Range Rover   Women's view

Want a 4x4? Want the best? Then you want one of these. June Neary checks out the Range Rover

If you have to ask Why? or How Much?, then you probably shouldnt be considering a new Range Rover in the first place. Yes of course you can buy a luxury 4x4 for less than £50,000. And yes of course, it doesnt seem to make much sense paying all that money for off road ability that youll never use. But thats not the point.

This is a status symbol the ultimate status symbol in fact for country dwellers. And, like everyone else, Im not averse to having a status symbol parked in my driveway. The sheer bulk of the thing can tend to put you off if you stand too long looking at the thing but from behind the wheel, you really dont notice it. What you do notice are the sales reps scrambling to get out of your way in the fast lane as this British icon bears down upon them.

For that if nothing else, the Range Rover makes it onto my wanted list.

The original Range Rover was all about practicalities. You could, after all, wash the inside out with a hosepipe. The idea of doing that to the current version send shivers up the spine. Today, this is a car whose interior ambience is closer to an Aston Martin than anything else, with quality trim materials tastefully integrated, lustrous pleated leather seats and intelligent use of aluminium and chrome finishing on the dashboard.

The effect is tasteful, restrained and isnt going to date as quickly as a more extreme design. Some of the minor controls are obviously BMW-sourced but then thats no bad thing. I wasnt sure about the styling but most new owners seem to like it. Land Rover reckon it to be essential that people instantly recognise this car as a Range Rover and most will.

The exterior is modern yet retains all the distinctive styling cues, as well as introducing some new ones. The headlamps remind you of the MK1 model, while the vertically stacked indicator units seem to be, in concept at least, borrowed from the utilitarian Defender. This feature is mirrored with the tail lights and indicators, narrowed to allow a wide opening tailgate. Talking of the tailgate, I was pleased to find that its still in two pieces, so you can easy get at your shopping and fold the bottom bit down for tailgate picnicking if youre in to that sort of thing.

Engine-wise, theres a choice of 4.4-litre V8, 4.2 supercharged V8 or TDV8 turbo diesel power. This car is no less than 291mm longer than the MK2 version.

Its also 46mm higher, but in an effort to take the sweaty palms out of city driving, its also 37mm narrower. A longer wheelbase means that interior space, especially for rear passengers and luggage have been hugely improved, but weight has increased, the V8 model weighing a hefty 220kg more than its predecessor.

As youd expect for the cash, theres no shortage of technology built into the latest car. The automatic gearbox includes all the proper off-road functions Range Rover buyers now expect, such as a high/low transfer box and Hill Descent Control. A Steptronic manual override option allows drivers to switch ratios manually but like most Tiptronic-style boxes, you soon get bored of rowing the thing along and leave the transmission in Drive. The superb Terrain Response system now features making the Range Rover exceedingly capable both on and off the tarmac.

The all-independent suspension set up gives the car a standard of ride that is quite simply in a different league to any other 4x4. And, as you might expect, I particularly liked the air suspension system that allows the car to be lowered for dignified mini-skirted exits. Although this Range Rover may be used as the ultimate urban battle bus, should the need to take it off-road beckon, a Torsen centre differential should make sure you return safely.

At prices starting from around £54,000, it depends on how you define value for money. Yes, you can spend less and get a large, plush off roader that does much the same job. But it wouldnt have the same ride or refinement, it wouldnt have the same on-road presence, it wouldnt have the same off road ability. In short, it wouldnt be a Range Rover.

The latest models benefit from an electronic park brake, more effective four-zone air conditioning plus the option of cooled front seats. Theres also a climate control windscreen and side glass, available in conjunction with automatic rain and light sensing. The options list includes such niceties as satellite navigation, a voice activated telephone and a winter pack that features a heated steering wheel.

Were I to own this car, some extension work would need to be undertaken on my garage but it would be worth it. If you want the very, very best, then youll want one.