Porsche Cayenne   Women's view

June Neary checks out Porsches improved Cayenne luxury 4x4

Nobody actually needs a car like this but lots of us would like to own one. You cant move for luxury 4x4s like this one on the county school run but I couldnt really see the point until I tried one. Having done so, Im a little more converted. I love the high driving position, the versatility and the feeling of safety.

The improved styling of the latest version has also helped.

Porsche have thankfully resisted the temptation to attempt to cram seven seats into the Cayenne body and as a result the interior is pleasantly spacious with more luggage space than its direct rivals and plenty of leg and headroom for five passengers. The quality of fit and finish is superior to anything Porsche has produced to date, with a beautifully designed, if surprisingly conservative, fascia.

Since the beginning, the Cayenne has appealed to buyers looking for a sharper, more sporting drive from their 4x4. Despite this, its always been extremely good off road, as long as you dont mind exposing those big alloy wheels to a bit of a pranging. This improved Cayenne aims to improve driveability significantly, thanks in no small part to Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDDC). This system stabilises roll during cornering and is offered as an option on all models.

The result on the road is better handling and agility plus greater directional stability and ride comfort. When off-roading, owners will notice better axle articulation. Engine-wise, the V6 in the entry-level version I tried has been uprated from 3.2 to 3.

6 litres, plus it now uses direct injection technology as well and is good for 287bhp, dropping the 0-60 time down to a mere 7.8 seconds. Direct injection and VarioCam Plus valve control see the Cayenne S get a 45bhp shot in the arm, the mainstay of the Cayenne line up now packing a hefty 385bhp wallop. For those who really want some muscle, theres the 500bhp Turbo which will hit 60 in 4.

8 seconds and keep going until aerodynamics call a halt at 171mph. Porsche Traction Management (PTM) can direct up to 100 per cent of drive to the front or rear wheels if necessary.

I tried the entry-level V6 model here because, to be frank, I think its fantastic value. For well under £40,000, you get Porsche residual values for the price of. well, something that just isnt a Porsche. You also get all the quality youd expect in a £75,000 car, that being the cost of the flagship Turbo model.

You wont expect it to be cheap to run and it isnt. Porsche couldnt bring themselves to do a diesel version, so average fuel consumption will vary between no more than 18 and 22mpg, depending on which model you choose. In other words, dont stop by the recycling bin with one of these and expect people not to laugh.

I wouldnt say Im a convert, either to the Porsche Cayenne or to luxury 4x4s in general. However, Im not target market. For those who are, this Cayenne makes an even more appealing and in entry-level form, surprisingly affordable choice.