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The Range Rover LR-V8 dieselPopular currency, acceptance, or favour – these are some of the dictionary meanings for the word “vogue” – and indeed, this is certainly a vehicle that resonates with its title of Vogue.
It is the biggest toy in the Land Rover playpen, and it remains one of the favourites almost 40 years after the badge was first displayed.
Range Rover, in this case the range-topping Vogue collection, was the first of the luxury off-roaders and remains the leader of the pack for those wanting to mix the good things in life with the ability to take them absolutely anywhere.
“This is a considerable step forward for what is already regarded as one of the world’s most complete luxury vehicles,” says Land Rover’s global managing director, Phil Popham.
“New engines deliver formidable power, efficiency and refinement, while the new technologies are a world first.”
This engine turns the Range Rover into what it has always aspired to, but never quite managed to be: a true luxury car.
Once it is warmed up and you are inside the cabin, you are simply unaware that there is a diesel engine under the bonnet rather than a petrol one.
Range Rovers have always brought an impressive level of specification to the table and the new models are no exception. Even in the most basic trim, the cars boast a six-speed automatic driving the permanent four-wheel drive through electronic centre differential with low range, cruise control, hill descent control, terrain response, air suspension, 19-inch alloys, full-size spare, nine air bags and an absolute grab-bag of electronic stability programs including extended bearing distance, all-terrain ABS, dynamic stability control, corner braking control, roll stability, trailer assist stability and understeer control logic.
Add to that a sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, rear-view camera, bi-Xenon lights, parking assist front and rear, full towing preparation, filtered climate control, power seats, leather trim, an LCD virtual instrument panel, 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, navigation, Bluetooth, and USB and iPod interface – and the mix is already rich.
For the mid-spec luxury model, there are 20-inch alloys, Oxford leather seats with heating and cooling on the front and heating for the rear passengers, heated steering wheel, a Logic 7 14-speaker sound system and rear-seat DVD.
Step up to the 2010 Autobiography model and the fare includes adaptive dynamics, electronic rear differential, a five-camera surround view system, automatic high-beam dimming, upgraded leather seats, full leather facia and headliner and dual-view display screen.
The screen is a truly impressive bit of breakthrough technology. Claimed to be a world automotive first, it allows a different view to the driver than to the passenger – looking from one side, all the driver will see is the navigation or information screen; while from the passenger side, a movie can be watched.
Range Rover’s engineers have been busy with some clever technology, including the adaptive dynamics system that claims to be predictive in delivering better ride quality and superior body control through damper pressure sampling 500 times a second.
The LR-V8 Supercharged improves fuel consumption by 7.3% to 14.9l/100km on the combined cycle and reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 7.4% to 348g/km, despite substantial increases in both power to 375kW (+29%) and torque to 625Nm (+12%), compared with its 4.2-litre supercharged predecessor.
Even the emissions produced in its assembly are meticulously offset via projects selected around the world with the help of leading offset provider, ClimateCare.
More power, new refinement and better fuel economy for the most accomplished, most capable, luxury four-wheel-drive vehicle in the world.
Price tag? R1 164 000.
Robbie Stammers
