease of loading. There are also a lot of stowage points right through the cabin, including a cooled 15-litre glove box. There’s also a removable bin in the centre console, and a drawer beneath the front passenger seat.

Out and about, the Koleos drives beautifully with one of those 'I’ve been driving it for years' feelings coming over you within just a few minutes. It’s not as tall as some four-wheel drives, so there’s less pitch and roll on cornering and the overall driving impression scores well. It has a very comfortable ride quality, and you feel it is a vehicle you can drive all day long without feeling fatigued.

The test model had the larger-powered diesel engine, and it performed with great fluency. The 0-60 mph time is 9.9 seconds, oddly enough, virtually identical to the smaller 150 hp engine. Top speed is 119 mph, and the combined fuel figure was 35.8 mpg.

The Koleos is a pleasant to drive pleasant to be in cross-over vehicle. It does everything well, though I didn’t find it quite remarkable enough to guarantee it dominate a very competitive sector.

For: Nice driving dynamics, roomy and versatile interior, and Renault’s chic cachet

Against: Routine visual styling.