NEW off-roaders are a bit like the local bus service. You don't see one for a while, then three turn up at once. It's certainly true of the luxury end of the four-wheel-drive market.

Volvo's award-winning XC90 now has quite a name in the premium sports utility vehicle (SUV) sector, and takes another step ahead of ultimate 4x4s with the luxurious and desirable XC90 Executive, expected here in the autumn, for around £45,000.

The high-standard specification includes soft leather upholstery, walnut wood inlays and a rear-seat DVD player, with twin seven-inch screens in front head restraints.

There's a fridge fitted in the armrest between the front seats, and an integrated satellite phone.

Just 100 XC90 Executives will be sold in the UK this year, with only 500 expected next year.

Meanwhile, the world's most successful luxury SUV, the Lexus RX300, gets a full range revision and is on sale now, from £28,955.

The power of the 3.0-litre high-performance V6 engine is increased to 201bhp, and a more aerodynamic body and higher-performance tyres increase the top speed from 112 to 124mph.

Fuel consumption has been improved by more than six per cent, achieving a best-in-class figure for luxury SUVs equipped with six-cylinder petrol engines.

Kia, too, have their latest Sorento, a high-performance, 24-valve, 3.5-litre, V6 petrol version. Available only in the higher XS specification with an automatic gearbox, it ss priced at £21,995.

The Kia has the power, and kit, of a prestige 4x4 costing at least £10,000 more.

Finally, Land-Rover are hunting big-sales game with two Freelander Limited Editions.

The well-specified Freelander Maasai and Maasai Mara are on sale this weekend, starting at £14,995 for the Maasai.

The Maasai Mara, at £15,995, comes with air-conditioning and a CD player in addition to the Maasai specification