TODAY'S big 4x4s have improved beyond all recognition from even just a few years ago when it comes to economy.

The Toyota Land Cruiser, a big five-door with a 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine, managed more than 34 miles per gallon helping transport my daughter to her new home 200 miles away.

And that was with a five-speed automatic gearbox. Time was when such a vehicle would only have been able to manage something around 20mpg.

It is ridiculously easy to drive apart from its bulk, which can be intimidating in car parks, and offers fair acceleration if you are prepared to floor the accelerator.

The ride was very comfortable over all kinds of surfaces on that trip to North Wales and although wind noise makes itself felt at higher speeds, the main noise at low speed is the huge wheels and tyres bump-thumping through potholes and drain covers.

Unfortunately, I didn't get the time to take it off-road, but I know these big Toyotas of old. I'm sure it would be virtually unstoppable, with automatic four wheel drive, differential locks and electronic descent control.

My test car was from the top of the range, with electric leather covered seats, parking sensors, cruise control, massive alloys and a full electric pack with an excellent stereo.

: Land Rover Discovery