The worst thing about the newest sled from Solihull may be the name. Land Rover decided to expand the Range Rover sub-brand with the new Sport (in both decaf normally aspirated and triple-shot Supercharged forms). And no, it doesn't replace the full size Rangie; instead it's a slightly more manageable beast that fits in the niche where the BMW X5 romps.

Based on a shortened LR3 (called Discovery in Europe) platform, it runs the new Jaguar-derived V8 in both 4.4-litre (300bhp/315lb.ft of torque) and 4.2-litre Supercharged (390bhp and 410lb.ft), as tested, as well as diesel variants in Europe. Hooked to the amazing six-speed tranny shared by all the big Land Rovers, the supercharged motor makes for a potent experience. Prodigious low-end torque pushes you back in the seat, and the NASCAR soundtrack is to die for. While not as potent as the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, most will find its performance more than adequate. For Rocky Mountain dwellers, we can report that it still pulls hard above 9,000 feet. The gearbox is a work of art, snapping off quick upshifts, matching revs on downshifts (which serves to not upset the chassis), and holding whatever gear you put it in while in manual mode, even against the redline.

The chassis doesn't disappoint. Despite being burdened by 5700 pounds (about 2600kg!), it readily shrugs off the avoirdupois when asked to play. On a switch-backed mountain road tackled at 9/10s, it changed direction adroitly, resisted dive and squat, and stayed flat and neutral up to the limit. Credit the active anti-roll bars and adjustable height air suspension for this physics-defying performance. Only in the tightest corners would it push wide, a reminder that it isn't a sportscar. Combine these attributes with the controlled and cushy (for an SUV) Land Rover ride and you're left with a class-leading ride/handling trade-off and competitive powertrain. Steering is well geared and (again, for a fully off-road-capable vehicle) feelsome, and the huge Brembo brakes fade-free and easy to modulate, though I wouldn't rush along to a trackday on them.

Flies in the ointment include a small back seat and luggage area for such a behemoth, and an interior that, while comfortable and well thought out, has obviously suffered the wrath of the cost cutting accountants at Ford (Land Rover's owner). This is partially ameliorated by a phenomenal sound system and world-class touch-screen navigation system.

Off-road ability is reputed to be awesome by the journos who drove the Rangie Sport at the launch in Moab (though the 20-inch tyres the Supercharged model is equipped with are useless of-road). Equipped with the right boots, the standard Terrain Response system makes short work of every imaginable condition, altering parameters such as ride height, throttle mapping and the stability control threshold. The Sport's biggest calling card for many will be its looks. Richard Woolley has done a first rate job of combining the classic Land Rover profile with all the right sporty accoutrements, including flared arches and sills, a sloping roof, jewelled tail-lamps, and mesh grilles to create the blingest ride on the block. Backed with such a pleasurable driving experience (aside from 12mpg thirst), the lads from across the pond have a hit on their hands.

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Likes: Looks, power, chassis, snob appeal.

Dislikes: Mediocre interior quality, (relative) lack of utility, thirst, non-supercharged version flaccid at altitude.