7 February 2011
The gleaming piano black facias, lavish carpets and rich leather of the Range Rover Vogue's new look interior don't exactly scream workhorse; and lets be honest, the 'Rangie' is as regularly spotted lining car parks of equestrian eventing centres, as it is inner city centres.
That said, take this luxury SUV off the blacktop and you'll see it's anything but a show pony, and this is no truer than with the just-released V8 diesel (TD V8) variant.
Land Rover New Zealand's importers, Motorcorp distributors are covering all bases, targeting both urban and rural sectors with their advertising; a "pulls like an ox" tagline will accompany ads directed toward the latter. With the TD V8 producing 200kW @ 4000 rpm and a massive 640Nm of torque @ 2000rpm... they're not wrong.
The epic torque will be a massive selling point for well-to-do cockys, as will the genuine off road ability the Range Rover possesses.
Towing capabilities are 750kg unbraked and 3500kg braked. Those with only a class 1 (motorcar) license won't legally be able to maximise the TD V8's class leading towing performance. Factor in the vehicle's hefty 2710kg kerb weight, and you'll quickly exceed the 4500kg combined gross vehicle mass limitations of your license, and void your insurance in the process.
Complimenting the increased torque off-road is Range Rover's patented, Terrain Response system, allowing the driver to select the optimum torque delivery and transfer case ratio at the twist of a switch. In addition to the standard tarmac setting, there are four off-road settings - Grass, Gravel and Snow, Mud Rut, Sand and Rock Crawl. The modern-day four-wheel drive system doesn't disappoint, giving the chunky leviathan grip across a range of topography the most nimble Remuera tractors dare not tread.
There's no doubt even on its 19-inch performance road tyres, the current model upholds Range Rover's all-important legacy of being the premium mud plugger.
Despite portly proportions the Range Rover has no trouble moving when provoked, a brief drive at the vehicle's launch south of Auckland recently presented plenty of opportunity to experience the engine's pulling power. Overtaking is swift and safe, the 3.6 litre's twin turbos ensuring torque is seemingly always at the ready.
The stirring acceleration is a vast improvement over the previous 2.7 litre V6 TDi engine, over four seconds has been shaved from the V6 TDi's 0-100km/h sprint with the new engine, now a comfortable 9.2 seconds.
It's much quieter as well, 75 percent quieter in fact, quite a technological achievement given the increased cubic capacity. At cruising speed the plush cabin remained eerily hushed, the engine a mere whisper up front.
A ZF six-speed transmission is mated to the power unit to deliver silken ratio changes and improve fuel economy, which is claimed at 11.3 L/100km. There's no mistakenly filling this diesel with the wrong fuel either - an electronic shut off device automatically detects if a petrol filler nozzle has entered the filler neck, disallowing any of the petrol to contaminate the tank.
Brembo brakes, the same as fitted to the wild range topping 4.2 litre supercharged variant, keep the TD V8's momentum in check; while adaptive air suspension delivers a smooth and compliant ride and can be raised to allow greater wheel travel, or lowered for easy ingress/egress.
Handling isn't as sharp as some of its compeers or its nimbler sibling the Range Rover Sport, (which picks up the TD V8 engine mid 2007) but far from unwieldy when driven responsibly. Electronic Stability Control (ESP) and Anti-roll Mitigation aid control in emergency manoeuvres. In the event of an accident front, side, curtain and a driver's knee airbag help minimise harm to the occupants.
Combining the grace and presence of the finest thoroughbred and go-anywhere strength of a Clydesdale, the Range Rover TD V8 has what it takes to become the steed of choice with successful Farmers.
Costing $179,990 though, best be sure the Red Bands are clean before you climb aboard.