Range Rover Review: AutoExpress

The world's best off-roader boasts a limousine-like driving experience, lots of space and imposing looks

Rating:

For : Beautiful cabin, superb refinement, amazing off-road ability
Against : Enormously high running costs, huge size, depreciation is harsh

The Land Rover Range Rover is the ultimate SUV. It combines Bentley levels of interior opulence with a luxury limo-style driving experience, yet offers incredible off-road ability. Latest versions get an uprated diesel engine which is quick and smooth. Running costs are still very high whatever the engine, but all models have a fantastic image and are extremely desirable.

Our pick: 4.4TDV8 Vogue SE

Styling

There is no more imposing vehicle on the road than the Range Rover. Its traditional boxy shape has been evolved over the years, and the latest model is the best-looking yet with huge, jewel-like front lights, a floating roofline and trademark features such as the split tailgate at the rear. The best thing about the interior of a Range Rover is the driver's seat, which is raised to give you a magisterial view of your fellow road users. Cabin quality is absolutely superb with big chunks of wood and metal plus soft leathers - Bentley craftsmen would be proud. There is loads of space up front and neat features like the digital dashboard – which switches to put the rev counter in the middle of the display in Sport mode – and a dual-screen on the centre console that allows the driver to look at satnav instructions while the passenger watches a film. All the buttons and stalks feel weighty and of high quality. As for equipment, 'standard' Vogue models get cruise control, a CD changer and Bluetooth. Autobiography specification comes with everything you can wish for, although there are plenty of options including a 19-speaker Harman Kardon stereo and a rear seat DVD entertainment system.

Driving and Performance

The only sensible choice when it comes to Range Rover engines is the latest 309bhp 4.4-litre V8 diesel. It has a super smooth eight-speed automatic gearbox, does 0-60mph in 7.5 seconds – not bad for a car that weighs close to three tonnes – and has even more torque than the 503bhp 5.0-litre supercharged V8 model, so it's even quicker in the gears. If you have an oil well at your disposal the V8 might be worth a look - it makes a lovely noise - but really the diesel is so quiet and rapid, you'd be a fool to ignore it. Given that the Range Rover is one of the world's best off-roaders, it is astonishingly good on the road too. Adaptive air suspension keeps body roll in check and there's quite a lot of grip too. It's not sporty like a Porsche Cayenne, as the steering is light and a little vague, but the Range Rover is brilliant at soaking up bumps and dispensing with long distances with ease. Motorway road noise doesn't really enter the cabin and the only cause for complaint is the wind noise created by the bluff shape at high speed.



MPG and running costs

Unfortunately, you can't run a Range Rover on a budget. Far from it. Even the diesel emits 253g/km of CO2, so it sits in VED Band L and is hit with a £790 bill for the first year's road tax. The V8 petrol emits 348g/km, so you'll pay £1,000 in the first year. The latter has an eye-watering thirst for fuel with buyers unlikely to get much more than 19mpg in regular driving. The diesel is much better and actually returns 30mpg combined. On top of this, servicing bills and day-to-day maintenance will be very expensive – those big tyres don't come cheap – and despite the desirability of a Range Rover, residual values are not very strong.

Practicality

It measures nearly five metres long – almost the same as a Mercedes S Class – but the Range Rover doesn't quite have as much room in the back as a regular limo. That said, there is still ample room for three tall passengers - although the next-generation model, due in 2012, will be even larger in this respect following mild criticism from current owners. Open the split tailgate and you will be greeted by a huge load area – 994 litres with the rear seats in place (about twice that of a Ford Mondeo) which extends to a van-like 2,099 litres with the rear bench folded down.
Along with four-wheel drive, the Range Rover also gets Terrain Response – a clever system that juggles the traction and stability controls, plus the brakes and the gearbox and suspension, to offer a variety of different modes for tackling streams, rocky paths or steep descents. The Range Rover has the kind of true, go-anywhere ability a Mercedes GL or Porsche Cayenne Turbo can only dream of.

Safety and reliability

With all that metal around you, the Range Rover feels like a very safe place to be and it has lots of equipment to back that up, including seven airbags, electronic brakeforce distribution and stability control. Laminated side glass also features. As for reliability, the Range Rover didn't have a great reputation in the past, but Land Rover has worked hard to fix faults and improve longevity, and despite the complexity of the Range Rover, it's at least as good as a Porsche Cayenne or Mercedes GL.

Source: Auto Express

Related Posts:
Review: 2011 Range Rover Sport
Review: Range Rover Evoque

Range Rover Evoque Coupe Video Review : Motorward

2012 Range Rover Evoque Coupe

In this video MotorTrend gets behind the wheel of the 2012 Range Rover Evoque, the coupe version, and like other first tests, they want to investigate if the excessive sportiness and urban appeal of the baby Rangie mean that it’s useless off the road. Range Rover of course says no, it can still cut it when the going gets rough. But it has to be verified. So, check out the review after the jump.

