Not the Evoque. Not the Velar. Not the Sport. Just the pure and original Range Rover. Made and designed on these shores not just to withstand but to impose itself on the British weather and countryside, it remains one of the UK’s greatest gifts to the world. This latest model arrived late in 2023 as only the fifth in half a century. For the first time, there are hybrid and electric versions to allay fears about the petrol guzzling, while a new emphasis on luxury interiors only enhances the Range Rover’s classic appeal. Nothing commands the road quite like it.

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Urban runarounds are not what Jeep is known for, but the Avenger is the brand’s smallest car for decades. Quick off the mark at traffic lights, it’s visibly still a Jeep – and we like it when a maker leans into its design history. As well as petrol, there are hybrid and electric options to help you outmanoeuvre congestion and ULEZ charges. If compact and fully electric are your requirements, also keep an eye out for the Renault 4 that’s due out very soon.

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Some SUVs have evolved far from their origins as off-roaders. Others have not. In looks and build, the new Toyota Land Cruiser harks back to those older models that were always in the background of news reports from 80s and 90s conflict zones. It’s a burly, boxy beauty that looks like you could take it anywhere and, thanks to its proper 4x4 chassis, you actually could. Potential owners have one crucial decision to make: do you want the round headlights or the rectangular ones? (The correct answer is round.)

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Don’t sleep on Peugeot. The French maker might have dozed through the first two decades of the 21st century, but it’s woken up now – and a change of logo has given it a new edge. Behind the updated badge of the 2008 sits a sporty grille that says it is here to compete in a crowded market. A small, squared-off steering wheel enhances the mild feelings of raciness. Order in all black and you’ll have a match for any Audi Q2s or VW T-Rocs on the street – at a good price.

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A thrilling SUV could sound like an oxymoron. SUVs are usually designed to provoke feelings of safety and security. Not this one. It’s perfectly safe and secure, of course, but the DBX is also an Aston Martin. The throaty exhaust, the lightning acceleration, the shark-like front grille – they’re all here. This is a magnificent motor that stays true to its marque while putting the sport back into sports utility vehicle. 

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No compact electric car promises as much fun as this souped-up Alfa while looking so good. Alloys, tinted windows and lowered suspension are all incorporated with Italian levels of class. The extra performance comes at the price of range – the Veloce needs charging more regularly than many rivals – but the lovely driving experience is generous compensation. And nothing says you are a design-first person of discernment like an Alfa V-shield on the driveway.

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