The latest Range Rover is definitely the most
gallant SUV money can buy, but does a diesel lump matches it’s classy image
perfectly?
Ladies and gentlemen, meet the all-new
Range Rover. And you probably knew that already: because this one comes with a
stylishly detailed face (check out those headlamps and grill combo), minimalist
rear (the tail-lamps that look like the number ‘7’ is oh-so-avant-garde) and
matching large 20-inch wheels are the perfect shoes.
Let’s also not forget how, when viewed from
the side, the Range Rover here looks properly proportionate; the front and rear
overhangs were stretched closer towards the end of the car to allow more space
for the cabin.
Apart from that, here is the most important
fact of the Range Rover: this is the turbo-diesel variant. Yes, you read that
right: diesel.
The
Range Rover Vogue TDV6 3.0 is a visual standout from every angle, inside and
out
Thing is, diesels were not usually targeted
towards consumers in the high-end class – after all, these group of buyers (in
local context especially) appreciate refinement above anything else. And
diesels were never known to be, well, refined.
But Jaguar Land Rover obviously wanted to
prove otherwise. The same diesel lump being offered in the Jaguar XJ diesel,
yours truly was promised class-leading refinement and driving comfort with this
diesel-powered Range Rover TDV6.
Under the bonnet lies a 3.0-litre V6
turbo-diesel that is paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission, allowing a
power output of 258bhp and - this is the best part - a maximum torque of 600Nm
available from as low as 2,000rpm. Sounds like a whole lot of fun, and perfect
for outrunning pesky hatchbacks and sports cars.
Cabin
is exquisitely finished
Oh and if you must - really, really must
ask, the Range Rover has a significant 160 Nm more than a Porsche 911 Carrera
4S and an equivalent figure to McLaren’s 12C. Sports car in an SUV body-shell,
you say? Well kinda…
That aside, here are the other important
numbers that you must know. It takes 7.9 seconds to do the century sprint,
maxes out at 210 km/h, weighs in at 2,160 kg and has a fuel tank that is
85-litres big.
The thing is, this TDV6 Range Rover moves
off traffic junction in a rather intimidating manner. Floor the accelerator and
in an instant, you are already leaving traffic far behind at three-figure
speeds. The power is delivered to all four wheels properly and there is never
struggle for traction for antics like this, but surprisingly there is still a
tinge of torque steer.
Cabin
is spacious and airy; more so with the glass roof
Once in highway cruise mode, you cannot
help but appreciate how comfortable this luxury SUV is; you do not hear any
diesel clatter that cheapens the car, no unwanted diesel vibrations and on top
of that, the transmission swaps smoothly. If you want an elevated Roll-Royce
without Rolls-Royce money but with brilliant fuel economy, this has got to be
it.
The TDV6 comes with air-suspension on all
four corners, and we must highlight just how alert it is at adapting to
different road surfaces. Over smoothly paved roads, you feel as if you’re
wafting along – the last time I felt this way was in the Rolls-Royce Ghost.
Then as you drive along and notice a badly patched stretch of road ahead and
brace yourself for impact, the car actually irons it out, the suspension
minimizing the vibration sent to the cabin. Brilliant job Range Rover, really.
Along a series of sweeping bends, this TDV6
obviously won’t match up to sports cars and hot-hatches. But at least it still
does it with poise; body rolls are kept to a minimal, response from the front
two wheels are not lacking and when pushing it slightly harder, understeer is
constantly kept in check.
Rear
tailgate continues to offer a split opening
The anchors are responsive and spot on,
although you do need to keep in mind what you are hauling to a complete haul
here is more than 2-tonnes worth of metal; so yes, the car dives a little when
braked hard.
Luxury is in abundance all over the cabin,
with build quality pretty much faultless.
One thing that is hard not to notice is the
fact that there are several shared parts with the Jaguar XJ; namely the audio
head-unit and that knob of a gear-shifter. That said, if you are a medium build
adult - like myself - getting a comfortable driving position needs some
adjustments. Unfortunately, Range Rover had only bigger-sized drivers in mind;
so you either get used to it, or consume more burgers to better fit the
cockpit.
Minor gripe aside, the control buttons are
clearly laid out around the driver. The best part is they all feel brilliantly
put together, which means it should be able to withstand the test of time.
3.0-litre
V6 is a familiar unit in the Jaguar range
At the rear, leg and headroom is available
in abundance, and there is ample space to even accommodate three adults without
a hitch. The boot is definitely the largest in its class, when compared to the
BMW X5 and Audi Q7; it has the ability to swallow 784-litres worth of item.
The Range Rover TDV6 is definitely a highly
desirable luxury SUV, looking worlds apart when parked next to the German X5
and Q7. The overall cabin build quality is among the best, on top of being very
spacious.
Hence, if you must pick one, Range Rover
has the best of everything in just one package (we’ll forgive the driving
position), then the TDV6 is the one to go for.
There’s that refined diesel lump and smooth
transmission, not forgetting smoothness while cruising. Most importantly, it
returned about 12.5 km/L – not as close to Range Rover’s claim of 13.2 km/L,
but nevertheless, still highly respectable in the luxury SUV class.
