Ssangyong Rexton

The Rexton 270 SPR is a sizeable 4x4 in the Jeep Cherokee mould - but with none of the road presence. It does at least boast a big diesel engine that, while hardly sprightly, feels smooth and torquey enough to tow horses or boats or broken SsangYongs.

The Merc-sourced T-tronic auto transmission is pleasant enough too - if a trifle lazy - and, with the exception of a nasty aftermarket stereo, the whole thing feels well put together. In fact, it's almost possible to believe SsangYong's claim to be the upmarket brand back home in Korea.

But - and here's the big but - the top-spec SPR version costs an eye-watering £25k. A £25-grand car from a budget brand? A well-specced car, true, but still: you could pick up a nearly new Land Rover Discovery for less, and as boring a consideration as it is, you'd barely lose out on the warranty front - unlike the seven- and five-year efforts from Kia and Hyundai respectively, SsangYongs get a mere three-year guarantee.

Hardly confidence-inspiring stuff. Look what you've done, SsangYong. Got Top Gear discussing warranties. Time to move on.

Sam Philip