BIG off-road vehicles may not be flavour of the moment in climate-conscious Britain right now, but there is no denying they often fulfil vital roles across a wide spectrum of society.

Many people - from police and other emergency services, to farmers in remote areas - rely on their prowess to see them safely through dangerous situations, or extreme winter weather.

So the market for these wheeled workhorses will remain strong - and more manufacturers will seek a slice of it.

Hummer, for example, General Motors' (GM) dedicated truck and off-roader brand, has now officially arrived in the UK, with the opening of the first dedicated showroom.

Bauer Millett, the UK's sole Hummer licensee since 2002, has opened the dedicated facility in Manchester, from where it will begin selling the new, right-hand-drive H3 in the summer.

Bob Lutz, GM vice chairman of global product development, unveiled a prototype H3 at the Manchester outlet, and said: "Hummer's iconic design and unparalleled off-road capabilities appeal to a wide audience, and we are determined to build upon the brand's unique recognition here in the UK." Several more Hummer showrooms are expected to be opened in coming months in other parts of Britain. GM acquired the rights to the brand in 1999, and the H3 made its debut in North America in May 2005, helping to make Hummer one of the fastest-growing 4x4 marques in the United States. The smaller, more efficient H3, which will make the brand more accessible to British buyers, will be built in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

The H3 will come with a luxury interior and 244bhp, 3.7-litre engine, with the choice of a manual or automatic transmission, plus a full-time four-wheel-drive system.

Compared to the Hummer H2, so beloved of Britain's Premiership footballers, the H3 is 39mm shorter, 171mm lower, and 73mm narrower - or, roughly the same dimensions as a large family saloon.

When it comes to mud-plugging, the H3 will be capable of travelling through deep streams, and climb near-vertical steps or rocks with little rear overhang to hold it back. Prices for the new Hummer H3 will be announced in the next few weeks.

Meanwhile, Land Rover puts the new, better-equipped 2007 Defender range on sale in the UK on April 16.

The Defender's roots go all the way back to 1948, and the latest line-up benefits from a new 2.4-litre diesel engine and six-speed gearbox, a new facia, new seating and a high-output air-conditioning system.

Prices start from £18,645 for the Defender 90 Pick Up, and rise to £26,605 for the XS Double Cab Defender 110. The Defender 130 starts from £22,655, and these models will be available from UK Land Rover dealerships in July. John Edwards, managing director of Land Rover UK, says the iconic vehicle is a symbol of Britain's 4x4 heritage, and it plays a vital role in the lives of customers from all corners of the globe.

"Farmers, aid workers, and explorers the world over value Defender's versatility, its extraordinary strength, robustness and capability," said Mr Edwards. "These attributes help account for the model's exceptionally high levels of customer loyalty." The Defender offers no fewer than 14 separate body styles, from pick-ups and hard tops to crew cabs and station wagons, on top of which, Land Rover's Special Vehicle Operations team can produce bespoke design and build adaptations. For the full low-down on the latest Defender range, go online to www.landrover.co.uk