The Left
Yes, I’m talking about the red car and yes, I’m making a commie
reference even though the Rangie is anything but an SUV for
the people. The Range Rover Sport is an alternative out of left
field in this company — it has never been a traditional rival
to these cars. The Range Rover badge and the steeper price
tag give it more snob value, putting it further out of reach.
However, this Rangie now has a smaller engine, making it
more accessible than ever.
The Range Rover Sport’s presence is undeniable. The X5
may be the playground bully, but even it knows the Range
Rover isn’t to be messed with. There’s a sense of regality
around the Range Rover that just cannot be matched by
the Germans here. BMWs and Audis... they almost feel
commonplace in comparison. While the X5s and Q7s roll up
to the lobbies of fancy hotels, Range Rovers roll up to private
airstrips. This sense of opulence continues on the inside —
Touch Pro Duo, the two 12.3-inch screens that dominate the
centre console are quite a sight. Not as easy to use as BMW’s
iDrive, but a great way to make the cabin feel special. More
cool are the steering-mounted buttons — they’re sensitive to
touch and they change functionality depending on the menu
you’re at. A neat little trick picked up from the Velar, and it is
very welcome.
The two-litre petrol motor is the same one used in the
F-Type, pumping out an impressive 296bhp and 400Nm. It’s
To p : The Range Rover is the most adept off-road. Left, above: The two
screens on the centre console make the Rangie’s interior rather unique.
Left: The Land Rover DNA runs strong here