As prizewinners go, they don't come much bigger than the Land Rover Discovery 3.

It has won enough prizes since its launch three years ago to almost fill that enormous frame.

At the last count, it was 70 international awards. That's an average of two awards in every month of its existence.

In the world of the big 4x4s, there's simply nothing to touch it.

With all that beef and technology, the Discovery 3 driver might feel able to to conquer the world, and indeed some do - or at least inhospitable bits of the globe in faraway places.

In the countryside of North and East Yorkshire, the Discovery will more likely be seen on rural roads, farms and at shows, where it is instantly recognisable as the choice of the well-heeled who might have some serious towing and off-roading to do.

The Mama Cass girth is undoubtedly out of place on city roads, where it dwarfs most other vehicles. It weighs in at 5,590lb - about 1,400lb heavier than the Freelander 2 - but is not quite as heavy as a Range Rover.

The cabin offers either five or seven seats (with the latter two more suited to smaller people) and the second and third rows fold into the floor when not in use to create a huge load space.

Geoff Upex, the design director, explained how the vehicle was designed: "Our priorities were cabin space, comfort, the Command driving position and elevated stadium seating' in the rear.

"The exterior reflects those interior priorities. It is very geometric, very minimalist and very modern. Everything is there for a reason. It is pure product design, rather than fancy automotive styling. It is also distinctly Land Rover. You certainly won't confuse this with anything else."

He's absolutely right, of course. The clean lines - with only the merest hint of curves at the edges - lead to a huge rear window glass with a split tailgate.

Land Rover knew that to create a champion it would not only be necessary to remain faithful to the five-seven seater large 4x4 Discovery concept, but also start again in some repects. For that reason, not one component from the previous Discovery was carried over for the new model.

The driving characteristics are nothing short of brilliant for a car of these dimensions. The imposing large bonnet, high riding position and sheer bulk give a sense of indestructibility.

Couple that with the plush surroundings of the HSE test model, which includes heated and power leather seats, on and off-road satellite navigation, electric sunroof and premium quality stereo, and you have one of the most enjoyable rides of its type.

Land Rover, like any other manfacturer of cars with high C02 outputs, has come under the cosh from the environmental lobby. Its answer is its CO2 Offset Programme in the UK, which offsets emissions created during the manufacturing process and produced by its vehicles.

The programme funds carbon-neutral projects across the globe, ensuring that the amount saved balances the original output. Climate Care, an independent CO2 offset provider ensures that that average amount of CO2 produced by a Land Rover over its first 45,000 miles, or three years, is offset by investments in projects such as energy efficiency initiatives or renewable energy.

Some people might say that's like letting your dog foul a neighbour's lawn and then offering to clean up the mess. You might able able to clean up, but your dog still messed on the lawn.

The best-selling engine in the UK (and Europe) is the corking 2.7-litre TDV6 turbodiesel, producing 190bhp and an extraordinary 440Nm(325lb ft) of torque.

With a diesel-engined car this good, you have to question the need for the V8 petrol versions with their poorer fuel economy (18mpg) and horrendous CO2 emission figure of 354g/km. Compare that with the diesel's 30.7mpg average figure and C02 emissions of 249g/km.

This car might look seriously attractive, but it still has to do the business.

For the off-roader, the driving experience has been made as simple as possible, and centres on the Terrain Response dial on the centre console. A turn of the dial enables the driver to choose between Tarmac cruising or driving over ruts, grass, snow, rocks, sand or mud.

And with 55 years of Land Rover expertise under that bonnet, you can be very, very confident in its abilities.

At a glance

Model: Land Rover Discovery 3 TDV6 HSE.

Price: £43,715 (Discovery 3 range from £27,215).

Engine: 2.7-litre V6 turbocharged and intercooled diesel.

Transmission: Automatic through six-speed gearbox.

C02 emissions: 249g/km.

Power: 190bhp.

Economy: 27.2mpg average.

Maximum speed: 109mph.

Acceleration: 0-60mph in 12.2 seconds.