Land Rover Range Rover Supercharged V8 Vogue SE

Costs

Anyone who hasn't been earmarked for the board need not apply. Even the 'cheapest' Range Rover will set you back the best part of GBP46,000. Add on the price of insurance (minimum group 13, maximum group 17) and the horrendous fuel bills (24mpg is the best you can hope for) and you are looking at one costly motor.

Space and practicality

The cabin provides more than enough room for one six-footer to sit comfortably behind another. Headroom is more abundant at the front but hardly scarce at the back. The boot is spacious enough for several large suitcases or a large supermarket shop. A ski bag that slots into the ski hatch in the rear seat is a handy feature. There are also several conveniently placed cubbyholes dotted throughout the cabin.

Controls and display

The dials on the main instrument binnacle feature a classy chrome-effect rim which is nicely set-off by the black background. A seven-inch touch screen sits in the middle of the dash and can be used to control various features and functions. The steering wheel has a number of buttons, which is handy and safe. Every knob and dial has a nicely weighted feel, as though they have been hewn from stone and set in place by a master craftsman.

Comfort

Comfortable isn't the word when it comes to describing the feel of the Range Rover's cabin. The wide seats are sumptuous, the steering wheel is heated, the carpets are deep, the climate control works well and even the wind and road noise is impressively suppressed. There may be a rip-snorting V8 block pulsating away a few feet from the driver and passangers, but you wouldn't know it. Serene is the word that springs to mind.

Car security

Central locking and an ultrasonic alarm system are charged with keeping the Range Rover safe from any unwanted attention. Given the sums of money involved, buyers may wish to fit a Tracker system in case the unthinkable should happen.

Car safety

Eight airbags as standard coupled with Hill Descent Control (HDC), Electronic Traction Control (ETC), ABS and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) should make the Range Rover a pretty safe bet. Also take into account the fact that we are talking about something that weighs more than two and a half tonnes. Barring lorries, everything else on the road is going to come off second best.

Driver appeal

This section has to be split into two halves in order to do the Range Rover justice. Off-road and the big bruiser is far more capable than its 'Chelsea Tractor' nickname suggests. Dips, gorges, brooks, muddy banks - the Range Rover gobbles them all up. On road and with the suspension lowered, the Rover is every bit as composed as a large executive saloon with air suspension. It is of course top heavy, but the amount of body roll encountered rarely sets the nerves on edge.

Family car appeal

Wealthy families, yes. There is plenty of space and room for two adults, three kids and a load of stuff. The DVD system for the rear seats will also help to ward off the dreaded chorus of ""Are we there yet?"".

First car appeal

Unless your father is a member of the aristocracy, a footballer or famous rap star then the chances are a Range Rover will be out of the first time buyer's price range. Even if money weren't an issue, the skill and experience required to steer this luxury barge along narrow city streets is probably beyond the capability of most novices.

Quality and image

There is no more desirable brand within the SUV market segment than Range Rover. BMW, Mercedes and Porsche may try to top the British marque in terms of quality and style but they always seem to fall short.

Accessibility

It may seem to be a massive step up, and the less limber will certainly struggle to hoist their backsides into the cabin, but for the majority of people a stepladder will not be required. Shorter persons will find reaching all the way into the back of the loading bay an arduous task.

Stereo and ICE (In car entertainment)

An impressive Harman/Kardon stereo unit with 14 speakers makes a welcome appearance in the Range Rover's cabin and more than manages to drown out any unwanted aural intrusions. 'VentureCam' is featured on Vogue models and allows budding 4x4 enthusiasts to keep an eye on what's happening on their offside. SE models also benefit from a rear screen DVD entertainment system, to help keep the kiddies entertained on long hauls.

Colours and trim

There is a fantastic array of bizarrely named colours from which to choose, including Zambezi Silver, Bonatti Grey, Java Black and Adriatic Blue. If you want to go for the menacing look, then Java Black is the obvious choice. Zambezi Silver or Bonatti Grey are nicely subdued by comparison. Supercharged versions benefit from Piano Black interior trim, which looks classy. Ivory leather trim is also a nice touch.

Parking

HSE model gain a reversing camera and parking distance control. Those who buy entry level TD6 and V8 models will have to use their own skill and expertise when performing tight manoeuvres. Visibility is pretty good and the driver does have an elevated driving position, but the sheer size of this beast will cause many drivers problems.

Spare wheel

A full-sized spare wheel is fitted as standard beneath the boot floor.