JLR Australia has unveiled the stunning all new Range Rover Sport. Launched in Tasmania, Australia the new Range Rover Sport is a major leap forward for the British Marque.
Great news for families, as the new Range Rover Sport is now available in 5+2 seating option.
Having sold over 415,000 Range Rover Sport's around the globe since it was first launched, Range Rover had a high benchmark for the new model. Existing customers wanted more 'Range Rover' and more 'Sport' and who could blame them.
Having just spent 48 hours behind the wheel of the new Range Rover Sport, Carshowroom.com.au has driven it on racetracks, off-road and normal road conditions.
Range Rover Sport Overview
The Range Rover Sport is the most agile and responsive Land Rover built to date. Developed along side the world class Range Rover and built in UK, the Range Rover Sport shows that Britain can still lay down the gauntlet to its Germany and Japanese rivals.
The Range Rover Sport is available in five trim levels SE, HSE, HSE Dynamic, Autobiography and Autobiography Dynamic. Depending on the trim level you have a choice 6 engines, TDV6 Diesel, SDV6 Diesel, V6 Supercharged Petrol, V8 Supercharged Petrol and in 2014 Range Rover will release the Supercharged 4.4 litre V8 Diesel and TDV6 Diesel Hybrid.
Standard equipment levels are as you would expect from a luxury SUV and the options list is even longer.
The new Range Rover Sport line-up and pricing at launch is:
| Range Rover Sport Model | TDV6 Diesel | SDV6 Diesel | V6 Supercharged Petrol | V8 Supercharged Petrol |
| SE | $102,800 | $113,600 | ||
| HSE | $125,800 | $123,100 | ||
| HSE Dynamic | $161,600 | |||
| Autobiography | $145,500 | |||
| Autobiography Dynamic | $182,400 |
Range Rover Sport Engine
The six engines range will be completely released by mid 2014, until then buyers can choose from two supercharged petrol engines and two diesels.
Entry to the range is via the 3.0 litre TDV6 which produces 190kW @ 4000rpm and 600Nm of torque at 2000Rpm. 0-100km/h is performed in 7.6 seconds, combined fuel economy is 7.3 litres per 100kms.
Next up is the 3.0 litre SDV6, producing 215kW @ 4000RPM and 600Nm of torque @ 2000rpm it gets from 0-100km/h in 7.2 seconds. Combined fuel consumption comes in at 7.5 litres per 100kms.
The supercharged petrol V6 can produce 250KW/6000rpm and 450Nm between 3500 to 5000 rpm. it scoots from 0-100km/h also in 7.2 seconds.
The out of this world 5.0 litre supercharged petrol produces an impressive 375Kw @ 6000 to 6500rpm and 625Nm from 2500rpm to 5,500rpm.
All Range Rover Sports are rated to of tow 750kg un-braked and 3,500kg braked.
Range Rover Sport Interior
Great news for families the Range Rover Sport can now carry up to seven passengers, thanks to the 5+2 optional seating set-up.
Jumping inside let the soft close door shut behind you, and settle in to the electric adjustable and more sculptured driver’s seat. From here you will notice that the Range Rover Sport is what other manufactures will use to benchmark luxury against.
Standard features include 8' touch screen, Bluetooth, sat-nav, 5' inch TFT instrument cluster and usb sockets. With a choice of three Meridian audio systems buyers can find the perfect system to suit their needs.
A huge array of options, allow buyers to choose from:
11 interior colour themes, plus additional choice of seat colour
• 4 aluminium interior finishes, 3 real wood veneers
• 3 headliner colours
• 19 exterior paint finishes
• 3 contrast roof colours – Corris Grey, Santorini Black or Indus Silver
• 9 alloy wheel designs, on 19-, 20-, 21- and 22-inch
• Atlas Silver, Dark Atlas or Gloss Black finish for the exterior accents
• Illuminated tread plates
Range Rover Sport Exterior and Styling
Sitting squarely between the Evoque and Range Rover, the Sport is full of Range Rover DNA showcases the floating roof, clamshell bonnet and higher belt line. Changes to the rake of front and rear windscreens enhance the sporty look.
The Range Rover Sports is now 178mm longer, with both the front and rear overhangs being shortened to make it more pleasing to the eye.
Helping with its visual appeal is the choice of alloy wheels, buyers can choose from 19, 20, 21 or 22 inch wheels.
Range Rover Sport On the Road
At 425kg lighter (depending on variant) the Range Rover Sport performs like a Cheetah on the road and mountain goat off it.
Very few cars are as capable on the racetrack as they are off-road, the Range Rover Sport is in a category of its own.
We tackled an off road course that include rutted trails, hill climbs, water crossings, sand and steep down hill descents, all which the Range Rover Sport conquered with ease. With its air suspension the Range Rover Sport now has total movement range of 185mm, which is plenty for most peoples needs.
We also had the opportunity to put the SDV6 diesel and blistering supercharged 5.0-litre 375kW V8 around a racetrack. It handled superbly! It also allowed us to tryout the Adaptive Dynamics technology that transfers torque to the outside wheels during cornering, helping reduce understeer when the car is being driven aggressively.
The new all- aluminum body structure not only reduces weight but also helps improve responsiveness and agility. On the twisting roads of Tasmania the Range Rover Sport proved time again that the new chassis is world class.
Range Rover Sport Challenges
We only got to drive these for 48 hours that made it difficult for us to fault the Range Rover. Some buyers might be put off by the cost of some options, but for most buyers they won't even notice the cost.
Range Rover Sport Verdict
The all new Range Rover Sport is a giant leap forward from the previous model. Range Rover has delivered on their customer demands by providing more luxury and greater sportiness.
The supercharged V6 engine is a standout, it offers the perfect balance between power and economy. This isn't to say that the other engine choices are inferior, we just like the balance in the
The addition of the optional third row seats will only help sales.
Range Rover Sport Competition
It is a struggle to find a poor luxury European SUV. The new BMW X5 will be released next week and by all accounts it’s a standout. Current pricing starts at $92,100 and tops out at $178,000
The Mercedes-Benz ML starts at $82,900 for the 250 Blue TEC and jumps to $179,400 for the ML 63 AMG.
The Porsche Cayenne has the sporting pedigree but its off road prowess is lacking. Starting at $110,400 and topping out at $294,000 for the 4.8 liter Turbo S.
With similar sort of grunt but without the refinement and luxury, buyers on a budget could consider the Jeep Cherokee SRT8 priced from $77,000.
