Range Rover Sport HSE

Although the Range Rover Sport HSE is the entry-level model in the SUV's range, it's far from basic inside. That should be expected, though, considering even this base-model HSE is around £62,000 without any options equipped. As standard, HSE buyers are treated to 'Oxford' perforated leather, electrically-adjustable and heated seats, dual-zone climate control, 20-inch alloy wheels and satellite navigation. That's on top of front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, Xenon headlights and a hands-free powered tailgate. That equipment list is pretty good already, so it begs the question why anyone would choose a higher end trim level like the Range Rover Sport Autobiography Dynamic.

The Range Rover Sport HSE is only available with one engine, but we think its the best engine to pick anyway. The 3.0-litre V6 diesel might be the smallest engine in the Sport's range, but it still has plenty of power available, as it's able to launch the HSE to 62mph in just 6.8 seconds. Its economy figures are the best engine in the range too, as the V6 diesel engine is capable of 40.4mpg and costs £225 per year to tax.

The HSE rivals the Porsche Macan, Volkswagen Touareg and Audi Q5 for size. Dynamically, the Sport is closest to the Macan, as they are both very good to drive. The Macan may be sharper and more performance-focused, but the Sport's comfortable ride and smooth automatic gearbox means it's better for long distance cruising.

Good points

The V6 diesel engine is smooth, quiet and powerful. It gives you all of the Range Rover experience, without you needing to spend more on a bigger engine or a more expensive model.The Range Rover Sport is very good to drive. It manages to hide its size well, and although it isn't as sporty as a Porsche Cayenne, it's a lot more comfortable on a long cruise.As you'd expect, the Range Rover Sport is very upmarket inside. It uses a lot of high-class materials, a cleanly designed dashboard, is filled with tech and the seats are finished in very plush 'Oxford' leather.

Bad points

If you choose the seven-seat option, don't expect to fit adults in that third row. As the Range Rover Sport's roofline slopes down towards the rear, the two seats have limited headroom, so they're only good for children.With an options list as long as your arm, it's very easy to get caught up in personalising your Range Rover Sport. Since there's more tech and luxury options on board the higher end models, the entry-level HSE should probably be left largely as it is if you don't want to add much more to the purchase price.

What you get

• Alloy wheels
• Metallic paint
• Folding rear seats
• Electric folding wing mirrors
• Alarm
• Rear parking sensors
• Passenger & Driver airbag
• Front side airbags
• Curtain airbags
• Front fog lights
• Auto climate control
• Full leather seats
• Electric driver's seat
• Heated front seats
• Front electric windows
• Single CD player
• AUX stereo input
• DAB Radio
• Cruise control
• Sat nav
• Stop/Start
• Automatic wipers
• Reversing camera
• Rear electric windows
• Bluetooth

Our choice

There's only one - a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine connected to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. 0-62mph is done in just 7.2 seconds, while the diesel engine is capable of reaching up to 40mpg. CO2 emissions of 185g/km means road tax of £225 per year.