Newcars
Range Rover
Otis Clay
NEED TO KNOW
New Surround Camera system features towing assist, helping the Range Rover tow up to 3,500kg
Essentials Range Rover Autobiography TDV6 Price: Engine: Power/torque: Transmission:
0-60mph: Top speed: Economy: CO2:
£91,550 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel 254bhp/600Nm Eight-speed auto, four-wheel drive 7.4 seconds 130mph 40.9mpg 182g/km
ON SALE Now
Running costs 40.9mpg (official) £98 fill-up
RangeRover TDV6
EQUIPMENT 2016 model year Range
Rovers get new InControl infotainment, but it’s still not as slick as rivals’ systems – and the graphics aren’t as sharp
FIRST UK DRIVE Subtle updates ensure luxury SUV is better than ever Sean Carson
Sean_Carson@dennis.co.uk @Carson_oncars
HONING a recipe like the Range Rover’s is more difficult than it might seem, but with each successive version Land Rover has got it right, delivering luxury, performance, quality and a strong brand image to its exacting clientele – and with the 2016 model year Range Rover, it’s done it once again. Among the new additions to this Autobiography TDV6 are a new Surround Camera System and a new water jet for the rear view camera to keep the lens clean, plus a Gesture Tailgate as standard, so with a swipe of your foot beneath the bumper, you can open the practical split tailgate hands-free. On top of this, the car’s airsuspension system now automatically drops to its lowest ‘access height’ when parked to make entry and exit easier. Land Rover’s InControl technology is also fitted to improve connectivity. Among other things, it allows owners to locate their car, check its fuel level and even lock and nd unlock the doors remotely via an app. This is has added to the multimedia system’s slick appearance, but dig a bit deeper and you’ll find that the graphics still aren’t quite as high-resolution as on the Mercedes S-Class, which is arguably its main rival. With prices starting from £91,550 for this Autobiography TDV6 model, it’s not cheap, but you really don’t need any more than the 254bhp the 3.0litre twin-turbo diesel has to offer, as the creamy power delivery and effortless eight-speed automatic
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TECHNOLOGY Range Rovers have always been supreme off-road thanks to All-Terrain Progress Control which gives different driving modes
Luxurious cabin offers lots of space and massaging, heated seats for those in the front gearbox mean you can make relaxing progress. There’s still an adequate turn of pace, though, as 0-60mph takes 7.4 seconds, and with 600Nm of torque from 2,000rpm, it’s a sublime cruiser, too. Plus, despite its
size, it’s not as thirsty as you think, claiming 40.9mpg and emitting 182g/km of CO2. All that weight and the air-suspension result in some inevitable body movement, while big bumps do occasionally hit harder when the car is loaded up in a corner – but the ride and impressive refinement, thanks to features such as double-glazed windows, there are still very few ways to travel mean ther in more ccomfort than in a Range Rover. Space inside the beautifully bui built cabin is excellent, and rear sea seat passengers get individual controls to adjust their heated con seats. In the front there’s a massage sea function for the seats, too, but fun opt options can be costly, and £1,000 for a head-up display seems steep.
Re Refinement is excellent, but there’s pred predictable body roll when cornering
PRACTICALITY Split tailgate now
comes with gesture control fitted as standard. It opens to reveal large 909litre boot, which extends to 2,030 litres
Verdict IMPERIOUS refinement, imposing styling and silky performance mean that the 2016 model year Range Rover is still the SUV benchmark. Land Rover has added even more tech to its flagship to help improve practicality as well as connectivity, so the big Rangie can keep pace with more modern rivals – it does that easily, outclassing its off-roader competition and matching high-end luxury saloons.
★★★★★
www.autoexpress.co.uk
