Facelift (What's New)
New in-line six-cylinder 3.0-litre engine delivers 384bhp and 550Nm of torque
48V mild hybrid system
Updated cabin with Touch Duo Pro infotainment system
HST variant adds carbon fibre detailing, contrasting exterior elements and additional interior equipment
The second generation Range Rover Sport was launched back in 2013, with the facelifted models launched in Singapore in the middle of last year. Now, Land Rover has added a new variant to the lineup - this Range Rover Sport HST.
New heart
What's changed? Well, quite a lot.
The Range Rover Sport's sheer size makes it an imposing sight on the roadThe big change is under the bonnet. The Range Rover Sport HST comes equipped with a newly developed 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder petrol engine. With 394bhp and 550Nm of torque on tap, the car completes the century sprint in a brisk 5.9 seconds, no slouch considering it weighs a hefty 2,210kg.
This car also has mild hybrid technology - a 48V system powers an electric supercharger, helping to torque-assist the engine and reduce turbo lag. It also purportedly helps to reduce fuel consumption, but don't expect any miracles - this is still a big and fairly thirsty beast.
Under the bonnet is a newly-developed 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder engine producing 394bhp and 550Nm of torqueThe drivetrain is undoubtedly punchy, but overall refinement could still be better. This is most apparent on a cold start, as the engine wheezes in a way that's, well, not very pleasant. However, get it up to temperature and it's a lot better.
There's no hiding the sheer size of the car, though the suspension does a good job of managing body roll. Cruising along, the ride is very pliant and comfortable, and the high ride height means you barely have to slow down for humps. Thankfully, the ability to lower the ride height also helps to alleviate anxiety when entering carparks.
The Touch Duo Pro system features two 10-inch touchscreensIssues? Throttle response could be more immediate, but the delay isn't as apparent as in the Evoque.
New toys
The facelift brings with it a whole host of equipment upgrades as well, with the cabin now notably more upmarket and better-equipped with technology.
New heart
What's changed? Well, quite a lot.
This car also has mild hybrid technology - a 48V system powers an electric supercharger, helping to torque-assist the engine and reduce turbo lag. It also purportedly helps to reduce fuel consumption, but don't expect any miracles - this is still a big and fairly thirsty beast.
There's no hiding the sheer size of the car, though the suspension does a good job of managing body roll. Cruising along, the ride is very pliant and comfortable, and the high ride height means you barely have to slow down for humps. Thankfully, the ability to lower the ride height also helps to alleviate anxiety when entering carparks.
New toys
The facelift brings with it a whole host of equipment upgrades as well, with the cabin now notably more upmarket and better-equipped with technology.
There's the Touch Duo Pro system with two 10-inch touchscreens (familiar from the Velar and Evoque). You also get a 12.3-inch interactive driver display. Also, the sunroof screen can now be operated simply by waving your hand (though detection is a little hit and miss).
With our current dry spell expected to last several months, ventilated seats are a godsendThis particular HST variant also gets some additional goodies. Outside, you will notice carbon fibre trimmings on the grille surround, side vents, bonnet louvres and tailgate finisher, along with black contrast roof and side mirrors and red brake calipers.
Inside, the you get a 825W Meridian Surround Audio system. It's certainly punchy and capable, but at loud volumes (disclaimer: this writer plays music extremely loud), there is some detectable treble distortion.
The sunroof screen can be opened and closed with a wave of your handThe car you see here also comes equipped with a suede cloth steering wheel instead of the standard leather one. It's really nice to the touch, though we do wonder about its durability, especially for drivers with sweaty palms.
Renewed purpose
With its spirited powertrain, ample equipment and imposing presence, the Range Rover Sport HST undoubtedly still fulfils its brief of being a premium and stylish all-terrain beast. The added refinement and overall quality definitely help bump up the car's appeal.
The Range Rover Sport HST brings added refinement and overally quality to the stylish and rugged SUV Importantly, with the mild hybrid powertrain, this car is also the latest step by Land Rover to meeting its commitment of offering an electrified option on all new models from 2020. Based on what has been achieved with this model, it looks like Land Rover is headed in the right direction.
Inside, the you get a 825W Meridian Surround Audio system. It's certainly punchy and capable, but at loud volumes (disclaimer: this writer plays music extremely loud), there is some detectable treble distortion.
Renewed purpose
With its spirited powertrain, ample equipment and imposing presence, the Range Rover Sport HST undoubtedly still fulfils its brief of being a premium and stylish all-terrain beast. The added refinement and overall quality definitely help bump up the car's appeal.
