The best has just got better

What is the world’s most refined and capable luxury SUV? Can you guess which car this is?

The all-new (fourth generation) Range rover of course!

It is lighter (39%), stronger and quicker (0 to 100 km/h in 5.1 sec with the petrol 375kW LR-V8 supercharged version) than its predecessors, and – with 40-years of breading under its belt – one would expect a leader… and, judging from word emanating from their P.R department, the latest generation of Range Rover is just that!

Inside the cabin

The new model is the World’s first SUV with a lightweight all-aluminium monocoque body structure (i.e. it is the outer skin itself that provides the vehicle’s structural support) giving the new 3.0l turbo diesel model a 420kg weight-saving over the outgoing model, thus delivering improved fuel economy. Range Rover 4 has a very similar footprint to the model it is replacing, but with a smoother and more streamlined profile: the most aerodynamic Range Rover ever! With almost 12cm more legroom, the rear compartment offers significantly more space and comfort, with the option of the desirable new two-seat Executive Class seating package for the ultimate in rear-seat luxury… Kate and William would love that!  The new model features the unique Command Driving Position, which places the driver in an elevated, upright seating position – typically more than 90mm additional height compared with other premium SUVs –providing a supreme sense of confidence and control that we know will be popular with South African drivers.

What makes her move?

With its highly acclaimed line-up of torque-rich engines, the new Range Rover delivers swift and effortless performance.  Customers can choose between a petrol 375kW LR-V8 supercharged engine, or either of two diesel (3.0-litre 190kW TDV6 and 4.4-litre 249kW SDV8) engines, all of which are now paired with a smooth and responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. The lighter structure has also made it possible to introduce the sophisticated 3.0-litre TDV6 engine into the model line.  With performance just as strong as the previous 4.4-litre TDV8 Range Rover, the smaller engine takes the total weight saving up to 420kg, and delivers a dramatic 22 percent reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. Achieving a performance of 7.5 l/100km, these figures are very impressive and I look forward to reporting back on this once I have actually tested the car.

Keeping the Range Rover individual

Enabling customers the ability to create their own perfect bespoke vehicle, the Range Rover can be extensively tailored with a variety of colours, finishes and special details, from the immaculately-trimmed colour-themed interiors of the exclusive Autobiography series, to the stylish range of alloy wheels of up to 22 inches in diameter.

Premium Range Rover technologies

The driver and passengers’ well-being is assured by the latest interior technologies for comfort, convenience and seamless connectivity.  The new and improved features include:

• Convenience – premium features including keyless entry, soft-door close with power latching, power upper and lower tailgates, cooler compartments, and an electrically deployable tow-bar.
• High-end audio from British specialists Meridian – exclusive surround-sound music systems with audiophile-quality sound.
• Displays – state-of-the-art high-resolution displays, including the stunning full digital instrument cluster and the central 8-inch touch-screen with Dual-View functionality.
• Voice control and connectivity – a seamless connectivity package for mobile devices.
• Climate control – all-new best-in-class climate control systems, including the powerful new premium four-zone system and Park Heater timer facility.
• Luxurious seating – upgraded seating with luxurious new features such as multi-mode massage, and the exclusive new Executive Class rear-seating package.
• Interior illumination – the latest LED illumination for subtle and sophisticated ambient lighting, including the ability to change the colour scheme to suit the driver’s mood.

To enhance dynamic performance, and to ensure that drivers enjoy a relaxed and stress-free experience behind the wheel, the new Range Rover incorporates a comprehensive range of advanced chassis and driver assistance technologies.  Among the new and enhanced features are:

• Electric Power-Assisted Steering, which enables Park Assist – the latest automated technology to help drivers parallel park their car in tight urban parking spots.
• Adaptive Cruise Control – the new Queue Assist feature allows the system to continue functioning at low speeds all the way down to a complete stop.
• Intelligent Emergency Braking (including Advanced Emergency Brake Assist) – to help drivers avoid a collision if the traffic ahead slows unexpectedly or another vehicle suddenly moves into their lane.
• Blind-Spot Monitoring – the new Closing Vehicle Sensing feature detects vehicles that are closing in quickly from a farther distance to the rear of the vehicle.
• Reverse Traffic Detection – to warn drivers of potential collisions during reversing manoeuvres.
• Surround Camera System – with T Junction view and Trailer reverse park guidance.

With order books now officially open and sales scheduled to start in late 2012, the all-new Range Rover will be introduced in 170 markets worldwide. Currently available models are priced between R1.3m and R1.525m, so I would expect at least the same – but probably more – for the fourth generation variant, and from a glance I think the 3.0-litre 190kW TDV6 will be the pick of the bunch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1o3GFTrvUw

Web link to Range Rover South Africa