Range Rover 3,6 TDV8

As you all probably know by now, the latest models have ushered in some cosmetic and technological changes. According to Land Rover existing Range Rover customers were very attached to their vehicle's styling, so the company was loathe to radically change a successful formula. As such, those imposing dimensions and rugged, boxy styling remain.

Some minor revisions to the headlamp clusters, a grille sporting mesh-like details similar to those found on the Range Rover Sport, and a more aerodynamic front valance are contemporary touches applied to the Range Rover's distinctive silhouette. The overall look has a great presence, but closer inspection reveals some build quality niggles - particularly manifested in large, heavy doors that close with an uncharacteristic ‘clack', and often only closing upon a second harder slam.

The interior has also undergone some minor changes, with the most noticeable being the virtual instrument panel that not only displays speed and engine rev readouts clearly, but also acts as an interface with the infotainment system and informs the driver of Terrain Response mode and adaptive cruise control settings/warnings.

Another nifty feature is the dual-view infotainment screen, which allows the front passenger to watch a DVD while the driver makes use of the sat-nav, an uprated Terrain response system with Sand Launch function and Adaptive cruise control that scans the road ahead and works in conjunction with the on-board computer to maintain an optimal following distance. This system applies and cuts the throttle in a very smooth, measured fashion, allowing the driver to calibrate their ‘headway' and can call in the emergency brake assist to apply the anchors should the vehicle in front suddenly decelerate.

Otherwise, it's the usual Range Rover fare inside; commandingly-positioned leather-clad seats up front, acres of wood and the hides of some especially privileged bovids. Much like the exterior there are some positives and negatives surrounding this new model - the switchgear has been arranged in a less scattergun fashion than before, thanks in part to the infotainment system, but there are some uncharacteristically cheap-feeling elements as the flimsy CD-changer cartridge and the glovebox lid - something you'd not expect of a car costing in excess of R1 million.

The TDV8 continues to make use of the pre-facelift model's 3,6-litre turbodiesel V8200 kW and a stump-pulling 650 N.m of torque on tap. It has to be said that, despite its age (introduced in 2006), the turbodiesel V8 is the engine best suited to the new Range Rover. Noise levels are impressively suppressed, with only a satisfying diesel-tinged V8 rumble emanating from the nose when accelerating and all of that torque is available from just 2 000 r/min, managing to shift the Rangey's sizeable bulk with little effort. The engine is mated with a smooth-shifting six-speed ZF automatic transmission that does an admirable job of transferring all of that power and torque with hardly a shudder.

The short stint of rock-hopping that took place during the launch of both models went to show that the Range Rover has lost none of its terrain-tackling ability. Selecting the gearing and diff-lock combination is simply a matter of twirling the Terrain Response dial to the best-suited preset and then allowing both models' prodigious torque to effortlessly crawl the car over whatever's in your path. With the air suspension jacked up to its off-road setting, there's a more than 290 mm of axle clearance while the 34/26 degrees of front/rear departure and serious axle articulation make short work of demanding terrain - a virtue shared by very few of the Range Rover's premium rivals.

Although Land Rover has uprated the steering setup, it still has to be said that the helm feels somewhat lifeless, but precise enough to inspire confidence when picking up the pace. And it's in this respect that the TDV8 seems to have the edge over its supercharged petrol sibling.

There's no denying that the 375 kW and 600 N.m of torque served up by the 5,0-litre supercharged V8 is impressive, especially when you consider that our testing saw this 2 710 kg leviathan crack 0-100 km/h in under 6,0 seconds. But there is the feeling that the new Range Rover's chassis, despite the company's efforts to optimize the dampers, brakes and air suspension componentry for improved agility, has a difficult time trying to rein in all of that power in a controlled and composed manner.

The supercharged V8 model shares the diesel's absorbent ride, precise but numb steering and powerful brakes, but showed a tendency to roll and wallow when attempting to change direction at speed. It's something you expect of any SUV with an off-road bias, but with that amount of pace and power on hand it does little to inspire confidence when pressing on.

As such, the smaller, but still ample, power output served up by the diesel seems to suit the Range Rover's demeanour and dynamics to a tee. Yes, it does pitch a bit when coaxed into a corner at speed, but you're never under the impression that there's so much power that the car is set to run away from you.

This leaves me in the tricky position of marginally recommending the TDV8 over the 5,0 Supercharged V8...Don't get me wrong, that JLR engine is a seriously impressive piece of kit, but it is perhaps better suited to the more dynamically-biased Range Rover Sport.