From hardcore off-roading to the school run, the Land Rover Discovery has uni-versal appeal.

It is easy to see why.

Big, bold styling and robust lines have made the Discovery something of a classic in the 4x4 world and to back this up it has all the engineer-ing and build quality one expects from a Land Rover.

This manual model has the TD5 engine, a 2.5 litre five-cylinder electronic fuel injected diesel, which offers exceptional efficiency for such a big car, 30.1 mpg combined.

Together with a 93-litre tank, fuel stops are pleasantly few and far between.

Unfortunately the Discovery lacks performance; the engine is unres-ponsive and sluggish with a top speed of 98 mph and 0-60 mph of 14.2 secs according to the manufacturer.

It is also frustratingly easy to stall and needs plenty of revs when taking off. Overtaking is a risky business and too often there just isn't enough grunt under the bonnet.

But this is the compromise you make when opting for the diesel model.

For a 4x4 that shifts along a lot quicker, the petrol V8 is the obvious alternative.

In fairness, the TD5 does come into its own at cruising speeds.

When the engine is wound up and settles into steady motorway speeds, the car glides along incredibly smoothly.

Big glassed areas and elevated ride height also gives the driver excellent vision and an enhanced sense of security, making motorway driving a pleasure in what is essentially a workhorse vehicle.

If the Discovery TD5 lacks zip, it more than makes up for it in hand-ling.

Stability is excellent and Active Cornering Enhancement has eliminated the rock and roll problems of the early Discovery models.

The body stays level when going through even the severest of bends and contributes to a responsiveness that belies the size of the car.

Another disappointment is a rather poor steering circle that makes parking and confined manoeuvres a little difficult.

The interior has some ingenious stowage spaces and clever features.

The seven seats all have ample legroom and there is lots of head height that gives the interior a really airy feeling.

Surprisingly, the driver position was the most restricted with a narrow cockpit and hard seats that I didn't find very comfortable.

But the car has excellent safety features including three point seat belts and proper head restraints on all seven seats, a very important detail for family owners.

The Discovery is a very sub-stantial piece of kit and if you are willing to forego performance for efficiency then the TD5 is the model for you.

At £27,295 on the road it is expensive but you are getting a lot of car for your money.

While it is by no means a refined drive, the TD5 is incredibly versatile and the seven-seater version is a fantastic family vehicle.

Traction control and Hill Descent Control also make this a true off roader although for really tough terrain a little more power might well be desirable.

The TD5 continues the strong Discovery tradition and has plenty to attract a big cross section of buyers.

Summary: For many people the Land Rover badge is all important when choosing this sort of vehicle and they are more than willing to pay the extra that that cachet brings them.

That being the case, if it is a workhorse you want that is not to costly to run, then the TD5 is the vehicle for you.