Every car needs that little something to make it stand out. Renault’s Koleos ‘crossover’ has it, and it comes in the most unlikely form.

It is not that it has particularly stunning looks, superb specification, nor incredible off-road ability that makes it a winner.

It just that it simply makes life so easy. Hop aboard, a quick glance across the switchgear and controls and everything falls into place.

Some cars leave you feeling that you need to go on a crash Open University course before you will ever get to grips with what they have to offer. Not the Koleos. Everything is plain as day and you feel at ease in minutes.

That’s not to say that there isn’t a whole heap of complicated technology on board. There is, from satellite navigation and Bluetooth telephony to selectable four-wheel-drive and one-touch electronic parking brake. But none of it is in the least bit complicated to operate.

The rounded curvy Koleos bodywork echoes that of some Korean 4x4s and that might not be surprising, as the vehicle is the car has its eyes firmly on the Korean market as a key sales area.

The Koleos is the product of Renault’s alliance with Nissan and comes four years after the founding of Renault Samsung Motors, in Korea, which builds the car.

Renault developed the concept, designed the vehicle, drew up a brief for performance and equipment and supplied the diesel engines. Nissan, in turn chipped in with its tried and tested 4x4 technology.

Finally, Renault Samsung Motors — an 81 per cent Renault-owned subsidiary — is building the Koleos for the world market.

The Koleos is a proper off-roader, with the ability to climb a 27-degree slope, and wade through 18 inches of water.

The test model came with 2.0-litre, 147 horsepower diesel engine in flagship, Privilege, trim. Average best describes the performance figures, which stand at 112mph top speed, a 0 to 62mph time of 12.3 seconds, and an overall fuel consumption in the mid 30s. A punchier 172 horsepower version is also available.

Privilege trim delivers a host of technological goodies, automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a huge panoramic powered glass sunroof.

The price tag is a meaty one, topping £24,000, but you can climb aboard a Koleos from £17,995, and though that is only two-wheel drive, it is fitted with the same diesel power unit.

Cruise control, a speed limiter, 17-inch alloy wheels, roof bars, front fog lamps and air conditioning are standard on all models, all designed to make life as easy as possible.

Auto facts

  • Model: Renault Koleos Privilege dCi 150 auto
  • Price: £24,495
  • Ins group: 11
  • Fuel consumption (Combined): 34mpg
  • Top speed: 115mph
  • Length: 452cm/177.9 in
  • Width: 185.5cm/73in
  • Luggage space: 15.9 cu ft
  • Fuel tank capacity: 14.3 gallons/ 65 litres
  • CO2 emissions: 197g/km
  • Warranty: 3 years/100,000 miles