Once upon a time, the ultimate driving experience was to go through long and winding roads on a magnificent sports car. Admittedly, it could be stereotypical on my part but it may also be the only way to live out your driving pleasure and fantasies. But after decades of trials and tribulations that gave us the golden age of improved automotive, engineers as well as designers embarked on a perception-changing journey that allowed drivers to realise that an intimidating and boxy vehicle such as the Range Rover Sport can, too, become the epitome of luxury wanderlust.
From on-roads to off-roads and luxury to performance, the mother of all SUVs has the ability to bring occupants to several unusual and hard-to-get-to places, making the overall journey a truly memorable one. Needless to say, amazing angular touches from designers and engineers has taken away the fallacy that Range Rovers are meant just for famous sports athletes. Instead, we reckon the Rangie Sport suits those who has outgrown the likes for the usual big names such as BMW and Porsche and prefers to go for something slightly on the edge and exceptional.
I was never a big fan of huge boxy cars as a kid. Ironically, it was an SUV and off-road fanatic who most lamented what's become of his favourite activity in Singapore who led me to believe that cars such as Land Rovers, Range Rovers and Jeeps are the way to go. Long story short, there's just something comforting about these seemingly humble yet intimidating cars.
Exterior
Like how people would recognise a Bimmer or a Porsche, the SUV is easily recognisable as a Range Rover thanks to its iconic lines and boxy front end. The lines are steep and well-sculptured all round and the Brits have somehow succeeded in making its overall outlook sleek despite its mass without losing the familiar traditional Range Rover styling cues.
From on-roads to off-roads and luxury to performance, the mother of all SUVs has the ability to bring occupants to several unusual and hard-to-get-to places, making the overall journey a truly memorable one. Needless to say, amazing angular touches from designers and engineers has taken away the fallacy that Range Rovers are meant just for famous sports athletes. Instead, we reckon the Rangie Sport suits those who has outgrown the likes for the usual big names such as BMW and Porsche and prefers to go for something slightly on the edge and exceptional.
I was never a big fan of huge boxy cars as a kid. Ironically, it was an SUV and off-road fanatic who most lamented what's become of his favourite activity in Singapore who led me to believe that cars such as Land Rovers, Range Rovers and Jeeps are the way to go. Long story short, there's just something comforting about these seemingly humble yet intimidating cars.
Exterior
Like how people would recognise a Bimmer or a Porsche, the SUV is easily recognisable as a Range Rover thanks to its iconic lines and boxy front end. The lines are steep and well-sculptured all round and the Brits have somehow succeeded in making its overall outlook sleek despite its mass without losing the familiar traditional Range Rover styling cues.
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Coupled with the fact that the squarish design stood the test of time well, the Rangie now sports a new two-bar signature front grille (it used to be three) that's surrounded by circular headlamps that's bound to impress. Unlike its predecessors, this Rangie has the kind of style that will receive awe stares regardless if it's parked at the HDB car park or pounding rocks and muds at never-seen-before and deserted tracks.
Everything about the car - from the pair of gigantic vents hacked into the fenders to the 'bling' tail lamps - make you believe that the Sport is not by any means crude. Instead, it has a formation of a rocker treatment that comes across as majestic with just the right amount of threat that will let the casual observer believe that a bad boy is behind the wheel.
With a body dimension of 4,783 (L) x 2,158 (W) x 1,789 (H), the gigantic Sport dominates everything in its path. Whether it's around town or on the highways, the Rangie, like a rare car, is always easily spotted and admired. As a matter of fact, despite the Sport being the smallest SUV in the RR stable (the Evoque will be the smallest when it's out), one could possibly imagine pesky taxis scurrying out of the way when this SUV is seen charging from the rear view mirror.
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Interior
Like the exterior, the Range Rover Sport excels on its inside. Occupants are surrounded by supple leathers and rich wood trim that could possibly make them fall into deep sleep the moment their butts touch the seats. With such a comfortable and tasteful cabin, one could really do with a glass of Johnny Walker Blue Label and some jazz music.
In addition to the top-notch materials used, the Sport is equipped with an array of technology that sounds rather intimidating. But with an arguing statement that stepping out in bold technology is hardly boring, especially if there are interesting gadgets like the Terrain Response system that includes a new Dynamic Program designed for sporting on-road driving, drivers could really use the toggles and buttons for a car of this size. Furthermore, like all tech machines, spend some time with the car and operating the systems will be a walk in the park. The leather-wrapped steering wheel, while multi-functional, tends to have an upmarket outdoor attitude rather than opulent, but nothing seems out of place, even with the two metal strips acting as the horns.
Like the exterior, the Range Rover Sport excels on its inside. Occupants are surrounded by supple leathers and rich wood trim that could possibly make them fall into deep sleep the moment their butts touch the seats. With such a comfortable and tasteful cabin, one could really do with a glass of Johnny Walker Blue Label and some jazz music.
In addition to the top-notch materials used, the Sport is equipped with an array of technology that sounds rather intimidating. But with an arguing statement that stepping out in bold technology is hardly boring, especially if there are interesting gadgets like the Terrain Response system that includes a new Dynamic Program designed for sporting on-road driving, drivers could really use the toggles and buttons for a car of this size. Furthermore, like all tech machines, spend some time with the car and operating the systems will be a walk in the park. The leather-wrapped steering wheel, while multi-functional, tends to have an upmarket outdoor attitude rather than opulent, but nothing seems out of place, even with the two metal strips acting as the horns.
