What’s Not To Like?
Making travelling a joy, the Range Rover Sport D350 3.0D Autobiography has power, punch and pace, writes Paul Agnew. Photography: Roger Moore
Perhaps it is the true test of a great car. That the only disappointment you experience on any journey is to arrive at your destination.
So inspired, so exhilarated, so comfortable and so (sorry, nearly said smug!). Is this how you feel with your transportation – that you could quite happily drive and drive and drive? Getting there almost spoils the fun.
Basically, whoever said money couldn’t buy happiness must never have owned a Range Rover Sport.
And so exceptional was the model I was privileged to befriend, that I’d happily put my name to it – the Range Rover Sport D350 3.0D Autobiography.
It looks great from every angle, makes travelling an absolute joy with its power, punch and pace (combined with the lightest steering imaginable) and, to top it off, serves up the luxurious touches of a six-star hotel.
You cannot wait to get going, the trip is a breeze and enviable glances from all around leave you feeling king of the road.
The Range Rover Sport D350 3.0D Autobiography is a SUV big in personality with the emphasis on luxury, comfort and off-road ability.
In stunning Santorini Black with Light Cloud/Ebony perforated semi-aniline leather seats, it is a stand-out car in any company. The trim is different than anything I’ve seen before, with an appearance somewhere between tweed and granite and a perfect match with the leather.
Diesel, semi-auto with turbo, eight speed, six cylinders and five doors, it can race to 60mph in 5.9 seconds, reach a top speed of 145mph, provide engine power of 4000 (RPM), offer 36.9 fuel economy and provide a generous 647 litres of boot space. If the above stats make for impressive reading then the range of interior features will blow you mind.
There are hundreds listed on the spec sheet – here is just a sample: steering wheel rake adjustment, rear and front centre armrests, ambient lighting and rear headrests, headlight power wash, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition with adaptive speed limiter, AppleCar play, Android Auto, front and rear parking aids, four-zone climate control, electric windows with one-touch open/close and anti-trap, rear collision monitor, park assist, digital LED headlights, dynamic air suspension 60:40 seats with power recline, USB input, auto-remote control digital radio, 22-inch alloys and massaging front seats.
For extra ‘driver’s convenience’ throw in windscreen heating, trip computer, keyless go, head-up display, soft close, adaptive cruise control, navigation system, front-view camera, digital instrument cluster and a wonderful opening panoramic roof.
Basically, everything you could want from a car – even the windscreen wash nozzle is heated!
You certainly won’t be put off buying a Range Rover Sport because of its lack of features or equipment. In fact, it is hard to imagine why you would be put off buying one for any reason whatsoever.
Few cars pamper occupants with such levels of sumptuousness (just checking that is a word and thankfully, yes it is) and it eats up the miles with the minimum of fuss.
I don’t advocate it, but one-finger steering is very do-able and the elevation gives you an impeccable vantage point. A word too about the perfectly placed and perfectly angled 13.1-inch screen with a huge array of features right there at your fingertips – it’s easy to see, reach and operate.
With built-in Alexa, PIVI Pro and Meridian Signature Sound, you can ask for music, place calls or control smart home devices while you simply focus on the road ahead. It is, of course, entirely possible for you to interact with your car remotely from the comfort of your own home.
But for a vehicle this impressive and with so much going on, it still manages to stay beautifully uncomplicated, almost minimalist. Opulent without the bling.
No surprise that the international motoring fraternity, many of them incredibly picky and hard to please, speak and write in such glowing terms about the Range Rover Sport.
There is nothing not to like and that is the test of a truly great car.
Vertu Land Rover Nelson
Churchill Way, Lomeshaye Business Park
Nelson BB9 6LL
01282 935426
Vertu Land Rover Bolton
Kay Street, Bolton BL1 2RX
01204 910962
With thanks to AFC Fylde for providing the backdrop to this shoot.
