Land Rover has come out with a brand-new version of the Range Rover Vogue and we can tell you this V8 twin turbo common rail diesel is one of the lustiest big cars we have ever had the fun to drive.
Yes, fun. Hustling this big 4WD down a tight and twisty road shows just what advances have been made in suspension technology in latter years, while the grunt from that big turbo-diesel is just awe-inspiring, to say the least.
Getting 2.5 tons of luxury off-roader off the line is no mean feat, but this new 200 kW engine dashes from rest to 100 km/h in a claimed 9.2 seconds, which is faster than your average hot hatch. And it does it smoothly and without any fuss thanks to a smooth-shifting 6-speed ZF automatic with manual sequential-shift option.
Of course, it’s all about torque, and the 3.6-litre motor peaks at 640 Nm at 2,000 rpm, with, more importantly, 400 Nm available from barely faster than tick over, at 1,250 rpm.
Compared with the six-cylinder diesel it replaces it is 54 per cent more powerful, delivers 64 per cent more torque, and yet has the same fuel economy, a claimed 11.6 litres/100 km overall, although on the tarmac circuit used on the launch in Auckland the computer showed considerably better than that.
Wallis Dumper, MD of Motorcorp Distributors, the New Zealand importer of Land Rover, says the company will cull its Range Rover lineup to just one spec level, Vogue, and will offer two engine options – the V8 diesel and the 291 kW supercharged V8 petrol introduced last year - and the same will ultimately apply to the Range Rover Sport, although the current V6 diesel will continue in that model for a while.
At the same time the Range Rover gets a whole raft of improvements, some subtle, but others more meaningful.
These include a revised cabin design and a host of technical upgrades, such as Land Rover’s Terrain Response system, which extends even further the vehicle’s impressive breadth of capability. This is standard on the new vehicles.
Certainly we have used this system to great effect on the Discovery, and it really turns a 4WD novice almost into an expert at the turn of a dial.
A new electronic park brake and off-set gear change improve driver ergonomics, and there’s a new fascia design to meet latest safety standards, at the same time improving the renowned Range Rover “command view” driving position.”
The latest door casings feature more extensive use of wood, and instruments have new graphics,while the bezels now have a richer alloy finish. The centre console switchgear has been redesigned.
The front seats are new too, and now offer the option of a cooling function as well as the standard heating feature. There’s also acoustic laminated windscreen glass which cuts outside noise by up to 6 dB.
An enhanced airbag strategy relocates the side airbags, formerly in the doors, to the seats, to improve cushioning in the event of a side impact. A driver’s side inflatable knee bolster is also added to all models, and the passenger front airbag has been redesigned. The cabin gains better stowage space, including a new twin glove box.
The air-conditioning system has been comprehensively revised to offer improved cooling, better airflow distribution, lower noise and greater comfort levels.
The new 9 kW evaporator (replacing a 7.8 kW version) enables 15 per cent more heat to be removed from the cabin. In addition new centre top vents help improve ventilation for front-seat occupants, and lead to a significant reduction in airflow noise at high fan speeds.
Maximum speed on the new Range Rover diesel is raised to 200 km/h, electronically limited. In addition, the TDV8 is up to 75 per cent quieter overall, more refined, and has improved brakes and handling.
The suspension set-up is similar to that of the Range Rover Supercharged, delivering excellent handling and ride comfort. Large Brembo front brakes are standard. Price: $179,990. .: