Mabuyane Mabuza
I am a big fanatic of SUVs, I think they are the best automobile creation ever made.
Driving from an elevated position doesn’t just feel comfortable but it outright feels great. Don’t judge me for having felt like a real life royalty when I had the Range Rover on test.
As a signature of the finest British engineering, the Range Rover has come to represent a standard of excellence in both ruggedness and refinement that extends far beyond its wheels. Range Rover’s air suspension still remains unmatched, making it a pleasure to drive both on and off-road.
Under the hood of our test model lies a straight-six turbodiesel borrowed from the Discovery and the Defender. I was amazed how this motor propelled the Range Rover’s big body with such ease.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Range Rover is the intimate relationship it has had with the British royal family over the years. The late Queen Elizabeth has owned several Range Rovers throughout her reign.
But what makes the Range Rover so special?
For starters, the engine(s) both diesel and petrol deliver unrivalled power and efficiency, providing a smooth and comfortable ride even on the most challenging terrain. The craftsmanship that goes into every Range Rover makes it clear that this is a vehicle that’s built to last, with precision engineering and attention to detail visible in every inch of the car.
Enter the cabin you are greeted by an impressive layout, featuring luxurious materials and advanced technology that make it a genuine pleasure. From the plush leather seats to the state-of-the-art infotainment system, every aspect of the Range Rover is designed with the driver’s comfort and convenience in mind. I’d fail dismally if I were to attempt to describe the interior in detail but will attempt to give you a synopsis of it.
The centre console is completely new and is everything dreams are made of with much more intuitive ergonomics and no shortage of storage space. There’s a 4-bottle fridge in the centre console and a two-tier storage compartment below the cupholders for stashing things like phones or keys (there are USB ports in there for charging devices too). Wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto integrate seamlessly with the car. The infotainment system is overwhelmingly packed, more like a buffet menu, you just leave some of the less important things alone in such situations. But my pick were vehicle settings, cameras, towbar deployment, seat massage and just about everything you can do with the car can be accessed through the screen.
Range Rover is not the ultimate SUV for those who demand both performance and luxury but very close to being one. It remains a true celebration of British engineering at its most refined, delivering a driving experience that can only be described as majestic.
For a base diesel model, you are looking at R3,410 m up to R3,973 m
(you can basically choose your own diesel-powered model in this price bracket).
