The ultimate status symbol the Range Rover Evoque is put to the test

I got the feeling the Range Rover dealer sat next to me in the passenger seat didn't want to be there. It may be because he'd already told me this was the worst time of the year to be taking out some journalism student who couldn't afford to buy the car if he'd been working as a hack for 20 years.

With the registration plates changing to 2012 next week, Stratstone Land Rover on Penarth Road have over 80 cars going out. 

But it might also have something to do with the fact this Range Rover Evoque is a near £40,000 vehicle with a 2.2 litre, 190bhp diesel engine, and is now in the hands of someone whose regular ride, when his parents aren't using it, is a Toyota Yaris. 

Still full credit to dealer James Hawkins, who has been in the business for 25 years, for taking time out to take me for a spin around the block. 

It took a bit of coaching before we got started. This model, a six-speed automatic, didn't seem to have those things you would have thought essential to the modern car like a gear stick, ignition or handbrake.

Instead, you put the key into a specially designed compartment down by your left hand after which you press a starter button, use a silver dial to select your mode, and off you go.

As Mr Hawkins assured me, you only need your right foot to drive this car with its enormous brake pedal and more dainty accelerator. Unfortunately, before we moved off I committed the cardinal sin of trying to use my left. If looks could kill, the one I got would have cut me dead.

Once we got away the atmosphere lightened a bit and we could talk about the car. As Mr Hawkins tells me the build quality is excellent and the ride certainly feels firm but comfortable.

The Evoque feels like a small tank. I guess this is what the Range Rover customer, a very particular individual according to my passenger, is looking for. It's true there's not a lot to compete with a car like this, especially with the kudos the brand name carries. People who want Range Rovers tend to want Range Rovers and nothing else.

But I put it to Mr Hawkins most of these four-wheel drive mini-monsters, like the one we're in today no doubt, will never be driven off road. He shrugged. The fact is this is a highly capable everyday road car which just happens to be able to pull a full horsebox if need be. 

The engine definitely suggested that with plenty of torque and a tasty turbo meaning the one time I did put my foot down a bit I wasn't disappointed. It also gets between 40 and 50 miles to the gallon which bucks the trend of many of its thirsty stable mates. 

But the styling is an acquired taste with the front grill and lights swept back in something approaching a smug grin. 

I'm not a huge fan of the mood lighting either- it has five different settings - or the Range Rover sign on the door frame which illuminates with a colour of your choice. 

It gave this very good car more than a whiff of the status symbol, which is really what it is as much as anything else. Then again the Evoque was Jeremy Clarkson's car of the year 2011.  And who am I to argue with Jezza?