WHEN SIZE DOES MATTER

Adding a more powerful V8 diesel engine to the Range Rover has made the best that little bit better, writes Paddy Comyn.

A question I get asked a lot concerns the best car in a particular class. What is the best small car, family car, sports car etc? But when it comes to the question of what makes the best luxury car, then the answer is almost always that it isn’t really a car at all. You only have to look around at what Ireland’s successful entrepreneurs, property developers and captains of industry are driving and in increasing numbers they are abandoning the traditional German luxury barges in favour of the Range Rover.

Since it burst onto the market five years ago it has been the poster car and indeed something of a symbol for the Celtic Tiger generation. And while they might stir the anger of militant environmentalists, they are the SUV that successful Irish business people ultimately want to own.

DIESEL VERSION IS KING

Here in Ireland, the overwhelming majority of the models sold here have been diesel powered, because unless you happened to own Statoil and fancied getting married to your own car, then opting for the petrol version would show an abandon that could have you sectioned. So the diesel version was king. The problem was that the V6 diesel engine that lay under the bonnet was just ‘okay’ and not really up to the standards that ‘the best’ should have. But thankfully all that has changed with the introduction of an all-new V8 diesel powerplant for the Range Rover, and as an option on the smaller and more agile Range Rover Sport. The new 272bhp TDV8 is one of the world’s most advanced diesels. I know you business-minded folk love figures, so here are some stats for you. Compared with the six-cylinder it replaces, it is 54% more powerful, delivers 64% more torque, and yet manages the same fuel economy as before. Acceleration is improved, compared with the previous diesel engine in that over four seconds have been cut from the 0-100km/h time, which is now 9.2 seconds and the maximum speed has been raised to 200km/h. Oh, and the new V8 diesel is up to 75% quieter overall, which is nice.

NEW FEATURES

The new engine is mated to a six-speed ZF ‘intelligent shift’ automatic transmission so you can either have the car shift gears or you can do it yourself by pushing and pulling the lever. There have also been tweaks to the suspension set-up and there are also large Brembo front brakes as standard and these help with stopping a vast SUV that weighs 3,200kg.

CONQUERING ALL CONDITIONS

For those of you that do intend actually getting your Range Rover muddy (you are very much in the minority), with the Range Rover you get Terrain Response which in simple terms is like the washing machine of four wheel drive systems. You turn a dial to select what conditions you are on, be them mud, ruts, ice, snow or grass and the vehicle’s electronic and mechanical controls are then optimised to tackle the specific conditions. It is incredibly easy to use and makes even the most novice off-roader feel like you could conquer Everest.

Driving a Range Rover on or off-road is incredibly easy. There is great visibility all-round, the controls are straightforward and especially with this engine, you will munch a long journey and still return respectable fuel consumption figures. And despite this vehicle’s obvious bulk you would be surprised how capable this SUVs handing actually is. Since we had the SE Vogue model, it came with all the bells and whistles you could think of including a television, satellite navigation, a timer that you can set to start the car’s heater in the morning before you leave the house, a heated steering wheel and more leather and wood than most boardrooms.

PAYING FOR QUALITY

The range starts at €103,000. Most buyers plump for the HSE spec at €106,400 which is not exactly slumming it. Choose the top spec version and you will be ultimately cosy but you will lose more in depreciation. Personal imports of second-hand versions from the UK are hurting second-hand prices, so keep this in mind when you sign the cheque. For the price of the SE Vogue you could pick one from a who’s who of luxury vehicles, such as a BMW 750Li, Mercedes- Benz S500, or indeed Lexus LS460. There are SUV rivals too with the new BMW X5, Audi Q7 4.2-litre TDi and Mercedes-Benz GL 420 CDI snapping at its heels. All are worthy rivals but few will drag Range Rover owners out of their trusty steeds and with this new engine they are likely to stay there for some time to come.