BACK in the 1990s the Range Rover stood imperiously alone as the pinnacle of luxurious all wheel drive transport.

And despite its very good V8 engine performance, smaller companies vied with each other to add more power, better handling and even higher levels of luxury.

I once managed to borrow one of these - an Overfinch Range Rover - and it was a revelation.

Not only did it have a much larger V8 under the bonnet, but the suspension and steering had been modified so that it went around the corners like a hot hatch, with virtually no roll and huge amounts of grip.

But a few years later all such ‘specials' were knocked for six when Land Rover brought out its own Range Rover Sport, with superb performance and improved handling over the standard models.

Let's face it, most owners of such expensive luxury cars are unlikely to take their pride and joy over a soggy field, never mind serious rough stuff.

But that doesn't mean the capability is lacking in the Sport, and this gives excellent security and safety in seriously adverse winter driving conditions.

The Sport has a lower roofline and slightly sleeker looks than the standard Range Rover, but under the skin, the basics are exactly the same.

The last model built between 2013 and 2022 offers an engine to suit most people, and some models have pretty good economy. All are eight speed automatics, with very smooth changes and a manual option.

Petrol power starts with a turbo 2.0-litre that boasts 295bhp and sprints to 60 miles an hour in 7.1 seconds. It's very best economy will be around 27 miles per gallon.

Then comes a 3.0-litre V6 that has 394bhp and this brings the sprint down to 5.7 seconds and has slightly better economy.

The plug-in hybrid P400e has the 2.0-litre petrol engine plus a battery pack and an electric motor. This covers the sprint in 6.5 seconds and is rated at no less than 84mpg. It can also be driven about 25 miles on electric power alone.

The diesel range starts with a 2.0-litre that has 236bhp and takes eight seconds to reach 60 while delivering excellent economy of 45mpg.

Then comes the D300 V6, which has 295bhp and can get to 60 in 7.1 seconds while managing 34mpg.

Finally on the diesel front comes the D350. This boasts 345bhp, 6.7 seconds to 60 and 29mpg.

The range topper is of course the petrol SVR, and this has a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine developing a huge 566bhp. It reels in the horizon at an amazing rate, taking just 4.3 seconds to get to 60, but economy is only going to be 18mpg at best.

As you would expect, you get cosseting comfort despite the Sporting credentials. There is little or no wind or road noise inside the cabin, and the front seats are supremely comfortable. This makes for a magnificent long distance cruiser that would be hard to beat.

Inside there are electric, heated leather seats, parking sensors and a reversing camera, audio remote, sat nav, a very sophisticated traction and stability control system and cruise control.

The standard sound system is excellent and has smartphone connection, there are loads of airbags, and a further raft of safety devices to help keep things on the straight and narrow.

First owners will almost certainly have added kit from the extras list to the specification, which means secondhand buyers also benefit.

Pay about £28,300 for a '19-19-reg HSE P300, or £42,250 for a '21 21-reg Autobiography Dynamic SDV6.