This week, our man takes to the roads in one of Land Rover’s finest.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Land Rover Discovery SE R-Dynamic D250

List price (BiK): £62,965 (37%) CO2: 222g/km MPG: 33.3 Test efficiency: 32.4mpg

Monday

A bit of old and new school come together this week with the arrival of a Land Rover Discovery to test. I’m an unashamed fan of the Discovery as it does so many things so well that it’s a car that fits into my mix of driving needs. As that includes some off-road driving and towing, it’s perhaps easier to justify a large 4×4, but I also think this mild hybrid diesel could function as a luxury car too. This week should offer an answer to that.

Tuesday

First duty for the Discovery this week is picking up my bike from being serviced. With no roof rack fitted, I can’t fit my usual bike carrier to the Land Rover, so it’s seats down and sling the bike in the back. This couldn’t be easier in this SE R-Dynamic as the substantial rear chairs all fold down at the touch of a button and create a vast load bay. Chucking the bike in has never been easier.

Wednesday

With the arrival of autumn and dull grey skies, the Discovery’s panoramic glass roof sections let in some welcome added light to the cabin. It also helps that this car has the Light Oyster-coloured leather seat facings rather than the standard all-black interior, which would just be a bit too gloomy. The downside is the light leather does show up more dirt and muck, which keeps me busy with a cleaning cloth.

Thursday

While fetching logs for the wood burner first thing this morning, I made use of two much-welcome options on the Discovery. First were the upgraded Matrix LED headlights that deliver superb vision on pitch dark roads and down the track to the woods. The second is the Advanced off-road Capability Pack. Granted, the track was fairly unchallenging at this time of year, but when it snows or rains for days on end, this system would be superb. The Discovery also has an optional deployable tow bar, so hitching the trailer is a doddle to lug the wood and keep the home fires burning.

Friday

Today, the 3.0-litre 249hp diesel motor in this D250 is proving to be a very smooth, refined engine on the motor and A-roads, supporting its credentials as an executive express. The eight-speed auto ’box is a fine companion, too. It’s been a day of plenty of miles in chilly weather, so the heated seat has had plenty of use – I just wish there was a separate control for it rather than combining it with the other heating controls.

Saturday

An evening out with friends tonight to watch Glasgow Warriors, which means a drive into the city. I’m designated driver and the Discovery easily copes with three rugby-sized passengers, one who owns a Discovery and another who sells them for a living. Both love this spec and the one who has a 2.0-litre diesel Disco is impressed at the superior performance, economy and refinement of this car over his.

Sunday

A week on, the Land Rover Discovery shows it’s still a tough act to better as a luxury SUV. It’s handled off-roading, towing, motorways, kids, and everything else with calm and classy ease. With no effort, it’s turned in 32.4mpg, which is less than 1mpg off the official claimed consumption. For many, an executive saloon or estate will be a more cost-effective choice, but if you need the all-round ability, there’s not much to touch the Land Rover.