That very first Range Rover from the 1970s changed the 4x4 market permanently. No longer do 4x4 drivers have to cope with just the basics. Luxury has become fashionable with 4x4s, just look at the Range Rover Vogue to confirm how the market has evolved over the years.

Whilst it is unusual to see a modern day Vogue out in the rough trails of the mountains or the outback, it must be remembered that the Land Rover heritage ensures that the Range Rover of today is a particularly capable vehicle. In fact, it is far more capable than it needs to be.

Our test vehicle, a Range Rover Vogue, fitted with the V8 diesel and automatic transmission, provided us an opportunity to acquaint ourselves with the significant charms of this tough, but yet quite gentle, British made off-roader which is best known for its highly desirable on-road appeal.

The twin turbocharged 3.6 litre V8 diesel provides plenty of power, with some 200 kW ready to go, and a torque rating of 640 Nm. This propels the Vogue along quite nicely. And if your equine or marine interests require towing capabilities, this Range Rover can tow a braked trailer weighing up to 3,500 kilogrammes.

Other standard equipment includes permanent 4-wheel drive (with electronic centre differential), high and low range gear ratios, air suspension (which allows a very nice ride and provides very good handling), 19" alloy wheels, electric parking brake (a welcome feature), satellite navigation (with a touch screen), reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, bi-xenon headlamps, external rear view mirrors which fold inward (when vehicle is locked), electrically operated sunroof, heated windscreen, 6 disc CD autochanger with MP3 capability, leather seat facings, real wood veneers, heated front seats, electrically adjustable steering column (reach and rake), leather steering wheel and gear knob, cruise control, automatically dimming interior rear view mirror, numerous airbags including a driver´s knee airbag, trip computer and dual blade sun visors.

On the road, the Range Rover Vogue is particularly quiet, a very nice feature which is unimaginable in many vehicles. Although the Vogue measures some 4,972 mm in length and weighs in at 2,710 kilogrammes (minimum), it is a very easy vehicle for an experienced driver to manage as you negotiate the hazards of suburbia.

Our 662 kilometres behind the wheel (in and around Sydney and Newcastle), demonstrated the comfort levels that the Vogue allows the occupants to appreciate. The power delivery is smooth and abundant. But just to make life that little bit easier on the inside, the steering wheel gets out of the way to permit an easy entry and egress for the driver. Nice touch!

Other appreciated features include handy sized front door pockets, heated steering wheel and lane changing indicators. The rear seat occupants have plenty of room to enjoy the comfort levels just like those upfront. Everything is nicely presented, but the radio seems a little too complicated at first use.

When a vehicle is as appealing as a Range Rover Vogue, you can expect to pay for the privilege of the abundant features which are standard with this overtly luxurious 4x4. The current recommended retail price, with the new 33% luxury car tax, for the Vogue (without options) is from $153,350 (approximately) - but, as conditions apply to the implementation of the tax, this figure must be checked due of the changes in luxury car tax as legislated by the Senate this week - particularly if options are selected.

The Range Rover Vogue may well be affectionately known as a Toorak tractor, when speaking tongue-in-cheek, but this just highlights the significant appeal that this luxury vehicle provides to both its potential buyers and those who just wish they were potential customers.

With its stately British styling, combined with all the luxury appointments expected in a top-of-the-line prestige vehicle and all the safety aspects that are now included, the Range Rover Vogue meets the requirements of a very demanding sector of the new vehicle market ..... but then it goes far and beyond the call of duty with more technology than most owners would ever require. On that basis, this Range Rover is definitely in Vogue.