Rollicking Range Rover not easily ruffled
We review Range Rover Sport SDV6 SE
Rollicking Range Rover not easily ruffled
What does success look like? Having a Range Rover Sport in your garage is probably one of the surest signs. This SUV has such an aura of affluence that its gob-smacking price tag doesn’t seem to put members of the upper-crust off. And yes, it’s a great-looking car. The angular, swept back headlamps, detailed chrome grille and streamlined nose all seem to say “I got here first”, instead of the usual “I have arrived”.
Inside, the contemporary and minimalistic cabin astounds. From the aluminium door handles integrated into the armrests in the doors, to the shiny finishes on the retro-inspired steering wheel, Land Rover’s interior design team has impeccable taste. The feeling of quality can be felt in the touch of every button, and in turning every dial. And so it should, as the Rangie carries a price tag of R1 167 031. I wasn’t as impressed with the lightly coloured upholstery overhead – it didn’t feel particularly premium and a few grubby prints could already be seen on the outskirts of the sun visors.
A large, fixed panoramic glass roof (R 21 200) allows for stellar views above your head. A sizeable, recessed infotainment touch screen with standard navigation, takes centre stage in the front dashboard, but the voice activation button on the steering wheel only served to mute the radio when I wanted to give the system voice commands. (At this price, voice activation really should be standard.) The 19-speaker Meridian audio system (R 15 500) has fantastic sound quality, and I thoroughly enjoyed streaming Internet Radio from my iPhone via Bluetooth. Very little road and wind noise permeates the cabin, even if you’re pushing on quite hurriedly. The Range Rover’s adaptive adaptable air suspension can quite possibly be compared to riding a magic carpet. It is a luxurious ride indeed, and one cannot help but feel pampered.
On the topic of speed, the Range Rover’s powerful V6 diesel engine is so quiet and smooth, that I mistook it for a petrol unit before reading the variant name on the boot lid. It’s not frighteningly powerful, but it’s responsive and swift enough and will supply you with a jolt of power if you ask for it. On paper the figures look sufficient, in reality they feel even better. And when you’re taking those corners with a little too much fervour, the electronic ‘nannies’ will quickly put you back on track. I purposely swerved and was corrected before I even knew what was happening. You’d have to be really talented to roll a Ranger Rover, it seems. And if you are, there is a total of 8 airbags to protect all occupants. Which makes it the perfect choice for well-heeled families. Since Dad can take it on advanced-level off-road trips and Mom can use it for the school run, it makes the ideal garage buddy to the Jaguar F-Type R AWD Coupé, to be enjoyed on the odd weekend when the critters are at Grandma’s.
Even though my Grade R and Grade 1 kids adored the Range Rover, it was quite difficult for them to get in and out. The high ground clearance and lack of side steps causes a delay of at least a minute whether you’re going somewhere or whether you’re arriving. That’s where the Chevrolet Trailblazer fared a lot better. But the great thing about kids is that they tend to get taller. After a trip to the beach, they both loved getting into the Range Rover’s spacious 784 litre boot (seats up) to get nice and warm, before getting back into their booster seats for the ride home.
If you’re after the good looks of a Hollywood actor, the class of a Swiss Finishing School graduate and the versatility of a professional Crossfit athlete, the Range Rover Sport SDV6 SE will probably be a no-brainer.
Facts & Figures
| Price | : R 1 167 031 |
| Engine | : 3.0 litre, V6 turbodiesel |
| Power | : 215 kW |
| Torque | : 600 Nm |
| Top speed | : 200 km/h |
| 0 to 100 km/h | : 7.2 seconds |
| Fuel tank | : 80 litres |
| Realistic fuel consumption |
: 8.5 - 10 litres per 100 km (combined) |
| Boot size | : 784 – 1761 litres |
| Ground clearance | : 213 - 278 mm |
| Safety & Security | : ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, ASC, ESP, Park Distance Control (front and rear), Hill Descent Control, Tyre Pressure Monitor |
| Warranty | : 36 months /100 000 km |
| Maintenance plan | : 60 months/100 000 km |
| Also consider | : BMW X5 xDrive 40d |