A new V6 diesel engine is now being employed under the bonnet of the Land Rover Discovery 4.

The 3.0-litre V6 diesel offers significant power gains while improving on the efficiency of the previous 2.7-litre unit (which continues to be offered).

Instead of 190bhp and 324lb-ft of torque, the 3.0-litre unit offers 245bhp and 442lb-ft. And to go with the extra oomph, claimed combined fuel economy has risen from 27.7 to 30.4mpg and CO2 emissions have fallen from 270g/km to 244.

OK, so the savings are not earth-shattering, and the Discovery driver will continue to be taxed at the full 35% benefit-in-kind liability, but there is only so much that can be achieved in a seven-seat SUV with peerless off-road ability without resourcing to expensive-to-develop hybrid systems.

While a Discovery will never be a cheap option for company car drivers, it serves a purpose in offering proper 4x4 ability blended to a family vehicle which looks stylish inside and out and, thanks to the new engine, offers considerable performance.

The Discovery remains a desirable vehicle, backed up by the fact that CAP estimates it will retain 30% of its cost new after four years/80,000 miles.