Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Ever since its concept caused a ‘storm’ in the automotive industry, the Range Rover has become one of the most luxurious Sports Utility Vehicle on the market. Land Rover engineers have been busy restyling its overall design and looks. 

Majestic front design

At the front it has the signature LED headlamps that feature Range Rover inspired interlocking circle lamps. Gloss Black treatment is visible on the headlight and the grill surrounds. The new front bumper blends with redesigned front fenders to form a simple, sculpted surface, offering improved aerodynamics and a lower, more sportish look.

Switch Gear knob

The side view of the vehicle now features new two-stripe LED indicators. They sit gracefully along the redesigned side vents. There are also numerous changes to the rear tailgate design to create a distinctive new look. The similar interlocking circle lamp design on the front is echoed in the back.

Restyled design 

A huge spoiler sits at the top while the angled rear glass ensures clear rear visibility and also gives the Sport its distinct rear shape. Each model now has distinct styling characteristics that make it easier to spot them. The S and SE variants now sport a Dark Atlas grille while the HSE version takes has a Light Atlas grill.

Sporty side profile

The Supercharged model can now be fitted with a new 20" alloy wheel option finished in Sparkle Silver with high-gloss polish. It also adopts the Atlas grille surround. The Limited Edition is equipped with the Gloss Black five-spoke wheels with Diamond Turned face.  There are also new color schemes for the grille and side vents, bonnet badges and tow-eye.  There are also new body color door handles and have been made across the range. The supercharged model also now comes with stunning Red Brembo brake calipers fitted as standard. 

Luxurious front leather seats

The entry level model comes with a choice of two new 3.0 LR-TDV6 diesel engines. The first is naturally aspirated and has an output of 208hp. The next is the turbocharged version of the naturally aspirated engine that has an output of 252hp.

One of its many hearts

Fitted to both engines is a ZF 8HP70 transmission system. It delivers unrivalled response that rewards in terms of overall acceleration and fuel efficiency. Average fuel consumption on for the diesel engines is 8.1 liters per 100km covered. The gearbox can be operated by paddle shifters located on the steering wheel. A system called Driver Type Detection monitors the drivers input and adjust the gearbox accordingly to match the driver’s driving style. 

Front classy cockpit

Next on the line are two versions of the 5.0 LR-V8 petrol engines. The naturally aspirated engine has 370hp while the supercharged 5.0 LR-V8 reward the driver with 503hp. Fuel consumption for the petrol engine is averaged at 10.7 liters per 100km covered. Connected to the both petrol engines is a ZF HP28 6-speed automatic transmission system. The transmission system offers rapid and responsive shifts on all engines. They also help improve the overall fuel consumption of the engine.

All models come except the naturally aspirated 3.0 LR-TDV V6 (optional package) come with an Adaptive Dynamic Response system.

Range Sport in action

The system works with DampTronic Valve Technology to ensure the vehicle adapts to any surface with ease. Roll Stability Control system responds to the drivers steering inputs and uses brakes to prevent the vehicle from rolling over. The braking system consists of high performance four-piston opposed caliper front disc brakes on diesel models and lightweight aluminum six-piston Brembo calipers on the supercharged models.

Red calipers Brembo brakes

When on off road two advanced systems take over. There is Hill Start Assist that prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards when the vehicle is stationary on a steep escarpment. The system lets go of the brakes when the engine produces enough power to move the SUV up the hill. The next is Gradient Acceleration Control. This works with the braking system to ensure a safe accent or decent on a speed gradient. 

Enough room for five occupants

There is enough room for five occupants inside. The interior trim consists of two trim combinations of a dark upper cabin and lighter colored seats. Chrome surfaces are visible on the air vents, and the switch gear knob, door handles, arm rest and steering wheel. Leather covers the steering wheel which has numerous car controls. A new clock is visible between the media control buttons. Rear passengers have enough legroom while there is enough room in the back for storage of gear. 

Rear design

The entertainment is taken care by a High-Ice Harmon Kardon system that delivers 380W of music experience. Another premium High-Ice Harmon Kardon Logic System with 825W is available. They both come with 17 speakers spread all round the interior. A 7-inch dual view touchscreen allows for the driver to see the navigation display as the front passenger enjoys a DVD. A ‘Say What You See’ voice recognition system that allows the driver to learn vehicle commands with easy step-by-step screen prompts. 

Prices start at £49,795 (Kshs 6.7 million excl. taxes) to £76,295 (Kshs 10 million excl. taxes) for the top of the range Autobiography Sport model.