Land Rover Reviews


 

Defender

Freelander 2

Discovery 3

Range Rover Sport

Loved by footballers their wives and gays everywhere since the moment it touched tarmac, the sport derivative of the always popular Range Rover flew out of showrooms upon its launch. Whichever guise you buy the RR sport in it doesn't disappoint, equipment levels on even the most basic models are excellent and couple that with the butch no nonsense exterior styling and your on to a winner. It isn't cheap, yes it's worth the money but if you really want one that will turn heads and looks the doggies do-dah's and is all kitted up, or better yet the superb supercharged model, then expect to spend a small fortune, which unfortunately puts it out of the reach of the high street gay.


Just after it's launch I got to test the Range Rover Sport and I kid you not when I say that it totally blew me away. Bearing in mind that I was given an entry level TDV6 S with the 2.7 litre V6 (190ps/188bhp) turbocharged and intercooled diesel engine for my test, standard kit included: Electric windows, seats, mirrors, cruise control, Single CD 8 speaker audio system, Trip computer, automatic climate control. Then of course you have all the technology that makes a Range Rover a Range Rover, those things that really set it apart, such as electronic air suspension (great fun, but also very practical), Terrain Response™, Hill Descent Control (HDC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), speed-proportional variable ratio steering, permanent four wheel drive, four wheel Electronic Traction Control (ETC) and 4 Channel all terrain ABS.

Then there's the little touches that mean so much to us all, a tailgate-mounted rear spoiler, perforated grille and side vents, puddle and foot well lamps, leather covered steering wheel and gear knob, loadspace cover roller blind, illuminated vanity mirrors, an integrated rear armrest, driver and front passenger front, head and side airbags and rear outboard passenger head airbags. The test model I had also had a few sporting and luxury optional extras, upgraded 18" 10 spoke alloys, privacy glass (an absolute must on this car), full leather interior (another must) and Land Rover Bluetooth (which was outstanding).

So I drive straight into town, I want to see if this new Sport turns as many heads as it's big brother. The answer is yes even more so, absolutely everybody you pass whether their on foot or driving stares, then smiles, if you want to be noticed then this is most definitely the car to be driving. So next stop is the retail park up the road, grab a Starbucks on the way then park up stand next to the car, door open drinking my coffee, in a 30 minute period 15 people came up to me and looked round the car inside and out, every single one said they thought it was a stunning car, they loved it both inside and out and not one of them believed me when they asked how much and I told them that even with all the optional extra's, the car costs just over £38,000 and without it's £35,000. You see that's what sets the Sport apart from its rivals, for the same spec (including leather, Bluetooth, 18" wheels and privacy) It's £3,000 cheaper than the X5 3.0D (diesel) Sport and nearly £4,000 cheaper than the new Mercedes ML320CDI SE, yes both the Mercedes and the BMW are slightly lighter cars, yes both are a couple of seconds faster 0-60mph with the X5 doing it in 8.3 sec's, the ML320 at 8.6 and the Range Rover in 11.9, however the Rover also has the smallest engine and returns the best fuel consumption of the three as well, and I personally think that out the 3 it's by far the sexiest to look at, I'm not a fan of the big bottom on the new ML, and the X5 just looks dated and tired now.

It is truly wonderful to drive, it's quiet, quick, it feels sporty, the ICE even though it wasn't the upgraded Harmon sound system was very good, the build quality is outstanding, nothing in or on this car feels cheap, everything feels solid and screwed together. The high ground clearance gives you excellent visibility of what's going on ahead and the PDC means that parking it isn't as cumbersome as it could be. If I had to (and I mean absolutely HAD TO) fault it, I would have to say the electric window buttons are a little far away from the driver, they sit just under the wing mirror, but it does mean though that you can rest your arm on the window sill without leaning on them (so there's an upside), other than that this is just about as close to perfection as any car can be, I love it, I would recommend to anyone, so much in fact have I fallen in love with the Range Rover Sport that I'm seriously thinking of buying one.

Range Rover

Ever noticed how certain cars make you think of certain songs and equally how certain songs inspire a certain style of driving? For instance take the cars covered in this month's column...the Range Rover TDV8 Diesel and the super-hot hot hatch the Mazda 3 MPS with "aero styling kit". Put a bit of Will Young in the CD players and both cars will happily plod along quietly and peacefully, motorists behind you will be driven insane by you ambling merrily along. Eject WJ and place something eurotrash-esque or Kylie-chic in and before you can fasten the clasp on your Boss man-bag (or fluffy Elmo backpack depending on age and style, or lack of!) your driving becomes just that bit quicker, suddenly if you don't get the cash machine before Latvian S&M porn star sings the next chorus the world will end, so the old lady in the Fiesta in front must be driven from the road immediately. However stick a good dance remix of something by Pink or her crowd in and even Paris Hilton's driving would look like your grandma on a Sunday run to M&S, corners must be taken at speeds only found in grand prix's and red traffic lights are considered 'advisories' rather than gospel.

The Ranger is many things, just one of which is superb, however due to increased performance thanks to the amazing new TDV8 diesel engine it's no longer the mummy school wagon or an upmarket mud-plugger. In fact it's got more muscle under the bonnet than your personal trainer. The new V8 engine transforms the Ranger diesel from Classic FM to a Gwen Stefani dance remix, masses of extra power whilst retaining the same fuel economy as the outgoing V6 engine. So what exactly is it that morphs the new RR Diesel from 60k's worth of octogenarian day tripper to being a serious choice for the young gorgeous and trendy? How about a 0-60mph sprint that takes 8.5secs, not only four seconds faster than the previous diesel but also quick enough to ensure you'll be keeping up with the cute boys in sports cars that thought they'd leave you standing. The new engine is also 40% faster in the 50-70mph speed range which means overtaking on the motorway becomes that bit easier. Maximum power also rockets from 177 bhp/ps to 272 making the TDV8 feel overall more powerful and the sensible choice for those wanting power as well as fuel economy. It still retains the amazing drive, ride and comfort that's synonymous with Range Rover. It's also arguably the best luxury 4X4 in the world.