Jeep Grand Cherokee

Costing ΂£26,695 for the 2.7-litre CRD diesel, or ΂£24,995 for the 4.0 petrol, the new Sport delivers full-size SUV space and performance for the price of a Land Rover Freelander. We drove the 2.7, which is exactly ΂£100 more than the Freelander Td4 ES Premium. For that, you get an auto box as standard, along with Quadra-Trac II 4WD.

This gives huge performance in the sticky stuff, while on the road the car enjoys the luxury air expected from a model that was once a premium Range Rover rival. Admittedly, the Jeep shows its age dynamically, with a lumpy ride and excessive body roll, but it has plenty of road presence. It's not short on kit, either. You pay extra for leather trim, but alloys, air-con, a CD system, electric seats, power mirrors and cruise control are all included. There are roof-to-floor airbags, ABS and EBD as standard, too.

All of this makes the Sport a worthy addition to the Grand Cherokee range, and gives it huge appeal as one of Britain's cheapest full-size 4x4s. Steeped in heritage and prestige, it might not be in its first flush of youth, but for the same price as smaller rivals, there's no denying it is exceptional value for money.