Watch other reviews of 2012 Range Rover Evoque below:

1. Buyer’s Guide: 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
2. Test Drive: Range Rover Evoque
3. Range Rover Evoque Review: Telegraph.co.uk
4. Range Rover Evoque is a winner: CarAdvice

Source: Motorward

Buyer’s Guide: 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

 

An all-new model for 2012, the Range Rover Evoque is the company’s smallest and lightest model. Available as a four-door called the Evoque 5-Door, or a two-door called the Evoque Coupe, it is based on a heavily-modified version of the platform used by the Land Rover LR2.

The Evoque uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Its all-wheel drive system runs primarily in front-wheel drive under normal conditions but can send up to 70 per cent of power to the rear wheels. It uses the company’s signature Terrain Response system with settings for various road and off-road conditions: General, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud & Ruts, and Sand.

The 5-Door comes in six trim levels, while the Coupe comes in three levels.

Features on the 5-Door Pure include 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, driver-configurable ambient lighting, hill start assist, gradient acceleration control, rear park distance control, black tailgate badge, Bluetooth connectivity with streamed audio, eight-inch high-resolution touch screen with voice control, CD/MP3 stereo with USB connector, automatic headlamps with manual levelling, LED taillamps, heated leather-wrapped tilt and telescopic steering wheel with shift paddles, tire pressure monitoring system, auto up/down windows, six-way driver and four-way passenger power-adjustable heated partial-leather seats with memory, auto-dimming rearview mirror, rear fog lights, rain-sensing wipers with heated washer jets, satin aluminum interior trim, keyless entry with pushbutton start, privacy glass, illuminated vanity mirrors, and puddle lamps that project the Land Rover logo.

The Pure City adds 19-inch alloy wheels, chrome entry and tailgate strips, power tailgate, front parking aid and rearview camera.

The Pure Plus adds full leather seats, garage door opener, panoramic glass roof, headlamp washers and front fog lights.

The Pure Premium adds adaptive auto-levelling xenon headlamps with LED technology, five-camera surround system, automatic high-beam assist, premium sound system with hard disc drive and navigation, ten-disc CD changer, passive keyless entry, and load space storage rails.
The Dynamic Premium adds unique 19-inch alloy wheels, red tailgate badge, Dynamic Exterior trim colours, perforated leather steering wheel, illuminated sill plates, perforated leather seats, unique texture aluminum trim and metallic pedal finishers.

The Prestige Premium adds unique 19-inch diamond-turned alloy wheels, silver tailgate badge, Luxury exterior trim package, wood and aluminum interior trim, premium floor mats with leather bindings, premium leather upholstery with twin needle stitching, and eight-way driver and six-way passenger power seats.

Features on the Coupe Pure Plus include 19-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, black tailgate badge, rearview camera, trailer stability assist, driver-configurable ambient lighting, hill start assist, gradient acceleration control, electronic parking brake, front and rear park distance control, chrome entry and tailgate strips, power tailgate, Bluetooth connectivity with streamed audio, eight-inch touch screen with voice control, CD/MP3 stereo with USB connector, automatic headlamps with manual levelling and washers, LED taillamps, auto up/down windows, tire pressure monitoring system, six-way driver and four-way passenger power-adjustable heated full leather seats with memory, auto-dimming rearview mirror, garage door opener, front and rear fog lights, rain-sensing wipers with heated washer jets, heated leather-wrapped tilt and telescopic steering wheel with shift paddles, satin brushed aluminum trim, panoramic glass roof, keyless entry with pushbutton start, privacy glass, illuminated vanity mirrors, and puddle lamps that project the Land Rover logo.

The Pure Premium adds adaptive auto-levelling xenon headlamps with LED technology, automatic high-beam assist, five-camera surround system, premium sound system with hard disc drive and navigation, ten-disc CD changer, passive keyless entry, and load space storage rails.

The Dynamic Premium adds unique 19-inch alloy wheels, red tailgate badge, Dynamic exterior trim package, perforated leather steering wheel, illuminated sill plates, perforated leather interior with twin needle stitching, unique texture aluminum interior trim, and metallic pedal finishers.

Related Posts:

1. Test Drive: Range Rover Evoque
2. Range Rover Evoque Review: Telegraph.co.uk
3. Range Rover Evoque is a winner: CarAdvice

2012 Range Rover Vogue On Sale In Australia

 

Land Rover has announced Australian release of the updated-for-2012 Range Rover Vogue, bringing a number of modest styling tweaks, two new option packs and a new wheel design.
For 2012, the Range Rover Vogue gets a new gloss-black finish to its tail-lamp and headlight back-plates, and the front grille gets a new Narvik Black finish.

Door handles and side vents are now colour-coded to the body; down below are new 20-inch V-spoke alloy wheels.

Inside, the Grand Black wood veneers have a new 'Range Rover' inlay, while the Autobiography model gets a choice of Burr Maple Prussian Blue, Anthracite Lined Oak or Ash Burl veneers.

