Although off-road capabilities have always been part of the Range Rover Sport's appeal, drivers of this mid-sized luxury SUV typically spend more of their time driving in the city than climbing over rocks. The car has long been in demand for those who want an off-road vehicle with the promise of a more dynamic drive.
The second generation Range Rover Sport was announced in March 2013 at the New York Auto Show and the new car seems to take on more styling cues from the Range Rover Evoque, as did its larger brethren, the Range Rover.
The Range Rover Sport has also migrated from its first generation steel body based on the Discovery 4 to an aluminium frame like the one on the latest Range Rover. As a result, the Range Rover Sport is now lighter and more nimble than before.
Exterior
In terms of curb-side appeal, the Range Rover Sport does possess some head-turning credentials and the car still makes quite a statement, mainly because of its sheer size and stature.
An amalgam of the Range Rover and Evoque is the best description of the new Range Rover Sport. The car looks a lot like the Range Rover but is leaner and sleeker with a steeply-tapered roofline like the Evoque.
In terms of curb-side appeal, the Range Rover Sport does possess some head-turning credentials and the car still makes quite a statement, mainly because of its sheer size and stature.
An amalgam of the Range Rover and Evoque is the best description of the new Range Rover Sport. The car looks a lot like the Range Rover but is leaner and sleeker with a steeply-tapered roofline like the Evoque.
Interior
The interior of the Range Rover Sport is largely similar to the Range Rover's and it's a fabulous ambience inside. Yet, there are some distinctions versus the Range Rover.
You sit lower in the Range Rover Sport and the centre console is higher, adding to the whole 'cockpit' feel, but visibility is still excellent for an SUV.
There is a slightly different centre console design and the rotary gear selector from the Range Rover is replaced by an F-Type Sport shifter.
The steering wheel is also noticeably smaller than the Range Rover's, a clear sign that you're trading up for sportiness.
There's another practical side to this Rangie that makes it attractive for a family - the option for seven seats (standard on the diesel models). Check that option and in place of the spare tyre beneath the cargo hold is a power-folding seat, which will seat the children comfortably for a road trip up North.
The Drive
Following the downsizing trend, the new Range Rover Sport utilises the 3.0-litre V6 supercharged unit as seen on the Jaguar XF 3.0, the XJ 3.0 as well as the F-Type 3.0.
Paired with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission that replaces a six-speeder on the outgoing model, gear shifts are creamy smooth and the gearbox is always ready to drop a gear or two for quick acceleration, propelling the Range Rover Sport to the century mark in a swift 7.2 seconds.
You'd probably expect a car that looks as big and bulky as the Range Rover Sport to be a bit of a handful in corners, but that isn't true. Extensive use of aluminium in its construction allows the Range Rover Sport to be lighter on its feet than before and that ensures its surprising agility.
There is a little body roll in corners while the air suspension does an excellent job of keeping the Range Rover Sport in check when dealing with road imperfections.
Following the downsizing trend, the new Range Rover Sport utilises the 3.0-litre V6 supercharged unit as seen on the Jaguar XF 3.0, the XJ 3.0 as well as the F-Type 3.0.
Paired with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission that replaces a six-speeder on the outgoing model, gear shifts are creamy smooth and the gearbox is always ready to drop a gear or two for quick acceleration, propelling the Range Rover Sport to the century mark in a swift 7.2 seconds.
You'd probably expect a car that looks as big and bulky as the Range Rover Sport to be a bit of a handful in corners, but that isn't true. Extensive use of aluminium in its construction allows the Range Rover Sport to be lighter on its feet than before and that ensures its surprising agility.
There is a little body roll in corners while the air suspension does an excellent job of keeping the Range Rover Sport in check when dealing with road imperfections.
If you are feeling a little bit more adventurous, the Range Rover Sport will welcome you to venture off the tarmac where it is hugely capable, thanks to the Terrain Response system, which alters the suspension, gears, ride height and throttle response according to the selected mode.
Conclusion
The new Range Rover Sport is now more dynamic than before while riding much more smoothly, going further off-road and offers a more sophisticated interior - testament to this new generation's excellence.
As a driver-focused SUV, the Range Rover Sport is unparalleled for the diversity of its capability.
