The British Motor Show became a laughing stock during the 1990s. So much, in fact, that by the beginning of the 21st Century we didn't even have one. Now the show is back and it promises to put all those problems behind it. Nigel Burton looks at what's on offer at the NEC near Birmingham.

BRITISH drivers just love 4x4s. Maybe that's why off-roaders play such a big part in this yearr's Motor Show Live event, which runs until Sunday June 6.

The problem with Motor Shows of yore was the big yawn factor if you were just a casual visitor. Beyond looking at hundreds of different cars, there wasn't actually that much to do.

All that has changed for 2004.

This time you can get down'n dirty with a whole host of cars just waiting to be driven off road.

One of the biggest attractions will be the new Discovery, but don't rule out Nissan's nifty new Murano or the hybrid Lexus RX400.

The organisers have pulled out all the stops by creating an off-road course on the NEC site so you can have a drive to see for yourself how these cars perform.

If on road cars are more to your taste, have no fear - there's a special area for would-be buyers wanting to take their short-listed cars for a spin as well.

And don't think the kids will miss out on the fun.

The British School of Motoring is promising a free driving lesson to anyone 14 years or older.

For the little ones, be sure to head for the vast Ford stand where there's an interactive Thunderbirds show. If you're lucky you may even get the chance to pilot Thunderbird 1!

So what else should the sharp-eyed petrol head look out for this year?

Here's a quick rundown.

Aston Martin: The lucious DB9 is bound to be one of the stars of the show, particularly in soft-top Volante form.

Audi: Take a look at the new A6 and make up your own mind about the unsubtle grille treatment. The A8 W12 flagship is also on show.

Bentley: Check out the facelifted Arnage.

Chrysler/Jeep: Fans of Yank tanks will love the groovy 300C sports convertible.

Citroen: Younger drivers will drool at the snappy C2 VTS hot-hatch. There's also the C3, a rival to the Rover Streetwise.

Daihatsu: This stand has its own native Indian drummers to attract your attention to the dinky Copen sportster.

Ferrari: Always a big hit, check out the controversial Scaglietti for the first time in the UK.

Fiat: The Italians may have decided to leave Alfa Romeo at home but at least you can feast your eyes on the cute little Trepiuno and the award-winning Panda.

Ford: A huge stand shows off the entire range, including a hot version of the latest Fiesta.

Honda: The facelifted Jazz hits the show stand.

Hyundai: Lots of sporty concepts for you to check out, including a due-forproduction crop-top Coupe.

Jaguar: The X Type Estate and new diesel range take pride of place here.

Land Rover: Latest Discovery and face-lifted Freelander will vie for your attention. Check out the waterfall behind the main exhibits that hides a VIP rest area.

Lexus: The world's first hybrid offroader, the RX400, is on this stand.

MG Rover: Just how close to the A6 is the face of the new Rover V8? Now you can compare the two for yourself.

Check out the outrageous Porsche chasing SV supercar as well.

Mini: A new fresh air Mini is on this stand - pity the cabrio boot is a throwback to the original's.

Nissan: The Murano is a real showstopper, as is the Qashqai concept that could form the basis of the next Almera. Take a look at the Micra CC that is soon to be built in Sunderland.

Porsche: Always popular, try not to drool on the stunning Carrera GT supercar.

Renault: First chance to check out the Modus compact MPV fresh from its world premiere last week.

SEAT: A big stand for a growing range. Take a look at the sporty Altea MPV - which is better the Spaniard or the French Modus? You decide.

Subaru: The Japanese legend is giving drivers a chance to get behind the wheel of a WRX STi - worth the price of admission on its own.

Toyota: Facelifted Corolla - but can you tell?

TVR: The usual collection of fantastic looking sportscars fresh from Blackpool.

Vauxhall: Lots to see here. Serious buyers will pour over the new Astra before heading off to see the latest VW Golf. Sportscar lovers will be counting the days until the latest VXR performance flagships get here.

VW: The first hot diesel Polo is the big news here. Dig the Golf line up that shows how the car has "grown up" over the years.

Volvo : The S40 and V50 are great new lookers from Volvo. Keep them in mind before you splash out on a Mondeo.

How to get there: Take the A1, M18 and M42 all the way to the NEC's front door. With room for 22,000 vehicles parking isn't a problem. Prices: £16 for adults and £9 for concessions. The show is open until 7pm every night apart from the final day, when doors close at 5.30pm.