It is a fact that the more hype that is stirred up about the environment, the more vehicle manufacturers and drivers refuse to be told what to do. Despite four-wheel-drive vehicles being in the firing-line of every campaigner that has wanted to jump on the bandwagon in recent times, they still remain the vehicle of choice for anyone from farmers to pop stars. And, in response, the manufacturers have poured millions into developing variations on the theme.

Take Range Rover for instance. Its latest offering is a new diesel which you could argue is likely to be greener considering the latest developments surrounding this fuel.

Think again. This diesel is a 3.6 litre V8 packing twin turbo chargers thumping out enough power to light a street. Its emissions are lower than its petrol sisters but, considering one of them is a supercharged version, that is not saying a great deal.

It is a good job it doesn't advertise the V8 or it could evoke its own protest campaign. Despite that, I was subconsciously aware of at least the odd frown as I boomed along Oxford's narrow streets. Or maybe they just seemed narrow due to the sheer size of this beast and I spent a lot of time holding back from gaps that lesser mortals of cars could easily have slipped through.

Having said that, it was still a pleasure driving the Range Rover around town. The interior is luxurious on the opulent scale, with every bell and whistle you could imagine and then some.

Sitting high up in my cream leather seat with its armrests listening to classical music in crystal clear quality, I felt positively presidential.

And, despite its size, this car really is very easy to drive. The power steering can be turned with the flick of a wrist while the automatic gearbox can be pushed into drive with a finger tip.

Those beautiful seats can be heated and cooled depending on the temperature while climate control takes care of whatever the weather outside may be.

Even manoeuvering is not that difficult thanks to front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera and a passenger mirror which automatically dips to reveal the kerbside when moving into a parking space. When you have stopped you can flick on the digital television and take in a film should you be too comfortable to move.

And for those chilly mornings or red hot days, press a remote controlled button half an hour before setting off and the car will be heated or cooled to your desired temperature.

Driving the Range Rover is just as effortless. That V8 simply purrs along in the background. Even at the legal limit it is barely touching 2,000 revs a minute.

I never felt I was taxing it, despite some fairly heavy motorway driving. There is bags of power in reserve for effortless overtaking - or the occasional surge along a clear stretch of road.

Should you ever require to go off-road, then every form of surface - mud, rock, snow - is taken care of by the terrain response system, which is operated by a dial in front of the gearbox.

Below that are buttons for the high and low differentials and suspension height giving enough capability to tackle the foothills of Everest, should you ever want to.

Seriously, this is an ideal vehicle for towing boats or caravans out of muddy fields or fording a flooded road with complete confidence.

And there is also a huge boot which would be quite capable of carrying the luggage of five adults who, incidentally, can be seated quite comfortably.

Or you could always pack a couple of labradors in to complete the image - if you could stand the hair on the carpet.

In essence, no-one would really need a vehicle like this, especially with a price tag in excess of £60,000.

But it will always be in demand because people who can afford it enjoy the comfort, practicality and sheer status of a Range Rover.

As for those with the disapproving looks, you can tell them Land Rover is now offsetting emissions equivalent to the first 45,000 miles travelled, adding £130 to the list price.

No, I'm not convinced either . . .

RANGE ROVER TVD VOGUE

Top speed: 124mps 0-62mph in 8.6 secs. Fuel consumption (combined): 25.1mpg. Price: £61,295.

Test vehicle supplied by Hartwell's Land Rover of Cumnor.