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The first impression

I’m glad Tata Motors bought Land Rover. They chose to invest in a brand with heritage, class and distinction.  With a little TLC and some cash, the Land Rover stable has flourished, like a garden after spring rains. They have produced the Range Rover, Range Rover Evoque, Range Rover Sport and in March we will receive the Discovery Sport, which replaces the outgoing Freelander 2.

The first product to sprout in 2012 was the full body Range Rover. The ‘king’ of luxury SUV’s. I’ve reviewed it before, but given the opportunity to do it again, I did. This time the 4.4 turbo diesel under Vogue SE badging.

The Vogue is your entry into the highest echelon of luxury 4x4. Above that is the SE and up to the Autobiography models. This vehicle is built to do many things, but floating while doing it is what it does best. This large vehicle is fitted with sophisticated air suspension that’s adaptable in a multitude of ways. It redefines the way a car feels on tar and also allows you the ability to climb mountains, drive through riverbanks and quietly cruise the motorways too.

On the road

This large status symbol is a shining testament to how far we have come in automotive innovation. It’s bold and beautiful, yet modest about it ability. It is a big friendly giant with a heart of gold. To date, I haven’t driven a car as comfortable. The S-Class Mercedes Benz comes very close, its shortfall for lack of a better word, is its shortfall. In the Range Rover, its riding-high adds to the sensation of luxury. You glide. You don’t drive. You feel a sense of command over the road, as if your senses are elevated along with your bottom.

The Vogue SE’s power plant and 8-speed automatic gearbox combination are unrivalled. It’s like pairing Nicholson with Streep in a Scorsese movie – it’s a combination of “the-best-of-the-best”. It’s mastered, yet totally effortless.

There aren’t many cars these days which make use of genuine leather, I’ll through a guess that it is because it is too expensive. Although many try with their faux leatherette, it is just that, faux. The Range Rover on the other hand, is an Aladdin’s cave of the softest and most sumptuous real leather. Colour combinations and interior accent options are vast, allowing the Range Rover interior to be a place of glorious variety.

What I liked

• Its road presence
• Its gentle giant demeanour
• Magnificent engine and gearbox combination
• Feeling of luxury
• Frugality – despite its size – my consumption figures were under 10l/100km

What I’m not mad about

• I wish it were cheaper, but part of the problem is having a weak currency
• Its height and size made me anxious parking it, in fear of bumping it
• I wish Blind Spot indicators were standard on the car – its size makes it a must have item.

The figures

The extra stuff

The Range Rover comes with a 5 year/100 000km maintenance plan and scored five stars in the EuroNCAP crash test.

The verdict

It was hard having to give this car back. I know it’s big and expensive. People stare, and it’s not devoid of being considered an egocentric toy, but I loved it. I really did. Enjoying cars as I do, I notice the details, the eccentricities and total lack of cost cutting, which is evident when experiencing the Range Rover. You can sense that designers and engineers were able to play and experiment with this car. “More-is-more” and the desire to create the very best is overtly evident.

It’s an effortless way to drive and a reassuring way to know you have arrived.

Like Madonna said, “Oh, you twerk? Bitch, I vogue!”  

www.landrover.co.za