OK, I know, here I am driving another car that few can afford, but then a few years down the road, when you might be able to buy a second-hand one, you might also remember what I wrote.

Mercedes' big M-class is not an avowed off-roader and few owners are going to take £53,000 worth of pride and joy into the mucky stuff.

But such an outlay does buy quality and the level of technology and equipment is second to none.

During the snow we had not so long ago it proved its worth time and again, never faltering when even other 4x4's were having trouble.

Comfort is superb - I did 200 miles in one trip and arrived pretty much fresh as a daisy thanks to the marvellous electric seats.

The permanent four-wheel-drive takes care of progress in any conditions, and the 3.0-litre diesel has plenty of urge, with power going through a seamless seven-speed automatic.

3D-look instruments, dual-zone climate, Bluetooth, reversing camera, and an amazing multi-media system with 6.5-inch colour display are all included.

: Land Rover Discovery