WHEN most people see a large 4x4 on the road, they assume it has huge power. That's not necessarily true.

In other markets, the Nissan Patrol is sold with big petrol engines for plenty of urge, but here it is only available with a 3.0-litre turbo diesel producing 158bhp.

Because of its huge weight, that means the Patrol is ponderously slow and acceleration is hardly worthy of the name in top gear or fourth.

But if you need true off-road ability and heavyweight towing this is up with the best. It will go just about anywhere towing a double decker bus for ballast.

The ride is better than some other heavyweights but handling and road holding are - as with all such 4x4s - not even close to those of a car.

Three and five door models are available but check every one for underside damage from excursions into the undergrowth, or get them checked by an expert.

There is huge interior space in the five door and enough for four people to ride in comfort in the three door.

: Land Rover Discovery