Model tested: Land Rover Range Rover Sport HSE 3.0 TDV6
Price: £50,695
Date tested: November 2009
Road tester: Andy Goodwin

Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 83%
Think of a Land Rover and images of mud and slowly rolling countryside spring to mind, but this is a Land Rover with genuine sports car performance; it's about as far removed from the Defender as you can get.

1. Looks
New for this revised Sport are LED daytime-running lights in the front clusters, new wheel designs and a front grille with two bars instead of three - a theme echoed in the side vent blades.
9/10

2. Looks inside
The biggest improvement for the 2010 model year is the revised dashboard, which now feels significantly more luxurious. The cockpit is covered in leather, there's mood lighting, the seats have been redesigned for greater comfort and there's a new TFT instrument panel and dial cluster.
9/10

3. Practicality
With 958 litres (2013 litres with the rear seats folded), the Sport only trails the Discovery and Range Rover by a few litres. Unlike the Discovery - which can be trimmed with seats in the boot - it's strictly a five-seater though.
9/10

4. Ride and Handling
The Sport drives like a well-sorted saloon; enter a corner and composure is maintained. The steering is accurate and despite 20-inch alloy wheels, the ride isn't too firm. It's brilliant in the rough too.
9/10

5. Performance
The 3-litre TDV6 hits 60mph in 8.8 seconds and can manage 120mph thanks to 241bhp and 443lb/ft. The six-speed auto 'box is smooth; there's also a paddle-shift option too.
8/10

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6. Running Costs
The TDV6 averages 30.7mpg but all Sports are expensive to tax and have insurance ratings at the top end of the scale.
5/10

7. Reliability
Since the original Sport went on sale in 2005 the model has proved relatively trouble-free and Land Rover has been scoring well in owner satisfaction surveys.
8/10

8. Safety
All 2010 model year Sports get improved brakes while ESP, Roll Stability Control and Enhanced Understeer Control are standard, along with eight airbags.
8/10

9. Equipment
All Sports get alloy wheels, touch-screen hard disk multi-media, iPod/USB connectivity, Bluetooth, keyless start and leather seat facings. HSE trim adds metallic paint, rear view camera, front parking sensors, keyless entry, dynamic response chassis setting, leather and Alcantara seats, DAB radio, ambient lighting and cooler box.
8/10

10. X-Factor
The Sport is talented and less vulgar than its German opposition. The 3-litre TDV6 is by far the best all-rounder; just don't drive the 5-litre supercharged petrol because you're sure to want it.
10/10