MOTORING – THE RANGE RO V ER 2 0 1 8
Sitting at the top of a four-model Range Rover line-up, above the Evoque, Velar and the Sport models, the new Range Rover is stealing headilnes It has long been the luxury SUV benchmark, the regal image, exquisite interior, powerful engines and unrivalled off-road ability make it the go-to vehicle for those who want a luxury car that can do it all.
With its floating roofline, continuous waistline and lower accent graphics, Land Rover haven’t set out to reimagine Range Rover, they’ve simply made it better. A host of innovative features give it even greater presence whilst the new design is effortless, iconic and even more contemporary with a new front grille, front bumper and bonnet combined with integrated exhausts and striking new Matrix LED lights.
Once on board, apart from feeling elevated by the brand you’re driving, you’ll find lots of hi-tech kit, including adjustable driving modes that help with varying terrain, all useful stuff. But, the car’s real trick is to tackle all sorts of off-road terrain whilst delivering what can only be described as luxurious level of car comfort. Land Rover hasn’t spared any expense decking out the Range Rover's interior and even the entry-level Vogue model is loaded with equipment – hats off to the team for the significant level of offering!
Alongside the Vogue model are the Vogue SE, Autobiography and SVAutobiography versions – the latter two are also available in long-wheelbase guise – adding even more features to an already generous standard equipment list.
Once behind the wheel you feel big power and lots of torque, the Range Rover cruises miles with ease, providing maximum comfort on long journeys. The smooth eight-speed automatic gearbox contributes to a relaxed driving experience. The steering is both accurate and well weighted, and you can add the optional Active Lean Control to tighten body control even further if you so wish. What really sets it apart from its rivals is its mega off-road ability and huge towing power.
An aluminium shell means that the latest Range Rover is 420kg lighter than the previous car, making it extremely agile. Range Rover buyers can choose from two diesel engines, a supercharged petrol, a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid – looks, power and consideration for the environment!
My test car was the Autobiography model featuring a panoramic roof, heated steering wheel, larger alloys and a beautifully designed dash. Pure luxury, with almost every conceivable toy on it including massaging, heated and cooling, 22-way adjustable front seats in soft leather and two reclining executive chairs with a champagne fridge between them in the rear. Yes, I did feel like I could just move in and rent my house out!The rear cabin space is truly massive and affords a fantastic view.
The new InControl in-car infotainment system, Touch Pro Duo, looks very sleek and performs like no other. It delivers a wealth of information and entertainment, whilst proving refreshingly simple to operate. You can even use your voice to give instructions -
Prices starting from £80,035 To book a test drive at your local Listers Land Rover
0121 745 5566 Birmingham | 01905 797 777 Droitwich | 01432 802 525 Hereford |
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I asked it to phone home and even asked it to navigate me to Swinfen Hall Hotel amazingly it set the route without my needing to press any buttons.
One downside of its sheer size, though, is that it’s still quite a climb up into the vehicle, I’m coming back with longer legs in the next life, but, in the meantime, I was delighted to find that recent updates now mean you can lower the air suspension to ‘access’ height at the touch of a button to make getting in and out easier. My test car also sported retractable side steps which I really appreciated – I give this feature 10/10. As options, you can even add a sliding boot floor and a pair of leather ‘event’ chairs that fold out of the boot and face rearwards with the hatch open – perfect for viewing the action at Live 24-Seven’s Ladies Day at the Polo!
On our test drive the weather was unusually and particularly hot, the cooled seats were bliss! It kept us as cool as the picnic we’d packed in cool bags and as the classic Range Rover split tailgate allows you to open one or both parts as needed, lowering the bottom tailgate gives you a useful temporary seating area, perfect for enjoying that picnic!
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