THE Porsche Cayenne Turbo - not so much a car, more a monster of a vehicle that rules the road.

Its vast size is initially overwhelming (thank heavens for parking sensors) and certainly not what you'd expect from a Porsche.

However turn the engine on and it's a different story.

With 500bph, a top speed of 171mph and the ability to go from 62mph in 5.1s, the turbo acceleration literally takes your breath away.

Cruising down the M56 to North Wales in my crystal silver eight-cylinder model, I was transformed into the 4x4-loving driver I'd always secretly harboured a slight element of road rage towards.

Because sitting behind the wheel of a Porsche you can't help but feel superior.

Some may say it's ugly (I disagree), while others may jeer at the need for such a powerful off-roader.

But let's face it, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo commands respect (and a great deal of driver envy even though most won't admit to it) from the moment you fly down the slip road.

I've heard this car being compared to a Carrera but on steroids, and it's easy to see why.

Even a police officer in his panda 4x4 took his eyes off the road for a fraction too long to admire the Porsche's sporting stature.

A few years since its launch, the Cayenne has had a facelift with new front lights and a whole range of other modifications.

Its elevated driving position and road holding provide a secure driving experience, while inside, there's ample space and surprisingly comfortable seating all round, plus masses of boot space and loading room which will easily take a full set of family luggage.

The design remains stylish and practical with a leather interior and climate control, plus the traditional Porsche five-dial dashboard, although perhaps not quite as luxurious as one would expect for a £74,650 base price.

There are numerous optional extras to bump up the price, however - mine came with dynamic chassis control, a 20in Cayenne SportTechno wheel, Porsche crest embossed headrest, PCM with telephone module, electric slide and tilt sunroof and aluminium roof railing, taking the cost past the £80,000 mark.

That said, it's ultimately the performance you're paying for, specifically an unprecedented level of acceleration, cornering and braking on any terrain that's uncharacteristic in the four-wheel drive market.

You can choose to control the six-gear transmission manually via the steering wheel, or stick to automatic as I tended to do for an enjoyably smooth ride.

All versions of the SUV (including the reasonably priced Cayenne model at £37,100) come as standard with central locking featuring remote control, an immobiliser complete with transponder operation and an anti-theft warning system with ultrasound surveillance of the interior.

Unsurprisingly fuel economy isn't great and I found myself at the petrol pump way before my five-day test drive was over. And with sky-high insurance, parts serving costs, it isn't a car for the faint-hearted.

Having said that, the car's popularity means depreciation is relatively low.

And in terms of finish, performance and presence on the road, you'll be hard pressed to find anything better.