Extraordinary sport-ute

       The Range Rover Sport is probably the most controversial model ever made by Land Rover. It's also the most profitable single vehicle ever made by Land Rover.
       This is the new, thoroughly reengineered 2010 model. Not only does it get a redesigned, better-quality interior and restyled front end, but important changes have also been made to the drivetrain and chassis.
       For many buyers, the most significant upgrade will be the all-new supercharged V8 engine, which now offers 500hp and 646Nm of torque, with a claimed combined fuel economy of 6.7kpl. That's 31% more power,12%more torque and a 6% improvement in economy.
       This engine drives an updated sixspeed automatic gearbox and there's also the option of wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
       The Terrain Response set-up has been upgraded to include a new, sixth setting:Dynamic Program. This uses an adaptive damping system, in conjunction with the air suspension, which can make 500 calculations per second about the road and driving conditions. The rangetopping Sport also gets an updated Brembo braking system.
       The real appeal of this range-topping model is the supercar-standard engine.Under the hard acceleration of a tricky overtaking situation, the new V8 is extremely refined. Only a background hum is emitted from the engine bay, adding to the turbine-like sensations.
       On excellent Scottish Border roads,it doesn't feel like a 2.5-tonne SUV. It's extremely well balanced, tidy, controlled and contained. Dynamic Response and the active anti-roll bars keep this giant in check to a degree that drivers could once not have imagined. Even the ride is good on 20in wheels.
       Overall, there's a great delicacy to the way the chassis's electronic systems work together when it's driven briskly on winding B-roads. The new variableratio steering also has an accuracy that you never thought would be achievable in a car capable of hardcore off-roading.
       What really appeals is the cars extraordinary breadth of ability. It will cross deep rivers and clamber up otherwise unwalkable mud tracks but can then act either like a luxury car or a very rapid road car, depending on the driver's mood.
       I tried a full-bore 0-160-0kph sprint on a closed track and managed it in just under 19 seconds. The new V8 is significantly quicker at both accelerating and stopping than the outgoing model.
       The only fly in the Range Rover Sport's luxury ointment is that this is a car others love to hate. However, it does deliver the most extraordinary driving experience. Most of the time you can just bowl along, elbows perched on the door and centre tunnel, revelling in the V8's huge potential. Occasionally, you can open the taps and really fly.
       And there's no other car, perhaps not even the Range Rover itself, that offers such a sublime, relaxing driving position.
       Look past the Premiership-inspired bling and you'll have to conclude that it is one of the most remarkable - if not politically correct - cars ever to come out of the UK.