Features for the two option packs - Silver and Black - include Blind Spot Monitoring, Surround Camera System, Automatic High Beam Assist, Illuminated Sill Tread plates and an eight-inch Dual View infotainment screen.

The Range Rover Vogue and Autobiography engine line-up remains unchanged for 2012.
Land Rover's 3.6 litre TDV8 was replaced last year by a new 4.4 litre TDV8, producing 235kW and 700Nm of torque - a 15 percent boost over its predecessor.

Paired with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, the engine offers a 0-100km/h time of 7.5 seconds.
Despite the increase in power and capacity, the 4.4 litre V8 lists fuel consumption figures of just 9.4 l/100km, bettering the 11.1 l/100km of the old 3.6 litre engine.

The supercharged LR-V8 remains in the line-up, producing 375kW and 625Nm of torque and pushing the big Range Rover to 100km/h in 6.2 seconds.

Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, the big supercharged V8 lists fuel consumption figures of 14.9 l/100km.

Lastly, the naturally-aspirated LR-V8 produces 276kW and 510Nm, with a 0-100km/h time of 7.2 seconds. Fuel consumption for this engine is listed at 14.0 l/100km, with a six-speed auto.

Availability

Deliveries of MY12 Range Rover Vogue and Autobiography models will commence from October. Pricing commences at $160,500 for the Vogue 4.4L TDV8.

Review: 2011 Range Rover Sport

The new Range Rover Sport has been revised for 2011 and it’s had more than a facelift because there are some significant changes beneath the skin with a modified, more powerful, more efficient turbodiesel engine.

There are two improved engines on offer including a 3.0-litre TDV6 diesel and a range-topping 503bhp 5.0-litre supercharged V8 which can make 0-62mph in five seconds.

When a car is labelled ‘Sport’ it’s no longer the case it’s all about performance and the new engines not only boast substantial increases in power and torque but also lower emissions and fuel consumption.

Changes to the chassis include active damping and a Brembo brake system which brings the burly Range Rover to a quick stop.

Taking all that was good about the mighty Range Rover and, through the work of designers, presenting a slightly more youthful appearance, it sought to tempt buyers away from rivals that were perceived to be more contemporary in looks and image.

Highlighting the youthful angle is appropriate considering Land Rover has updated its junior Range Rover. It’s also appropriate that the car’s visual appearance has changed slightly. Call it a nip and tuck if you like, the Sport’s nose has been softened. Gone is the stark grille, in its place a more cohesive nose and bumper arrangement. The front and rear lights are now LED – with a smoked-effect finish at the back and subtle daytime running lights.

It all adds up to a sleeker, less fussy and more sophisticated ‘look’, and one that does much to help promote Land Rover’s desire to be viewed as a smart, fashionable brand.

The changes continue inside, with the focus very much on improving the car’s premium ambience. Gone is the dark plastic centre console, in its place a soft-touch, colour-co-ordinated central fascia. There’s upgraded leather on the seats, soft-touch textiles and the array of electronic equipment includes the adoption of a TFT colour screen.

Other new toys include five cameras which provide a 360-degree view of the car when reversing to help with parking. There’s also a system that detects oncoming cars and dips the headlights as well as a clever multimedia system with screens for back-seat passengers and heated and cooled seats all round.

The Sport’s cabin is now on a par with a conventional executive saloon’s. It’s certainly spacious enough, while the Sport’s trump card – lofty driving position – will likely be a deal-clincher for some.

One important reason to get the Sport over a conventional saloon is its all-weather and all-terrain ability. For some the latter will rarely be exploited, yet the underlying ability is nothing short of breathtaking.

It’s helped by the Sport’s engine line-up. Diesel dominates and while the beefy supercharged petrol V8 is now faster, more powerful and cleaner, the new TDV6 is destined to grab all the headlines.

The flagship TDV8 might offer lots of power and torque, but the TDV6 delivers an experience that might be close enough for some. Punchy when it comes to overtaking and powering out of corners yet quiet on the motorway, this new TDV6 puts the ‘lesser’ diesel Sport back on the map.

All this power makes off-roading a breeze. The smooth automatic gearbox makes life inching over obstacles easy enough for novices to feel confident, while electronic aids take your mind off the complicated stuff and allow you to concentrate on the muddy track. Land Rover’s familiar Terrain Response system makes off-roading a doddle. Simply dial up the terrain – mud, snow, sand etc – and transmission, differential and suspension settings are taken care of and adjusted when needed. It’s no wonder the car is popular when off-roading is this civilised.

And that’s a good way to sum up the Range Rover Sport – civilised. With the premium ambience ratcheted up a few more notches and the car’s already peerless off-roading given a further polish, you don’t need to look anywhere else as nothing comes close

Range Rover Sport 3.0 LR-TD V6

Price: From £55,145 on the road

Engine: 3.0-litre, 245bhp turbo diesel

Transmission: Six-speed automatic driving all four wheels

Performance: 0-60mph 8.8 seconds; top speed 120mph

Economy: 30.7mpg

CO2 Rating: 243g/km