GOOD fortune in the EuroMillions draw or National Lottery would be required for the vehicle pictured to become a permanent feature in my life.

It is the more powerful of two plug-in hybrid versions of the latest Range Rover Sport – with a total output of 542bhp - and the most expensive car I tested in 2023.

In Autobiography specification, this PHEV model has a basic price of £108,545 but with its options including Giola Green paint and 23inch wheels the example shown costs £111,245 on the road.

It is undoubtedly a lot to pay for a car but those with the resources get a versatile vehicle.

While not quite as big overall as the model simply known as the Range Rover, the Sport is a roomy vehicle capable of eating up the miles while its occupants enjoy a high level of comfort.

The 4x4 is also an extremely capable off-roader and its wading depth would have been valued by owners during this week’s flooding.

In addition to handling in an agile fashion for its size and weight and with all-wheel steering which aids low speed manoeuvring, the 542bhp Sport PHEV’s 3.0 turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine, which is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, is a strong performer.

Its makers claim 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds and a maximum speed of 150mph where permitted.

With the model tested rated as capable of covering up to 69 miles using electricity alone, running the Sport PHEV delivers taxation benefits for the company car driver.

My indicated overall economy was 23.4mpg, which possibly might not unduly worry the average user.

The generous standard specification of the Range Rover Sport Autography includes 22-way adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation and massage functions. Its rear seats are also heated and ventilated.

There is also the cunning ClearSight interior rear view mirror. Flicking a switch lets the driver see what’s behind thanks to a camera – useful if tall people are in the rear seats or the load area is packed to the roof.