FEW vehicles have earned the world-wide reputation and respect of the Range Rover.
Across the globe, its sophisticated, striking looks are recognised as the benchmark for class, stature and presence.
The latest Range Rover is the most refined, luxurious and powerful yet. The range features two new petrol engines, fresh exterior design and a profusion of the latest technology.
Its success story is sure to continue. Quite simply, I can't see a chink in its armour. Perhaps the only thing which may ultimately take some wind out of its sales is the continual rise in fuel prices.
Certainly, more and more people are seeing economy as a major factor when choosing a car and even in the United States buyers are following suit, after the devastating Hurricane Katrina and its impact on oil prices.
However, the new Range Rover's powerful, Jaguar-derived petrol engines offer more performance and better fuel economy than the V8s used in earlier models.
The naturally aspirated 299bhp 4.4-litre V8 Range Rover starts with a roar like an aeroplane. The 0-62mph acceleration time is reckoned to be around half-a-second faster than before and maximum power is increased by 20bhp.
But the engine is lightweight and uses an advanced torque-based management system that, together with drive-by-wire throttle control and variable camshaft phasing, continually adjusts to deliver optimum performance, fuel economy and emissions,
For all that power, officially the Range Rover achieves 19mpg on the combined cycle.
The engine has been further developed to offer more power at lower revs and to operate at more extreme angles to cope with tough off-roading.
It also has improved protection from dust and rocks, and better water-proofing for Land Rover's tough river-wading requirements.
Driving it is not entirely effortless, whatever technology is available. It is a big vehicle and most car park slots aren't built for it.
Helpfully, the new Range Rover has the latest generation ZF six-speed automatic transmission, which offers outstanding smoothness and response. It uses a centre differential which is electronically controlled and improves both off-road prowess and on-road handling.
The steering has also been enhanced while the air suspension and adjustable ride-height has been improved for better performance and comfort.
Externally, there are new front bumpers, new headlamps and tailgate, a new front grille and eye-catching, "shark-like" power vents in the front wings.
Inside are the hallmarks of luxury.You are surrounded by craftsmanship, pleasing aesthetics and expert use of the finest materials.
The high driving position allows potential hazards to be easily sighted and at night a bi-xenon adaptive headlight system provides exceptional illumination, always pointing in the precise direction the driver wants to go.
FAST FACTS
Range Rover Sport 4.4 V8 HSE
Price: £50,000
Mechanical: 299bhp, 4,394cc, 8cyl petrol engine driving all four wheels via 6spd automatic gearbox
Max speed: 130mph
0-62mph: 8.9 secs
Combined mpg: 19
Insurance group: 16
CO2 emissions: 352g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mileage; 6yrs anti-rust