Range Rover Sport Autobiography SDV

Range Rover car review: LUKE MADDEN

What is it?

The Range Rover Sport is – as you’d expect – the more dynamic, more focused member of the Range Rover line-up. Don’t be too drawn in by the name though as this rides on the Discovery platform rather than the Range Rover chassis and isn’t exactly a sports car in the corners.

It’s worth considering though because it is very refined, extremely comfortable and offers impressive practicality, towing ability and some serious off-roading skills too. It’s also a bit cheaper than the equivalent Range Rover – but business buyers will want it for the Sport’s more dynamic image.

What’s hot?

• Despite its sheer weight (about 2.5 tonnes!) both the TDV6 and SDV6 engines feel punchy.  The former has 208bhp and can do 0-62mph in 10.3 seconds, while the latter has 248bhp and completes the same sprint in 8.9 seconds.
• The Sport comes as standard with Dynamic Response to help stop body roll in the corners. That makes it surprisingly agile for such a high-riding car but it still feels like a heavy car with a high centre of gravity.
• It may not be quite as capable off road as a Range Rover but muddy fields, slippery lanes and craggy rock fields will be dealt with easily. That’s partly down to the excellent Terrain Response system that essentially sets the car up for you.
• You’ll be able to tow a huge 3,500kg braked trailer too, and that’s with any of the engines in the range.
• There’s loads of space in the cabin and a huge 958-litre boot. It’s hard to think of a time when you’d need more space.
• The way the Sport drives feels luxurious, with a supple ride and a whisper-quiet cabin. It’s not quite on the same level as the standard Range Rover but it is very close.

What’s not?

• The Sport’s cabin might be spacious and refined but it’s not particularly up to date. Considering this is a car that’s essentially seven years old it’s no surprise the interior looks a little dated.
• Lots of other cars in this class are cheaper, and the top-spec Autobiography model we tried came in at £67,125.
• It’s missing a lot of crucial fuel-saving technology too, meaning economy stands at just 32.1mpg. During its time with Business Car Manager it managed more like 20mpg.
• CO2 emissions of 230g/km are in the most expensive company car tax band there is. That means paying 35% of the P11D value or – for our particular model and for a standard rate taxpayer – £4,699. But if you’re considering one, you’re more likely  to be in the 40% bracket, which means £9398 in company car tax
• There’s also a new Range Rover Sport expected late in 2013 so if you can hold out until then, it’s probably worth it. And the newcomer will be based on the luxurious new Range Rover rather than the Discovery.