The combination of go-anywhere performance and seven-seat practicality is always likely to be an appealing mix.

To add to those ingredients, Land Rover has blended in a dollop of high-end premium styling to make the Discovery Sport all the more attractive.

While there may be plenty of powerful SUVs on the roads nowadays, there remains something rather alluring about this iconic badge.

During the recent school half-term holiday, I was lucky enough to test the HSE Dynamic Luxury version of the Disco Sport during a family camping break in Snowdonia, North Wales.

And this very capable machine proved to be more than a match for anything a couple of adults and three adventure-seeking excitable kids could throw at it.

Simply put, it’s a superb all-round vehicle. When cruising from West Yorkshire to Wales on the motorway, it offered a smooth ride and great refinement. When swallowing five passengers, a large tent and several cases, it did so with room to spare. When tackling tight and twisty roads around the foothills of Snowdon, it proved remarkably nimble and manoeuvrable.

And when the week’s near-constant rain turned our camping field into a sodden, muddy mess – making many vehicles struggle for grip – the all-wheel drive system allowed the sure-footed Disco to make light work of the conditions.

In such inclement weather, the vehicle became our comfort blanket against the elements, with features such as the heated steering wheel and heated seats proving invaluable.

Indeed, it was a week that allowed us to see first hand how Land Rover has retained much of the robust durability that made it famous, while adding the type of creature comforts that put a smile on your face.

One especially useful addition was the fixed panoramic roof, which floods the cabin with light and allowed us to admire the mountains above.

When tackling some of the steeper roads around Beddgelert, the impressive 2.0-litre petrol engine really came into its own.

Producing a meaty 290hp, the engine gives this sizeable family transporter a swift turn of speed, going from a standing start to 60mph in 6.6 seconds. That power is nicely delivered through a slick-shifting nine-speed automatic box.

But that pace from a vehicle with a kerb weight of over two tonnes wouldn’t be nearly so appealing were it not matched by great control. The throttle response is matched by equally-sharp brakes, while this vehicle feels almost like it’s on rails when cornering swiftly, partly thanks to the Traction Control System and Dynamic System Control.

Fuel economy isn't great and I average just over 20mpg during the week.

In terms of looks, there’s no mistaking the fact that this is an aesthetically-pleasing vehicle.

Smooth flowing lines combine well with some more rugged visual features.

Stand-out design flourishes include the deep grille and air intakes, eye-catching rear spoiler,large alloys and distinctive tail pipes.

There’s plenty of technology to enjoy, including an eight-inch touchscreen, the Land Rover enhanced sound system with ten speakers, DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and a single USB port in the first row with charging located in the centre console. If you opt for the ‘entertainment pack’ for an extra £1,975, you get Meridian Surround Sound with 16 speakers and Navigation Pro.

With an updated new-generation Discovery Sport available to order now, this could be a good time to bag a bargain on an outgoing version such as the one tested here.

Meanwhile, initial reports suggest the heavily updated model now hitting the market is one to watch thanks to new electrified engines, a new platform and interior upgrade.

Land Rover Discovery Sport HSE Dynamic Luxury

PRICE: £50,665 on the road

ENGINE: 2.0-litre Si4 Petrol 290hp

TRANSMISSION: Nine-speed auto, four-wheel drive

EMISSIONS: 208g/km combined

PERFORMANCE: 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds and top speed of 135mph

FUEL ECONOMY: 24.8 - 26.8 mpg

Will's Ratings

PERFORMANCE: *****

ECONOMY: **

RIDE/HANDLING: *****

SPACE: *****

EQUIPMENT: *****

SECURITY: ****

VALUE: ****

OVERALL: *****