► Updated Range Rover Sport unveiled
► New engine line-up for 2017 model year
► Wider range of options, new tech
A four-cylinder diesel doesn’t shout ‘sport’, but that’s exactly what you’ll find under the bonnet of the entry-level 2017 model year Range Rover Sport.
The addition of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel is one of many upgrades for the new Sport, the revisions to which echo those found in the recently overhauled Range Rover – with the 2017 model years featuring new driver aids, media systems and trim options.
Fear not on the rest of powertrain front, however; the monstrous 4.4-litre diesel V8 and supercharged 5.0-litre V8 remain for the Sport – as does the punchy yet comparatively frugal 3.0-litre diesel V6. There’s another new engine in the line-up, too, in the form of the supercharged 3.0-litre petrol V6 from the Jaguar stable.
A 2.0-litre diesel in a Range Rover Sport? Sounds lethargic…
Land Rover claims that the Sport, when fitted with the new twin-turbo ‘SD4’ version of the Ingenium diesel, will sprint from 0-62mph in 8.0sec and on to a top speed of 128mph. Not exactly pedestrian, particularly when you consider that the engine – which produces 237bhp and 369lb ft – is trying to accelerate the equivalent of a small house.
Find a mobile climate-controlled rolling road to commute to work on and the four-cylinder Sport will reputedly return 45.6mpg and emit 164g/km of CO2. Only one version is offered, though – an HSE, costing £59,700. It’ll only have one tailpipe, so there won’t be any hiding its diminished cylinder count.
Those of you who prefer your combustion cycles to be spark ignited, however, will appreciate the new 3.0-litre supercharged V6 option. It packs 335bhp and 332lb ft, granting 0-62mph in 7.1sec and a top speed of 130mph. Predictably there’s a price to pay for the boost in performance – compared with the four-cylinder diesel – and that’s a combined average of 26.9mpg and CO2 emissions of 243g/km. That and the fact it costs £64,400.
What else is new for the facelifted 2017 Range Rover Sport?
As was the case with the revised Range Rover, a host of new safety systems have been rolled out for the 2017 Sport. These include Land Rover’s Low Traction Launch for reputedly effortless getaways on slippy surfaces, an advanced towing aid and automatic emergency braking.
Similarly, buyers can pick from a selection of assistance upgrade packs, adding features including traffic-sign recognition and lane-keeping assist. A further tech uplift comes in the form of a standard-fit 10in InControl Touch Pro media system, which replaces the ageing 8in system.
Buyers can also opt for a wider range of exterior colours and a new Bright Pack for Autobiography Dynamic models – which adds silver finishes to exterior trim pieces, including the grille and bonnet mesh. Perfect for letting those at the country club know you’ve spent just a little bit more than they have…
When can I get my hands on one?
The 2017 model year Range Rover Sport goes on sale in late 2016. Prices start at £59,700 for the SD4 HSE diesel, rising to £96,900 for the full-fat 5.0-litre supercharged SVR.
Read our Range Rover Sport long-term test here