The view from the water’s edge at Tintswalo luxury lodge located at the bottom of Chapman’s Peak is breathtaking. Sun setting over the ocean, the sound of waves caressing the rocks below and the taste of a classic Sauvignon Blanc with hints of freshly cut grass on the tongue. A perfect venue to savour the driving experience of the day in one of the most imposing vehicles on the road – the Range Rover Sport Autobiography...
Life is all about choices and Range Rover is offering the prospective owner of a new RR Sport the opportunity to create the ultimate individual automotive expression of style and make his/her vehicle truly exclusive. The Autobiography range includes two luxury interior packages and five sportier themes that can be tailored to individual tastes.
The sense of occasion is overwhelming when climbing into the vehicle. Inside the cabin feels snug for a vehicle of this size but surrounds the driver with lavish materials and a clean design. Finding a comfortable driving position is easy with full electric adjustments on both seat and steering wheel. The centre touch-screen now comes with dual view capability, allowing the driver to see the navigation screen while the front passenger enjoys a DVD on the same display (view angle dependent). The rear passengers are not forgotten and get their own individual DVD screens as well as the new WhiteFire wireless technology to allow cordless headphones to be used. The superb standard Harmann Kardon sound system can be upgraded to a staggering 825 W, 17-speaker premium unit to deliver the ultimate in audio performance.
Pressing the start button on the dash fires the 5,0-litre supercharged V8 into life with a wonderful deep burble. Leaving the six-speed ZF transmission in the "D" position delivers effortless cruising ability and absolute comfort. Moving the lever to the Sport position and choosing the Dynamic suspension setting awakens the beast inside. The Range Rover Sport lowers its suspension to attack mode and the whine from the Supercharger further stirs the senses. The temptation is too much and the loud pedal is mashed to the floor resulting in acceleration that overcomes the weight of around 2,5 tons. Cornering at speed is confidence inspiring with little body roll present and the ESC intervenes in an unobtrusive manner if the laws of physics are exceeded. A big, heavy SUV has no right to handle like this...
Surely "off-road" is a profanity for a tar-burning brute like the Range Rover Sport? Not according to managing director Kevin Flynn who emphasised that a Range Rover needs to be a Land Rover first. This was a big challenge for the engineers to ensure the go-anywhere ability is not lost with such a premium product. This is achieved by a range of off-road systems including low range, ride height adjustment, intelligent diff locks, gradient acceleration control and several terrain modes to choose from. The off-road ability was put to the test at the Simonsig wine estate where the Land Rover off-road experience is hosted. The Range Rover exceeded expectations and handled all obstacles with aplomb. It is doubtful if owners will subject their pride and joy to such extreme situations but good to know that that the vehicle is immensely capable.
Unfortunately the vehicle will only be within reach of the affluent as the base price of the Autobiography is over R1m. That adds to the exclusivity of the product and also lessens the relevance of high running costs (the average fuel consumption during our test drive entered the 30 L/100 km region at one stage).
Range Rover as a brand is enjoying huge success in the market place, especially with the launch of the smaller sibling – the Evoque. The Autobiography has managed to raise the bar at the other end of the spectrum and ensures that the icon of the brand is not forgotten and more desirable than ever.
Specifications
Model: Range Rover Sport Supercharged Autobiography
Engine: 5,0-litre, V8 supercharged
Power: 375 kW at 6 000-6 500 r/min
Torque: 625 N.m at 2 500-5 500 r/min
0-100 km/h: 6,2 seconds
Fuel consumption: 14,9L/100 km
CO2: 345 g/km
Top speed: 225 km/h
Price: POA as it is highly spec dependant
Maintenance plan: 5 year/100 000 km
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