There are two distinct behind the wheel experiences with the Land Rover Sport – those from before Summer 2009 and those after. Both benefit from the traditional Land Rover ‘command’ driving position – high up with a great view of the road ahead and have multi-adjustable seats for a comfortable driving position, but the later cars have a vastly more upmarket interior.

Cars from the first four years of Sport production have a rather functional and utilitarian interior, whilst those built later are even better quality and use materials and technology that you’d normally find in top-end saloons. An important addition to the cabin is a centrally-mounted colour screen that shows information for sat nav, stereo, heating and ventilation and telephone systems.

It’s touch screen, which helps to eliminate many of the buttons that were on the previous dashboard for a more sophisticated appearance.

For long journeys few other 4x4s can come close to Range Rover Sport comfort levels and refinement. This is where the Range Rover Sport excels with a supremely comfortable ride and little body roll through corners. Hard acceleration and braking can result in pitching and diving – not ideal for those who are easily travel sick, but in everyday conditions it’s composed and smooth.

It can carry five adults in wonderful comfort thanks to sumptuous armchair-like seats and practically no wind or road noise. The TDV8 engine can be a little loud under hard acceleration but otherwise is suitably hushed while the V8 supercharged delivers a characterful burble.