IT'S now more than five years since Land Rover introduced their fourth-generation Discovery 4, which from the very beginning, hit the right note with Joe Public the world over.

So it was no surprise that within weeks of its launch, the Gaydon-built off-roader started to be honoured with awards and honours from all corners of the globe.

Yet, strictly speaking it was not a totally brand new vehicle, but it did benefit from a mass of revisions over the previous model, with the major changes being made to the diesel power units, which became more refined, more fuel efficient and far more friendly to the environment.

It also received a new-look, seven-seat interior design which was a pure joy, while the driving dynamics both on and off-road were also been substantially overhauled.

Under the bonnet sat the choice of either a 2.7-litre V6 oilburner or a larger 424bhp three-litre twin-turbocharged unit, and no matter what the choice, there was no getting away from the fact that the highly-capable Discovery 4 truly was something special and in a class of its own.

Thanks to its highly-sophisticated air suspension, the Disco was superbly composed yet blisteringly fast, glueing itself to the road through bends, so it could be pushed pretty hard at all times without the discomfort from body roll normally associated with this type of vehicle.

The car also made light work of our seriously pot-holed roads, soaking up the worst of the surfaces and smoothing them out to give occupants a fabulously-relaxed ride.

As for annoying noise intrusion, then forget it, for the Discovery was as quiet as a premium-brand saloon, which said a lot considering the car's high stance and huge side mirrors.

Along with its new interior design package the Discovery 4 also got a number of enhancements to the outside. Smoother leading edges, a new grille, headlamp cluster and the addition of daylight driving lights all helped make the 2010 model really stand out.

From a safety aspect, the Discovery 4 proved extremely well equipped. Dynamic stability control, uprated brakes and a full array of airbags all came as standard.

However, as with previous Discovery models, this beautifully mastered SUV was not a real option for the general masses, its high-end price tag proving a serious impediment to all but a favoured few.

Now though, it's a different story, for as used buys they come within the budget of many more would-be-owners.

Expect to pay between £14,785 and £18,220 for a 2010, 10-plate 2.7-litre TdV6 diesel in GS or SE trim and between £16,740 and £19,830 for a one year newer example.

As you could expect, the larger three-litre engine carries something of a premium, so be prepared to add anything from around £2,500 to £3,000 to the above prices.

However, for those lucky to indulge and pamper themselves in such luxury will count themselves extremely lucky.