TAKE a look at the brand new Range Rover, which goes on sale next February. Then ask yourself what's so new about it.

As you can see on Page One, the interior is stylish enough to win a Design Council award for svelte furnishing.

But the exterior shape is barely different from the car we've been seeing for over 30 years.

Land Rover insists: "The exterior is thoroughly modern yet retains all the distinctive Range Rover styling cues."

And as if to justify the lack of anything original in the shape, the maker adds: "We believe it is essential that people instantly recognise the new vehicle as a Range Rover."

The latest version is only the third all-new model for 31 years.

In that time, the Range Rover has become the choice for the stylish and well-to-do, even those who have no intention of going offroad.

Land Rover boss Bob Dover says: "It is supremely capable offroad, and one of the world's finest luxury cars."

Some may question its off-road supremacy, especially with such a long list of capable rivals, but the designers have certainly thrown away the rule book when creating the elegant interior. Few motor vehicles have turned away so dramatically from the established traditions of walnut and leather, and instead installed such clear Scandinavian stylishness.

"We wanted to offer an interior that beats luxury saloon rivals," says Dover.

The maker also promises "a host of technological innovations, to improve both on- and off-road ability."

The new model is powered by a choice of 4.4-litre petrol V8 and six-cylinder 3.0-litre turbodiesel engines. It has full-time four-wheel drive.

LAND ROVER has broken all sales records so far this year. The 39,879 total of vehicles sold is nearly 14 per cent up on the whole of 2000. The makers credit the success to the Freelander best-selling SUV in UK and Europe for the third year running.

ALL new Minis now get an improved warranty the 60,000-mile limit has become unlimited mileage during the three-year cover, and the paint warranty has been extended to 24 months. A 50,000-mile service deal costs just £100.