Land Rover Range Rover Estate 2002 - Present

This is the Rolls Royce of the 4x4 market, with a superb ride and serious performance in the more powerful models. The BMW X5 might be the executives favourite, but it doesn't come close to the Range Rover in the refinement stakes. This level of refinement comes at a price though as you can expect big bills whether you are a private owner or a business user, with all models attracting the top company-car tax.

There are two V8 petrol engines; a 305bhp 4.4 and a supercharged 4.2 with 400bhp. All are quick enough but the 4.2 never fails to raise a scream from passengers as their guts are pushed into the back of their seats when you floor the accelerator. The engines are smooth and quiet although there is a touch of wind noise on motorways. All come with a six-speed automatic gearbox as standard. Range Rover appear to have tackled the reliability problems associated with the older model and the build quality is superb.

There are four trim levels: SE, HSE, Vogue and Vogue SE. The supercharged model has its own unique trim. All come well kitted out, with cruise and climate control, alloy wheels and leather trim. It is like sitting in a huge armchair with controls easy to reach and understand. There are some expensive option packs available and worth a look depending on your budget. Choose from satellite-navigation, parking sensors and in-car DVD players. Satellite-navigation and a sunroof come as standard with a few of the models.

All in all it's a fabulous car, which performs adequately off-road, although few drivers will ever experience that. If you're going to drive around town in a posh 4x4, there aren't any better than this.

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