FACT - the Land Rover Defender handles with about as much agility as a combine harvester. It's also true that it has comfort levels that could leave you with a hefty bill at the chiropractors, but it is definitely worth noting that this vehicle has an exclusive and well defined place in the motoring marketplace.
In a world where most working vehicles have been fitted with all the creature comforts of a family saloon, the Defender has bucked the trend.
Admittedly luxuries such as a CD player and even air con have been fitted, but to be perfectly blunt the rumbling engine roar virtually drowns out any musical interludes.
Even when you add treats such as electric windows and central locking to the equation there's still no denying the Defender really is a working vehicle and that's it.
The 2.4-litre engine does deliver plenty of oomph, but the Defender really takes an age to work up a head of steam and, once there, the shake factor means visibility through the rearview mirror is virtually non-existent.
Now it may seem that I am being ultra-critical and as a road vehicle or something you might see on the good old school run, the Defender does fall woefully short.
However, bring on a challenge - the tougher the better - and it leaves all its competitors in its wake.
The high seated driving position means outstanding all-round visibility and the toughest vehicle in the Land Rover range just loves to go off-road.
Billed as the multi-tasker of the fleet, the Defender can tow across the most extreme conditions. That explains why it can often be seen pulling a RNLI craft through waves reaching up to the doors... with ease.
In fact, the Defender is used in so many fields nowadays, it can easily be forgiven for its somewhat less-than-comfortable drive.
It is constantly used by rescue services as well as a number of industries including power generation, quarrying, oil exploration, forestry and civil engineering.
Of course, the safety specification on the Defender is outstanding to match its ability off road and includes permanent four-wheel-drive, additional traction control on loose or slippery surfaces, anti-lock brake, 12 forward gears for the ultimate challenge, plus plenty more.
All in all, the perfect vehicle for an all action-packed existence.
FAST FACTS
Land Rover Defender 90 XS
Price: £26,815
Mechanical: 122PS, 2,401cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving four wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 82mph
0-62mph: 15.8 seconds
Combined mpg: 28.3
Insurance group: 12
CO2 emissions: 266g/km
BIK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mileage