- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
4.4DTT, 8 cyl.
- Engine Power
250kW, 700Nm
- Fuel
Diesel 8.7L/100KM
- Manufacturer
4XD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
3 Yr, 100000 KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
Range Rover Sport quick spin review
The car: Range Rover Sport SDV8 HSE Dynamic
Price: From $146,300 plus on-road and dealer costs
Vitals 4.4-litre twin turbo V8 diesel, 250kW, 700Nm, eight-speed automatic transmission, 8.7L/100km, AWD
What is it?
Part SUV, part luxury car, part performance car. The new Range Rover Sport combines the best of all three.
What it isn’t?
A Land Rover Discovery in drag, like the old Sport. This generation Sport is built on the all-new aluminium underpinnings introduced on the big daddy Range Rover so it is lighter (by a considerable 400kg) and more dynamic than the Discovery-based Sport, which used a heavier, more off-road friendly ladder-frame chassis.
What does it say about me?
That you want options - the option to go off-road or drive quickly on sealed roads.
Who else is buying it?
The Sport has proven particularly popular with high-profile athletes and private school parents. The new Sport has even more appeal to the latter crowd now because it is available with two extra seats in the boot, making it a seven-seater if you are willing to pay extra.
What colours does it come in?
There are 19 body colours to choose from – everything from black to bronze – plus eight different options for the roof. You can choose between a body coloured lid or black, grey and silver with the option of either a panoramic sunroof or not.
If it were a celebrity, who would it be?
Prince William. Thoroughly British, very dignified but also capable of getting his hands dirty.
Why would I buy it?
For the combination of luxury, performance and capability that makes it a rare find. There are a lot of SUVs these days that can do two of those three, but being able to pull off the trifecta is for a limited few.
Will it let me down?
Range Rover’s reputation isn’t a match for the German or Japanese. And, just recently, the 2013 model Range Rover with the same engine was recalled because of a potential problem that could lead to an under bonnet fire…
Does it cost too much?
It’s certainly not a cheap car but it is competitively priced against its rivals.
Is it safe?
The Sport is loaded with all the usual safety features including electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes and plenty of airbags. Importantly, the airbags not only cover the occupants in the first two rows but the curtain airbags also extend to protect those sitting in the third row seats – something not all seven-seaters can claim.
Will it get me noticed?
With its combination of modern style and classic design cues, plus the celebrity penchant for the car, the Sport has a head-turning ability.
How’s the cabin ambience?
It’s like sitting in a designer lounge room. The interior screams modern luxury with its combination of high quality materials, edgy design and comfortable layout. There’s good space front and rear, but our test car was only a five-seater so we can’t speak to how comfortable the third row seats are. But officially Range Rover calls it a 5+2 seating arrangement, which is car company code for ‘it’s pretty cramped in the back but we’ve squeezed two more seats in’.
Does it go?
Range Rover refers to the engine as a ‘super-diesel’ and it is not a boast. Peak torque of 700Nm kicks in from just 1750rpm so despite its considerable size and weight the Sport gets moving rapidly. The company claims it can do the 0-100km/h sprint in just 6.9 seconds which is mighty impressive for a luxurious, diesel, off-road capable SUV. The eight-speed automatic gearbox shifts smoothly and is just as capable leaving the engine ticking over or shifting dynamically in ‘sport’ mode.
Does it like corners?
It may be an SUV but the Sport handles the bends as well as some sports sedans. It sits surprisingly flat and the steering is responsive and engaging.
Does it like going off-road?
Land Rover have yet to build a true soft-roader (even the style-centric Evoque is capable off the beaten track) and the Sport is no different. It has Land Rover’s Terrain Response 2 system that tailors the car’s suspension and drivetrain settings based on the road surface. Underlining its off-road prowess, the Sport has up to 278mm of ground clearance thanks to its adjustable air suspension.
What about bumps?
The Sport is a smooth rider on-road too thanks to the air suspension. It soaks up large and small imperfections with ease. Being so capable off-road means the Sport is untroubled by humble speed bumps.
What about service stations?
The combined fuel economy of 8.7-litres per 100km is impressive enough for such a big car but when you consider its performance and the fact the supercharged V8 petrol uses a claimed 13.8L/100km it looks even better.
Would you buy one?
In a heartbeat. It is the ultimate family hauler – comfortable, quick and stylish.
What else should I consider?
The Porsche Cayenne S Diesel (from $142,300) and the BMW X5 M50d (from $148,400) are the two most obvious rivals. And, frankly, both are worth serious consideration but, personally, it's the Range Rover for me.
The Spin
“The new Range Rover Sport now delivers the brand’s best-ever on-road dynamics together with class-leading, genuine Land Rover all-terrain capability.”
The Translation
We’ve kept the off-road ability and added some on-road prowess to make sure it lives up to its name.