If you want plenty of room without compromising on power, this luxury SUV might be the vehicle for you.
At first, it seems to defy logic for a large vehicle - weighing in at 2,115 kg - to accelerate so quickly and to feel so manoeuvrable.
Then you take a look under the bonnet - and it all suddenly makes sense.
There you will find a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine just ready to be put through its paces.
At its best, the Range Rover Sport SDV6 can go from go from 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds.
Indeed, the engine is where many of the changes have occurred, with the new package combining more power and torque with fewer emissions and lower fuel consumption.
It now produces 302bhp and 700Nm of torque – 14bhp and 100Nm up on the old engine – yet promises 2.7mpg better economy, with a 14g/km drop in emissions.
Amid this mid-life update for the second generation Range Rover Sport, the increase in torque is the improvement that seems most noticeable, and there's no doubt that the eight-speed automatic gearbox does everything it can to keep you within the torque band.
The engine performs best and is most responsive when you keep the revs above 2,500rpm, while the twin turbos are capable of giving that added bit of thrust when accelerating out of a corner or overtaking.
This more streamlined latest-generation Sport benefits from Land Rover’s continued focus on reducing weight and boosting the level of technology in its cars.
Lighter and more economical than previous versions, it offers an engaging on-road driving experience.
But you must remember that it's still a very capable off-roader, thanks to the clever traction systems, ride height and 4x4. So, despite the Sport's streamlined looks and glossy celebrity endorsements, you're only a few button presses away from being able to confidently scale mountains or wade through rivers.
The way in which the Sport holds the road is also a little surprising. With its height and weight, I would have expected far more body roll - but the vehicle shows magnificent poise even when driven briskly through tighter corners. To help this feeling of control, a wide range of high-tech systems are in place to make the driver's job that little bit easier.
In terms of practicality, the 60:40 folding rear seats are another boost.
The driver is treated to a luxurious ambiance once inside the cabin of this particular version - the Autobiography Dynamic.
The swathes of wood, metals and leather make you want to spend plenty of time in this vehicle. From the leather heated steering wheel to the panoramic roof, the attention to detail is designed to impress. Some observers have described the vehicle's infotainment system as dated, but I found it to be more than up to the task.
Also included in the update is a Gesture Tailgate – allowing owners to open the boot by waving their foot under the rear bumper.
Ride comfort is also excellent and there is very little noise when the vehicle is being driven at motorway speeds.
At £77,850 - even before any options are added - it doesn't come cheap. The SUV market has become even more competitive in the last year since the arrival of the impressive Volvo XC90 and the Audi Q7. However, if it happens to be in your price bracket, the SDV6 Range Rover Sport remains a desirable machine and a consummate all-rounder.
The Lowdown
Range Rover Sport
Price £77,850
Engine 6 cylinder,3.0-litre, turbodiesel
Power 302bhp at 4,000rpm
Gearbox 8-spd automatic
Performance: 0-60mph 6.8sec with a top speed of 138mph
Economy 40.4mpg combined and emissions of 185g/km
Will's ratings
PERFORMANCE: 5
ECONOMY: 3
RIDE/HANDLING: 5
SPACE: 5
EQUIPMENT: 5
SECURITY: 4
VALUE: 4
OVERALL: 5
