When you think of Great Britain, you think of Piccadilly, Winston Churchill, and the Beatles. Well, there is something else that is associated with Britannia, and that is Land Rover.
Land Rover makes the Range Rover HSE Td6, a luxury sport utility that is stylish, technologically savvy, and sophisticated. It runs on diesel fuel and gets fuel economy ratings of 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway for a combined 25 mpg average.
The 3.0 L turbocharged diesel V6 is capable of producing 254 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. The 8-speed transmission helps guide all this power to the wheels. The Range Rover has a maximum range of 658 miles per tank.
My Range Rover had a beautiful Scotia Grey color, coating a strong and streamlined exterior that sits tall and pronounced on 20-inch alloy wheels. The list price for the HSE Td6 is $94,945.
There are various packages like the Visual Assist Package, featuring items such as Blind Spot Monitor, All Terrain Progress Control, Reverse Traffic Detection, and Surround Camera System. This options package adds $2,500 to the final price.
The $900 Tow Package featured a hitch receiver with electrical connector and a full-size spare wheel to add to the Range Rover’s workhorse credential. To keep the backseat occupants behaving, the $2,400 Rear Seat Entertainment System adds two 8-inch monitors and a pair of wireless headphones to ensure the entertainment never runs out for the people in the back.
Range Rover is technologically blessed with a variety of safety and handling features. In fact there are too many to mention. However, the second generation Terrain Response, designed to handle any kind of terrain or driving surface, must be mentioned.
The test vehicle came with a whole lot of features and amenities. Three zone climate control system, 380-watt Meridian Premium Surround Sound system, auto park, and a power tailgate are examples of such.
Inside, the Range Rover was quiet and comfortable. Wood veneers, polished finish, and a console designed to let the driver easily take command and control the driving experience, all while the occupants are bathed in a “lap of luxury.” The infotainment system touchscreen interfaces with audio and HDD satellite navigation functions. Voice control is also standard.
Solar Attenuating Windshield Glass and rear privacy glass, cruise control, ambient interior lighting, and passive entry are all standard, and work to keep you comfortable and safe. SiriusXM Satellite Radio and HD Radio provide sound that adds to the ambience of the luxury interior.
The Intelligent Four Wheel Drive makes it easier to use than ever. You can switch from low to high range gears at speeds up to 37 mph without stopping. Gradient Release Control, Hill Start Assist, and Four Channel All-Terrain Anti-lock Braking System are examples of safety and off road features that allow for off-grid travel.
Front occupants sit tall and proud with 14-way power adjustable driver and front passenger seats that are comfortably wide, making for a perfect fit. The seating surface is Oxford leather. Climate and heated rear seats get everyone seated and settled.
Power tilt-and-telescopic heated steering wheel adapts to each driver’s posture, making the drive comfortable for everyone.
Whether going out to the boonies for a little hiking, camping, or fishing, or out on the town for a candle-lit dinner and the theatre, Range Rover could be just the right partner for the adventure.
Warranty
4-year/50,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty
6-year/Unlimited mileage Corrosion Warranty
4-year/50,000-mile Roadside Assistance
Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or at [email protected]
