New Range Rover is 'best ever'

The new 4th generation Range Rover, just launched here, is 'the evolution of a true world icon' according to Eddie Kavanagh, general manager, Land Rover Ireland, writes Trish Whelan.

While these are very challenging times to launch a prestigious car in the Irish marketplace, Land Rover had been forecasting sales of 40 units of their new Range Rover in a full year. However, with orders for 20 cars already, they have now increased their target to around 60 sales this year.

At the car's launch, Eddie Kavanagh said previous Range Rover owners had advised designers and engineers 'don't change it, just make it better'. Which they have now done.

Improvements include making the car lighter, stronger and more refined - while keeping Range Rover DNA. And downsizing its engines. The new TDV6 which emits 196g/km C02 represents a 50 percent reduction in road tax. This engine size is expected to account for over 80 percent of sales here.

The improvements include more rear leg and knee room, due to a 40mm longer wheel base than in the current model, and improved comfort features. Entry and exit have also been made easier.

Other improvements have been made to the car's aerodynamics giving it a lower roof, more elegant proportions, including a powered tailgate and soft-closing doors. The floating roof and clamshell bonnet have been retained from the previous model.

This new RR is the world's first SUV with a lightweight all-aluminium monocoque body structure; some 420kg weight has been saved over the outgoing model - equal in weight to five adults - helping to improve fuel economy and C02 emissions. Aluminium absorbs more energy than steel, making this a strong, safe car. The reduced weight helps to improve vehicle dynamics and contributes to more agile and response handling.

Also new, is that the brand's Terrain Response now automatically selects from the five terrain settings. The car can also climb higher, up to 4500m, and has the most advanced Slip Control System of any SUV. It does the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.4 seconds, has 296mm ground clearance and can now wade through water up to a depth of 900mm, and go higher up to 4500m. Towing capability is at 3,500kg.

The new RR has a number of advanced technologies onboard like the 8-speed automatic transmission, electric power steering and Stop/Start.

Range Rover claim 'there isn't another car in the world with the same breath of capability'.