Range Rover Sport Supercharged: Scores high on performance

Integrating the better aspects of two worlds, each with their own set of stringent parameters is quite a challenge in the motoring industry. One of the most common blends we see around us today are two-door supercars trying to combine four-door sedan functionality, and premium car brands offering road-going SUVs, which are not very friendly off-road.

Wanting a four-door supercar is not on top of my wish list, probably because it doesn't suit the kind of person that I am, but maybe I would like one as a second car after I get a superfast two-door coupé!

When it comes to building premium SUVs which are better suited to on-road driving than off-road, I don't see the point. I admire the fact that these premium brands are able to manufacture quite large vehicles and use their engineering prowess to electro-mechanically counteract the disadvantages of an SUV's heaviness. But even so, it's not exactly ‘car like' when it comes to handling because even the most advanced engineering designs will not completely counteract the laws of physics when it comes to road handling.

Premium SUVs sell electronic gadgetry, speed, handling and on-road comfort in excess to conveniently camouflage their off-road limitations. And most of the time, the number of passengers who can be seated in comfort are limited to five, with the boot space not being exactly what an SUV should be offering. This is not the best choice over a really fast four-door sports sedan if you ask me.

However, if driving off-road is your thing and luxury is also important, then a Range Rover might be what you are looking for. Range Rovers haven't really changed in terms of functionality over the years. They've always been about luxury and off-roading. The features are getting better over the years but the appeal is the same. There aren't many cars that have been able to effectively sustain a great image over a few decades.

The Range Rover brand feels like it has been around forever. It came into existence in the early 1970s when the Japanese had already dominated the SUV market with cheaper and more reliable 4x4s. By the early 1980s, Range Rover started to fill the void by offering what most 4x4s, including their Land Rover models, lacked - luxury. At the same time, it stayed true to its off-road appeal. Since then, the Japanese have been playing catch-up in the luxury niche. The Range Rover is now in its third generation and the Sport Supercharged version I got to review came with a 5-litre Jaguar Based ‘AJ133' V8 Supercharged engine which I must say suits the character of this 4x4 a lot more than the earlier 4.2-litre Supercharged engine.

The new engine produces 510hp@ 5,750 rpm and a good 560Nm of torque @ 6,000 - 6,500 rpm. On road, it is capable of doing a 0-100 km/hr sprint in around 6.2 seconds which is quite impressive for a real 4x4 and just a little longer than many of its road-friendly SUV rivals. A more refined chassis now complements the new engine, resulting in better dynamics and handling, which is really good for a luxury 4x4 with off-road ground clearance and an adjustable suspension.

The Range Rover Sport version has been around since late 2004 and it has made quite an impact in this region. People who wanted the sleekness of a smaller SUV along with luxury and off-road capabilities were now presented with the ultimate option. You could now climb dunes all day and head off to a five-star dinner in the same car at night and still look good. That is the kind of appeal it has.

The engine, facelifts and other features on the 2010 model are quite overdue in my opinion with all the other premium brands engaged in a never-ending race for speed and handling. My first impressions with the Sport were good both in terms of design and engine response.The throttle response and speed as compared to the earlier model is a lot more appealing and complements the stature of this car. The interiors are a little more refined and the layout is better. Ergonomics and functionality remain the same and it feels very Range Rover-like on the inside.

The handling is a little better than the earlier model and the nose dive and lift with braking and acceleration respectively has also reduced in the 2010 model. The upgraded braking system now ensures effective braking for a 4x4 that is a lot faster than before.

The seats are better sculpted and now come with electrically adjustable side bolsters. The rear seats are not as spacious as they are in the regular Range Rover models, but that's not an issue big enough to complain about. Other fancy additions include exclusive iPod connectivity (this feature has now become a must-have in most cars) and hard-drive based navigation, as well as a new 5" TFT driver information screen.

The Terrain Response system, which the Range Rover shares with its Land Rover models, has also been refined and adjusted with a new ‘Sand Launch Control' feature to suit desert driving. I don't believe electronic interventions or assistance can be of much help in the desert but it wouldn't hurt to have them on a premium 4x4.

Other gadgetry which I was less impressed with is the new five-camera assisted near 360-degree view relay to the dashboard screen that I had absolutely no use for during the few days that I had the car. Rear view cameras are of help to an extent when it comes to parking spaces and that's all the assistance I need.

To sum up, I don't think a gadget war is inevitable in the automobile industry and therefore the surplus electronics and their so-called assistance to the driver can be forgiven. I think the Range Rover Sport Supercharged is quite an impressive 4x4. Refinement, handling, speed and off-road capability don't usually come in great single packages, but at a price of Dh395,000, the Tata MotorsLand Rover team seems to have perfected the blend.

- Philip Shane is a Dubai-based motoring enthusiast and a member of The Guild of Motoring Writers, UK