Luxury Off-Road Touring Machine
Arv Voss, Canadian Auto Press
The Range Rover models from Land Rover are the original luxury SUVs and they continue to this day to be equally at home off-road or parked next to the valet stand at the Four Seasons Hotel. The first production Land Rover was introduced at the Amsterdam Auto Show in April of 1948 with permanent four-wheel drive, a canvas roof and optional doors — it was really anything but luxurious. Land Rover and Range Rover were actually Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) before the phrase was coined to describe utilitarian modes of transportation that were alternately employed in the sport of exploring vast reaches of wilderness. Initially of course, there was no need for a class designation since there were only a handful of such vehicles in production.
2010 Range Rover Sport HSE
Range Rovers are rugged, four-wheel drive vehicles that get the job done with purpose. The original Range Rover model in the Land Rover lineup didn’t come along until 1970, first appearing and winning a gold medal for coachwork at the annual Earl’s Court Motor Show in London, fulfilling the need of a more polished and refined vehicle in the family.
The Range Rover reigns as the top-of-the-line vehicle for the Land Rover group, and was only the third all-new Range Rover in 32 years when it was thoroughly updated in 2002; it received a refresh for 2010. A somewhat smaller and more athletic Range Rover Sport was introduced in 2006 as a competitive, high-performance SUV that offered Land Rover’s Terrain Response system with a supercharged V8 in top-trim, establishing a new standard for SUV performance and agility; the supercharger was added to the top-line Range Rover shortly thereafter. The Range Rover Sport, which actually rides on the LR4 chassis architecture, is capable of traveling long distances at high speeds, but is equally comfortable tackling varying road surfaces — or no road at all.
The Range Rover Sport HSE, the entry trim level of this model, is shorter than the full-size Range Rover in both wheelbase and overall length and tips the scale at roughly 135 kilos (300 pounds) less. It derives its power from either a normally aspirated 5.0-litre, 32-valve V8 engine with a distributorless ignition system and sequential multi-port fuel injection, or a supercharged version of the same engine. The normally aspirated engine develops 375 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 375 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm, while the supercharged engine develops 510 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque; both engines offer significantly greater output for 2010. Power is delivered to all four wheels via a six-speed, electronically controlled automatic transmission with a locking torque converter and Normal, Sport and Manual (CommandShift) shift modes. The Torsen torque-sensing centre differential monitors torque bias between front and rear axles dependent upon available traction. The drive configuration is permanent four-wheel drive with four-wheel electronic traction control, Terrain Response system and two-speed electronic transfer gearbox.
The appearance of Land Rover models in general has dramatically improved over the past few years as designers have softened lines and contours. Ground clearance, a critical factor for serious off-roading, was increased providing substantial approach and departure angles and yielding greater off-road capability than its predecessors. Safety features, functionality and ergonomic issues were given the “royal treatment” as well.
The Sport model, as already mentioned, is somewhat smaller and more agile. Visual enhancements for the 2009 model year were minimal, but improvements made last year included the addition of power-folding exterior mirrors, an eight-way power seat in the front-passenger position, a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, a tray with a rubber mat bottom surface located in front of the navigation screen, as well as a new finish for areas of the centre stack, console, and glove box release. Improvements for the 2010 model year include the more powerful engines, as mentioned, and striking exterior design modifications along with a redesigned interior with new levels of refinement and craftsmanship. The steering wheel was redesigned with paddle shifters added for supercharged models. Chassis refinements include active damping, new brakes and Terrain Response updates. Technology advancements include an available surround camera system with tow assist and High Beam Assist.
The spacious interior features an elegant and revolutionary design format with a variety of styling and texture cues, sporting a blend of rich woods and leathers, suggestive of fine yachts. Both HSE and Supercharged models offer luxury leather upholstery in a variety of colours, and the choice of Straight Grained Walnut, Angire Wood or Black Lacquer. There is a $430 charge for the Black Lacquer, but all other interior colour choices, some with two-tone leather, and any of the 14 exterior colours are no charge options.
My test Range Rover Sport HSE was a normally aspirated model that provided all of the qualities and amenities of an upscale luxury sedan (and then some), while maintaining its legendary off-road capability. The price tag of my Stornaway Grey metallic unit with Ebony premium leather trimmed interior was reflective of its luxurious attributes — at a base price of $73,200 — certainly not everyone is destined to own one. The final sticker totaled $82,270 after adding the cost of the Luxury Package, rear seat entertainment system, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, and transportation charges; the 20-inch alloy wheels are part of the Luxury Package.
The Range Rover Sport HSE tends to make a statement regarding one’s level of success or achievement. It affords those who own it the opportunity to travel luxuriously amidst regal appointments even when traversing wilderness trails. It is indeed a “lifestyle” vehicle that offers a much more positive experience than ever before. Acceleration and power are much more than adequate. The driving position adds to the security of operation — the Range Rover Sport has no top-heavy feel, as do many other SUVs.
The ride is smooth and stable with admirable cornering characteristics. One must keep in mind however, that the Range Rover is designed as an off-road vehicle and as such, does not possess the same cornering characteristics as a low-slung sports car. By the same token, you wouldn’t want to take the sports car for an off-road ride through woods and streams.
Ergonomically, controls are logically placed and easy to use, and the number of switches has been reduced. The driving position offers excellent command of the road and functional controls. The navigation system provides both on- and off-road guidance, while front and rear park sensors help to prevent unwanted contact. What might well be optional equipment and features on other vehicles comes not surprisingly, as standard equipment on this regal SUV. A CD player for instance, is standard along with a 60/40 split folding rear seat, a rear cargo cover and a tilt and slide sunroof with privacy shade. There’s a lot more, but space here is limited.
The Range Rover Sport HSE is “a rather exceptional vehicle,” according to the folks at Land Rover — a typical British understatement. In my opinion, it’s a luxury vehicle that’s not taxing and is not a pretend off-roader, but actually capable of traversing the wild country, while being truly at “home on the range.” Ground clearance is up to 22.6 cm (8.9 inches), while the maximum gradient is 45 degrees. I must add here that it is doubtful that those who pay the price for a vehicle of this magnitude are going to be willing to expose it to the cosmetic hazards that serious off-roading has to offer. But, should one be so inclined, the off-road versatility provided by Range Rover Sport’s improved Terrain Response system takes the chore out of programming multiple systems for optimum performance. Setting a console knob to one of five available positions adjusts throttle response, optimizes the transmission’s gear changes, positions the air suspension at the appropriate ride height, and sets the centre and rear differentials (when so equipped) in a mode right for the road or trail surface. Various parameters associated with on- and off-road performance, like anti-lock brake functions and hill descent control settings, are also altered by each Terrain Response setting. The five available modes are Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud and Ruts, Sand, and Rock Crawl.
The Range Rover Sport’s substantial price does include a comprehensive warranty for four years or 80,000 km, along with sport sedan-like handling characteristics, rapid acceleration and responsive braking, plus luxurious interior appointments. On the negative side, the inside edges on console wood trim are sharp and the oversized fancy aluminum wheels are quite vulnerable when parallel parking – and are even more susceptible to damage in off-road exercises. Despite these shortcomings, the Range Rover Sport HSE provides a pretty special ride — anywhere!
