How a car looks may not be at the top of a fleet manager’s agenda, but it is still an important part of the decision process for the driver.

Personally, I like my car to stand out from the crowd and my long termer, the ASX 4 1.8 DI-D 4WD, definitely ticks that box.

My previous long-termer, the Nissan Qashqai, has become so popular that I could not drive anywhere without seeing another.

The ASX has an aggressive and edgy stance on the road that gives it a powerful and rugged look helped by the jet-fighter-themed grille.

The wheelbase matches that of the current Outlander and the ASX has been admired by friends and family for its spacious interior and boot space.

In contrast to the stand-out exterior, the interior focus is on comfort and practicality. The controls are easy to use and the specification includes leather heated seats – a particular bonus at this time of year.

On a recent weekend trip to Norfolk, the ASX was able to show off its off-road capabilities when driving through small country lanes and gravel drives on my way to the remote lodge I was staying in.

I was surprised at how easily it managed the tricky terrain and the ride and handling proved to be excellent.