Lexus RX330 Sports 3.3-litre, fi ve-speed auto Five-door wagon Price: $73,200

Best features

• Smooth and quietness
• Build and finish quality
• Ergonomics
• Comfort

The Lexus soft-roader joins illustrious company this year as one of five vehicles able to retain an ABC crown for three consecutive years. Yet to match the four-time feat of Forester, the opulent RX330 equals the Holden Astra, Ford Falcon and BMW M3, which also have three consecutive titles.

Like other years the margin back to BMW’s X5 is still mighty slim, but this Lexus consistently notches top scores in crucial categories. Most of these are in design and function. Lexus equips its RX330 with a swag of active and passive safety features and its classy seats are comfortable and supportive. It provides a thoughtful layout of controls and instruments while few would dare to criticise Lexus on its longstanding reputation for quality. The RX330 is also roomy and practical, although Lexus would do well to remedy the blemish on security.

It scores consistently due to its lower price, a bright outlook on depreciation costs, competitive regular costs and a long four-year warranty.

Advances in the luxury market hit its handling score. The light steering, initial body roll and an intrusive electronic stability program do not assist its cause. However, the elimination of noise in the RX330 is still superb, its ride still ranks high, and its performance and braking are better than average.

A new whisper-quiet Range Rover Sport turbo-diesel forces a reshuffle of BMW’s X5 twins this year. The X5 diesel loses a mark for smoothness and quietness, which allows its petrol pal to slip ahead. Both Beamers are class-leaders for handling and desirable dynamics. The X5 3.0D is one of the premier performers in the class. Other differences between thee duo are the diesel’s low environment score and its low fuel use.

The new diesel Range Rover Sport in the class, a spin-off from Discovery, shoots to prominence for low noise levels, and collects top marks for ride quality. Off-road prowess is almost a given from Range Rover, but its competence in other dynamic measures such as handling, braking and performance is less predictable.

The British brand also boasts lots of space, comfortable seating, and good price, safety and security. The build quality is only middling though, while equipment levels are substandard.