home // Car Information // Range rover
RANGE ROVER HSE 4.4 litre and SE 3.0 litre turbo diesel
Source: www.aaa.asn.au
File Size: 189.57 KB
Category: Car Information
Last Download : 22 days 11 hours ago
Share this info:
Short Description: conditions, the Range Rover lopes along capably ... aspects of the Range Rover has been its excellent off-road ability, particularly given ...
Content Inside: RANGE ROVER HSE 4.4 litre and SE 3.0 litre turbo diesel March 2003 Report No. 679, by Bob Hudson, Vehicle Evaluation Engineer, NRMA Consulting LIKES DISLIKES Space and comfort Fuel consumption of V8 model Off-road ability A bulky vehicle to handle around town Safety and luxury equipment Expensive to buy Long warranty For nearly four decades, the Range Rover Vehicle control features include the has been an icon amongst 4WDs, renowned permanent four-wheel drive, anti-lock brakes for its impressive combination of comfort, (ABS), electronic brake force distribution luxury and off-road ability. (EBD), emergency brake assist (EBA), 4 Range Rovers have long been the preferred wheel electronic traction control (ETC), With BMW overseeing the development of choice of transport for many a celebrity, plus cornering brake control (CBC), dynamic this new model Range Rover, standards of members of Royal families, and the vehicle stability control (DSC), hill descent control finish seem considerably better than in past has a `presence' on the road that commands (HDC) and engine drag-torque control (EDC). models. Panel gaps in general, look to be attention. Comfort and convenience items include larger than those on competitors such as the However, the path for Range Rover owners climate control air conditioning, electrically BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz ML, but the test hasn't always been smooth, with some adjustable steering column and front seats, vehicle was free of any visible faults or unhappy stories about reliability and finish on power windows and mirrors (mirrors also blemishes. the earlier models heated), remote central locking, a trip COMFORT AND SPACE: In recent years, quality has improved steadily computer with speed alert, and an auto The Range Rover rates highly on both these and significantly, and now it promises to even dimming rear view interior mirror. There's an attributes. The combination of an extremely better in this latest third generation model. unusually large number of interior storage supple suspension and comfortable, well- This new Range Rover was designed during compartments, an abundance of interior shaped seating ensures occupants will enjoy the company's ownership by BMW (before lighting and two auxiliary power sockets. their journey, whether it's short or long. being bought by Ford) and it uses mostly The SE also has a six speaker single CD As usual, the centre rear seating position BMW mechanicals in a new body with stereo system, an immobiliser and an alarm, isn't as comfortable as the other four positions, monocoque construction (no separate chassis) alloy wheels (five), front fog lamps and tinted due to harder padding and less shaping. and fully independent suspension with glass. However, the rear floor is just about flat, Macpherson struts up front and double The HSE models add a memory setting for which helps with leg space and comfort. Both wishbones at the rear. the driver's seat, exterior mirrors and steering front and rear occupants have ample head and The new Range Rover's 4.4 litre V8 engine column; an 11-speaker stereo with multi CD legroom. and five-speed automatic transmission come changer, and differently designed alloy Though the luggage area isn't as long or as straight from the BMW X5 4WD wagon and wheels. wide as some of the competitors, the Range it's a much smoother, more powerful and more The top-spec Vogue gets a television and Rover still provides a good size load area, with fuel efficient combination than was provided satellite navigation, a tilt and slide glass plenty of attention to detail. Commendably, by the old 4.6 litre OHV engine and four- sunroof, 19 inch alloy wheels, rain sensing the full size spare wheel and tyre is neatly speed automatic. wipers, powerfold exterior mirrors, bi-Xenon tucked away in a well in the floor. The second model option for buyers is the headlamps with wiper/washers, park distance When longer items need to be carried, the Td6 model. As its name infers, this version has control, heated seats and steering wheel, and rear seat and cushion are divided in a 2-1 a turbo-diesel six-cylinder engine (also BMW- `Oxford' leather seat trim. arrangement and fold easily in one operation, sourced) of 3.0 litres capacity. It too, is BODY AND FINISH: without the need to remove the head restraints. coupled with a five-speed automatic. Just as the second generation Range Rover As before, the two-piece tailgate allows easy As has been the case with Range Rovers for that debuted here in the mid `90s was virtually loading, and the bottom half can double as a some time now, manual transmission is not a brand new vehicle with rounder, softer lines, handy seat or table. available. yet still instantly recognizable as a `Rangie', BEHIND THE WHEEL: Equipment levels are the HSE and the this third generation model does the same By and large, the driving cockpit of the Vogue in the V8 models and SE and HSE in thing. Range Rover is a pleasant place to be, with a the diesels. The new model is still unmistakably a Range noticeable improvement in the layout of Prices start at $114,990 for an SE (tested), Rover, yet the styling displays many controls and instruments over earlier models. with the HSE diesel costing $119,900. The V8 contemporary features. The most obvious of Good room, and the electric seat and steering HSE (also tested) is priced at $134,900, while these are the four circular front lights housed column adjustments, make it relatively easy for the Vogue tops the range at $155,900. in a single cluster and the similarly styled drivers of various sizes and physiques to find a FEATURES AND EQUIPMENT: taillights. Large vertical extractor vents are comfortable and effective driving position. As you might expect in a vehicle costing located at the back edge of the front Though the head restraints obstruct rearward more than $100,000, equipment levels are mudguards. vision somewhat, the high seating positions quite extensive, even in the base SE model. Though it's a fresh new look, the low and large glass areas provide occupants with a Standard occupant safety features across the waistline of the previous two generations of good view to the front and sides. range include dual front airbags, front side Range Rovers has been retained. Combine that The Range Rover feels big and bulky when airbags, front and rear head airbags, anti- with the high seating positions, and you have parking or manoeuvring in tight places and submarine front and rear seats, height the marque's traditional `command' driving though the turning circle is large by passenger adjustable head restraints and three point seat position that has long been popular with sedan standards, it's smaller than the previous belts for all seating positions. owners. model. Call Technical Advice on 1300 655 443 for additional information on this vehicle, and for other automotive advice. Report by NRMA Consulting, a business unit of National Roads and Motorists' Association Limited. Call NRMA Consulting on 1300 657 087, or visit www.nrmaconsulting.com .
