REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Nearing the end of the road

Modesty will never overwhelm the Land Rover team when it starts to sing the praises of the Range! While it has a sure talent for negotiating the obstacles Mother Nature throws its way, a passenger compartment that could almost double as a Victorian living room and a price that makes it exclusive, it has a long way to go before becoming the king of luxury utilities it claims to be. First of all, it needs closer attention to manufacturing quality and, above all, reliability. Remember to read the owner’s manual from cover to cover to understand how the Range’s accessories work. Front seats, power adjustable in all possible directions, take orthopedic care of the back, kidneys and neck rather than subjecting them to overly soft padding. As for the bench seat, it’s even firmer and it has a wider base; the seatback folds down in two (60/40) sections, but it’s unlikely you’ll need more space than the very roomy trunk already provides.When you’re behind the wheel of a Range Rover, it’s hard not to feel superior to the motorists around you. Set high, the Range looks invincible. And it almost is, particularly when weather conditions make road surfaces slippery, in which case it’s unflappable. General comments: the ride is as quiet as can be, may have slightly "military" reactions that reflect road conditions, and cornering unpredictability is due to the fact that the Range offers driving sensations that few have ever experienced. Lastly, the responsive steering system makes up for the horrendous turning radius and phenomenal torque manages to shatter the inertia of this massive vehicle, giving it astonishing acceleration. In this regard, potential buyers should note that the Range Rover has shed the pitiful 4.0-liter V8 (188 horses) last year and now comes solely with a 4.6-liter whose output totals 222 horses. This is a muscle-bound powertrain, yes, but according to owners it suffers from a series of minor flaws that no one should have to put up with on a vehicle sold at this price.

PROS
Off-road capabilities
Astonishing acceleration power
Comfortable and quiet ride

CONS
High fuel consumption
Reliability problems
Model scheduled for withdrawal

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