In fact, it’s hard to think of a conventionally powered family SUV that’s as relaxing to drive in an inner-city environment. And with maximum torque available from a standstill, the Nexo feels very strong off the line – although Tesla drivers (and future Jaguar I-Pace owners, for that matter) are unlikely to be impressed with its 0-62mph time of 9.2sec. Nor, we suspect, will they be that taken with its handling.

This is a heavy car, and it feels it in the bends. Although moderately quick through corners, it feels recalcitrant and unwilling to change direction and then leans noticeably when it finally does so. The steering is also a little difficult to get used to, with inconsistent weighting at faster speeds and very little sense of connection with the front tyres. But then the latter criticism could be levelled at most modern SUVs.

In terms of ride, the Nexo is far more impressive, soaking up the majority of small bumps and undulations remarkably well. Only expansion joints and cracked surfaces send the odd thump through the car's body.

Even these aren't a problem at higher speeds, and the Nexo's driver assistance systems should prove popular with safety-conscious families. With lane-keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control, the Nexo can drive semi-autonomously, although you still need to steer gently to make smooth progress; unlike Nissan’s ProPilot system, if the lane-keeping assistance is left to its own devices (with your hands still on the steering wheel, of course), it tends to pinball beteween the white lines rather than keeping you bang in the middle of your lane.