What they said when the Range Rover was new… (Jun 25 2002)
WHEN the going gets tough, the tough get going.
That well-known phrase has epitomised the success of the Range Rover over 30 years. Its pioneering concept set the pace over a generation ago and spawned imitators around the globe. But the all round competence of the Range Rover has kept it ahead of rivals both on and off road.
Land Rover was content with its world class position but knew it had to move on, even if it lacked the massive funds needed for a completely new model.
Development work started under the stewardship of BMW, before Land Rover became part of Ford's Premium Automotive Group, so the new Range Rover relies on the German company's powertrain but that's about all that is carried over. The rest is of Land Rover's making.
The company knew that some rivals were sharper on the road and others could better cope with the worst off-road conditions, but it took a different track to them and effectively straddled the sectors to ensure the Range Rover gave the best of the middle ground.
Its off-road ability is very good and unlikely to be fully tested by any owner, while its on-road performance is similarly impressive and few would find its limits on tarmac either.
For the new model unveiled this year, Land Rover opened the Range Rover's on-road performance envelope in particular.
There are essentially two versions, a 174bhp six-cylinder turbo diesel or a 282bhp V8-cylinder petrol, both engines being matched to an electronic semi-automatic five-speed gearbox with constant four-wheel-drive and the very latest traction and braking control systems. There are SE, HSE or Vogue trim levels and prices start from £43,000 and rise to £60,000.
I tried the mid-range HSE petrol model at £50,000 and was immensely impressed.
Anyone who has driven or owned the previous generation Range Rover would immediately relate to and revel in the new comer.
It's smoother, quieter, more powerful and economical, although it still only manages about 17 mpg. Top speed is close to 130mph and it will hit 60mph in under nine seconds.
But it is the way it goes which most impresses. There is an insulating feel to the four-wheel-drive giant which tips the scales at 2440KG. It has poise and presence on the road and manages to maintain composure in the country and off road.
Excellent smooth response runs alongside an engine which becomes noisier the harder it is pressed, but the gearchanges are silken, the brakes enormously powerful and the steering pinsharp in accuracy if a little light through twisting turns.
Comfort is paramount and the big seats adjust very well and are extremely supporting while the self-levelling suspension never shakes occupants. Roadholding is very good and never gives cause for concern. The hill descent control endows the Range Rover HSE with heart-stopping ability down the most steeply angled gradients.
Visibility is excellent with huge windows, large wipers and some of the brightest and far-reaching headlights I have experienced. Luggage space is truly vast at 535 litres and very easy to use.
The cabin is at the cutting edge of design with careful use of traditional and new materials and beautifully blends with the classic but modern exterior of the car.
All the changes combine to create a car which firmly puts the Range Rover at the top of the class and shows how crude some of the upstart rivals are.
As it was when first created 30 years ago, the Range Rover is simply the best.
Words: Robin Roberts
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