JAGUAR Land Rover continues its journey of electrification and the Range Rover Sport P400 HST represents a step on the way.

Arguably it's a baby step, as this mild hybrid model falls some way short of a fully electric vehicle.

Interestingly it sits between two models of differing character - the P400e plug-in hybrid and the performance-focused SVR.

To some minds the SVR, which is fine-tuned at Jaguar Land Rover's Special Vehicle Operations division on the edge of Coventry, is the ultimate 'evil' in the world of so-called Chelsea tractors.

Having driven one not too long ago I can testify to the fact it is tremendous fun to drive and offers unbelievable performance and handling for a vehicle of its size and stature but if ever the word gas-guzzling was invented for a motor then this has to be it.

Contrast that with the more lean and green P400e plug-in hybrid.

While it's hardly the sort of vehicle that's going to be given to Friends of the Earth employees as a company car its environmental credentials are impressive and it is a polar opposite to the SVR.

The P400 HST is a kind of halfway house in many respects, mild hybrid technology offering improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions but it also packs a performance punch.

It's powered by a straight six-cylinder petrol engine that is made from aluminium and therefore considerably lighter than the old V6 offering.

It features an electric supercharger powered by a 48-volt system to combat turbo lag and incorporates mild hybrid technology.

Essentially it has an energy recovery system that stories energy in a battery to power the turbocharger.

Both the P400e plug-in hybrid and the P400 HST are aimed at buyers who might previously have plumped for a diesel but the diesel decline sees Land Rover, like many car makers, offering petrol-powered models that will appeal.

What Land Rover engineers have delivered with the P400 HST is a vehicle which can be reasonably frugal on fuel yet still deliver decent performance.

And that it does, with a 0-60mph time of 5.6 seconds and a top sped of 140mph.

I found it to be swift and agile, certainly for a big vehicle.

However it should be pointed out that its frugality is relative, with an official combined cycle figure of 27.4mpg.

This model also has some individual design flourishes, which include carbon fibre trim on the bonnet, front grille, side vents and tailgate along with bespoke badging.

My car looked distinctive and really stood out, particularly so due to its paint finish contrasted with the 21-inch, nine-spoke gloss black wheels with red brake callipers.

Not quite as aggressive as an SVR but still a car that looks like it means business.

All Range Rover cabins are nice places to be and the P400 HST is no exception.

Again there are some HST-styled features and badging which add to a bespoke feel.

The technology feels contemporary and user-friendly via Land Rover's Touch Pro Duo infotainment screens.

It also comes with an impressive Meridian sound system.

Cabin space is a defining feature of all large Range Rovers and driver and passengers are comfortably catered for in every direction.

There's a huge 522-litre boot that can be increased to 1,686 litres with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats dropped flat.

There are a raft of driving aids and safety features designed to make the driving experience both more relaxing and reassuring.

They include dynamic stability control, low traction launch, electronic traction control, cornering brake control, hill descent control, trailer stability assist, lane departure warning and emergency brake assist