► Month 10 with the Range Rover Sport
► We take a look at the details of our premium SUV
► Time to stay quiet about the infotainment…
Big black rims look great, but never again
A friend with a beautiful old Range Rover Classic insists that off-roaders should only be specified with small wheels and clear glass all round. I think modern design suits privacy glass and big wheels, but the slight ride penalty and the obviousness of even the smallest nick on our maxed-out 22-inch rims means I’ll downsize next time.
Has been upgraded, but this one’s just fine
Ordered in August 2014 and delivered that November, our 292bhp SDV6 twin-turbo diesel just missed out on the upgrade which brings another 14bhp, 74lb ft and 3mpg, and drops the car two tax bands. But I have no complaint with the easy, torquey performance and economy which can nudge a real 30mpg.
Colour and trim options: feeling brave?
Having looked at the (very conservative) online configurator for another premium SUV recently, I have renewed respect for the huge range of colour and trim options the RR Sport offers. I also had a sit in the new Bentley Bentayga, and it doesn’t feel that much more premium than our ebony-and-tan-upholstered Range Rover.
‘Infotainment’ long overdue an upgrade
In his report after borrowing the RR Sport for a Le Mans trip, Ben Pulman confused my respect for the accuracy of the sat-nav’s mapping with a liking for the ‘infotainment’ system as a whole. Don’t get me wrong: the touchscreen interface is clunky, slow, and prone to tantrums: the worst thing about a great car.
From the driving seat
+ Design still striking, paint even better
+ Cabin does luxury, looks and functionality…
– …except for the touchscreen, which is rubbish
+ Engine is strong: even better with upgrade
+ Handling in Dynamic mode superb
Logbook Range Rover Sport 3.0 SDV6 HSE Dynamic
Engine: 2993cc 24v twin turbodiesel, 288bhp @ 4000rpm, 442lb ft @ 2000rpm
Gearbox: 8-speed auto, low range, all-wheel drive
Stats: 6.8sec 0-62mph, 138mph, 199g/km
Price: £66,250
As tested: £75,607
Miles this month: 1258
Total miles: 12,725
Our mpg: 25.8
Official mpg: 37.7
Fuel this month: £231.78
Extra costs: None