Coupled with the understated cabin and upgraded materials used, the Rangie Sport sure has a lot to boast when it comes to space. There's no shortage of room to sit five occupants with head and legroom aplenty all round. The list of features long associated with luxury cars such as electric seats and electric parking brakes are all there. And should the time comes for you to rock and roll, the Harman/Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system won't stop satisfying.
Along with a host of technological improvements and high-end materials used, the cockpit layout has an overall familiar mix of traditional and modern feel that reminds you that this is not just another high-end vehicle you're driving. It's a contemporary luxury vehicle that stands alone proudly.
Along with a host of technological improvements and high-end materials used, the cockpit layout has an overall familiar mix of traditional and modern feel that reminds you that this is not just another high-end vehicle you're driving. It's a contemporary luxury vehicle that stands alone proudly.
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The Drive
Although the car we tested wasn't the V8 Supercharged variant, this 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged that runs on diesel is by no means a slouch. With 245bhp and 600Nm of free-flowing torque oozing out from the SUV, throttle response is lag-free while taking off from the line is monumental - credit goes to the V6 which makes short work of the heft of the Rangie. And while most gigantic cars that weigh over 2.5 tonnes tend to feel a bit cumbersome when driven hard, there is no detectable turbulence or weight around the rear when the Range Rover Sport is going at illegal speeds. This car is indeed a gem of a pleaser.
Granted that the industrial sound from the diesel engine can be heard when you're standing outside with the engine on, all noises are beautifully isolated the moment you shut the doors, making the cabin a joy to be in. Those who aren't particularly concerned for breakneck motoring weren't even realise that the car runs on diesel.
Driving this big car is certainly easy as well. Due to the high seating position and near-upright windscreen, visibility is clear and exceptional, making it problem-free to manoeuvre around town or tighter spaces. And if you are unsure if the height surpasses some of our smaller multi-storey car parks, a press of a button will be able to lower the ride's height. Drive anything above 40km/h and the car raises back to its original height.
Taken off road, this Rangie's handling capabilities will rise to the occasion. The Terrain Response system, which is also available on the rest of the models in its stable, includes a Dynamic Program setting on the dial for the Sport, giving drivers a sportier and a more engaging drive in different conditions. That said, the icing on the cake has to be the ease of operating the system. With six different options to select from ('Dynamic Program', 'General Driving', 'Grass, Gravel & Snow', 'Mud & Ruts', 'Sand' and 'Rock Crawl'), drivers will be pleased to know that easy-to-follow instructions and pictorials are available for guidance.
Although the car we tested wasn't the V8 Supercharged variant, this 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged that runs on diesel is by no means a slouch. With 245bhp and 600Nm of free-flowing torque oozing out from the SUV, throttle response is lag-free while taking off from the line is monumental - credit goes to the V6 which makes short work of the heft of the Rangie. And while most gigantic cars that weigh over 2.5 tonnes tend to feel a bit cumbersome when driven hard, there is no detectable turbulence or weight around the rear when the Range Rover Sport is going at illegal speeds. This car is indeed a gem of a pleaser.
Granted that the industrial sound from the diesel engine can be heard when you're standing outside with the engine on, all noises are beautifully isolated the moment you shut the doors, making the cabin a joy to be in. Those who aren't particularly concerned for breakneck motoring weren't even realise that the car runs on diesel.
Driving this big car is certainly easy as well. Due to the high seating position and near-upright windscreen, visibility is clear and exceptional, making it problem-free to manoeuvre around town or tighter spaces. And if you are unsure if the height surpasses some of our smaller multi-storey car parks, a press of a button will be able to lower the ride's height. Drive anything above 40km/h and the car raises back to its original height.
Taken off road, this Rangie's handling capabilities will rise to the occasion. The Terrain Response system, which is also available on the rest of the models in its stable, includes a Dynamic Program setting on the dial for the Sport, giving drivers a sportier and a more engaging drive in different conditions. That said, the icing on the cake has to be the ease of operating the system. With six different options to select from ('Dynamic Program', 'General Driving', 'Grass, Gravel & Snow', 'Mud & Ruts', 'Sand' and 'Rock Crawl'), drivers will be pleased to know that easy-to-follow instructions and pictorials are available for guidance.
Conclusion
Designed and engineered for sporty road manners and go-anywhere abilities, the Range Rover Sport has got what it takes to sway BMW X5's and Porsche Cayenne's fans. Not only does the Terrain Response provides the sort of off-road ability that the BMW X5 can only dream of, the Dynamic Program enables a huge car like the Sport to defy the laws of physics better than its competitors.
Given that Range Rover isn't exactly the kind of brand that needs affirmation, the placement of the Sport amongst other luxury SUVs should come as no surprise. We reckon its everlasting design should and will continue to appeal in many years to come. Then again, let's just wait for the Evoque to arrive before we confirm that…
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Designed and engineered for sporty road manners and go-anywhere abilities, the Range Rover Sport has got what it takes to sway BMW X5's and Porsche Cayenne's fans. Not only does the Terrain Response provides the sort of off-road ability that the BMW X5 can only dream of, the Dynamic Program enables a huge car like the Sport to defy the laws of physics better than its competitors.
Given that Range Rover isn't exactly the kind of brand that needs affirmation, the placement of the Sport amongst other luxury SUVs should come as no surprise. We reckon its everlasting design should and will continue to appeal in many years to come. Then again, let's just wait for the Evoque to arrive before we confirm that…
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
