The Range Rover Sport is the smaller, sportier version of the standard Range Rover. It costs significantly less but is many people’s favourite. On the road, it’s one of the best in class – it is a close call between it and the BMW X5. The cabin is probably the best around with some lovely touches and lots of spec (the dashboard is smartly laid out and full of innovation). Everything is at your fingertips. For a 4x4, the Range Rover Sport handles really well and grips with real tenacity. It feels really sturdy and planted on corners, thanks to the excellent chassis. The ride quality on the road is smooth and the steering is particularly responsive. It is also excellent off-road where, again, the technology makes sure the passengers are treated to a comfortable ride. Although not officially NCAP tested, the Land Rover Discovery on which it is based scored 4 out 5 for safety when it went through, so the Sport should be more or less on par with that.  The engines are excellent and their power and speed show why the Sport is so well liked - 0-60 in 11.9 (2.7 TDV6), 8.7 (3.0 SDV6), 8.6 (3.6 TDV8), 7.2 (4.2 V8 supercharged), 8.2 (4.4 V8), and 6.0 seconds (5.0 V8 supercharged).

•  Lots of kit that is expensive to replace, check it all works properly

•  Excellent to drive both on and off-road

•  Great range of capable and powerful engines

•  A good bit less expensive to buy than the standard Range Rover

•  Practical, spacious cabin, huge boot, and seats fold completely flat

•  Not the most efficient engines in terms of emissions and fuel usage