Sitting on a shortened version of the Land Rover Discovery’s chassis and slightly lower than the flagship Range Rover, the Range Rover Sport manages to look impressive without being imposing. Although smaller, it is nonetheless a roomy vehicle with a 958-litre boot and space enough to carry four adults in comfort.
But the Sport’s talents extend beyond good looks and space: it is one of the few 4x4s to blend genuine off-road ability with great on-road driving dynamics.
One the main reasons for this was the choice of engines. At launch there were three units to choose from – two petrol and one diesel. Both petrol models used modified versions of the V8 unit found in the Jaguar XJ and XK, also owned by Ford. The 4.4 litre is no slouch and will propel the Sport to 60mph in 8.2sec but it is the supercharged 4.2 litre unit that offers the best performance. With extra low-down torque to help it handle off-road obstacles it produces a massive 385bhp and accelerates to 60mph in just over 7sec, making it the second most powerful vehicle in Land Rover’s history after the larger Range Rover Vogue SE.
Combining big petrol V8 engines with 2,500kg kerb weights means fuel economy will suffer: expect barely 20mpg in open-road driving and single figures in city driving in the supercharged model.
In 2007 the normally aspirated V8 was dropped from the UK market due to lack of demand, leaving the supercharged model as the sole petrol model on sale. This, and the dreadful fuel economy, makes the diesel model the choice for most buyers. However, the 2.7 litre V6 lacks a little of the performance that buyers might expect from a car displaying the “Sport” legend. But things became very interesting in 2006 when a 3.6 litre V8 diesel joined the lineup. With 268bhp and 472 lb ft of torque at just 2000rpm, this version managed to marry decent fuel economy with superb performance and is the pick of the range on the used car market.
The Sport’s gearbox also came courtesy of Jaguar, and the six-speed unit works remarkably well in the 4x4. Although the driver has the option of changing gear manually, the auto shifts are so accomplished that few drivers will ever feel the need to get involved.
The Range Rover Sport features Land Rover’s “command” seating position, giving an imposing view of the road across a large, flat bonnet. Rear visibility is not quite as good, particularly with passengers on board, but most models have parking sensors as standard to help avoid nudges and scuffs.
On the road, the Sport feels very taut. The addition of the Dynamic Response pack – standard on the supercharged version – is a popular option, stiffening the antiroll bars when roll is detected, and endowing the car with stunning 20in rims and Brembo brakes as part of the deal.
Being a luxury SUV it is hardly short of equipment. All models get electric seat adjustment, climate control, air suspension, a CD player and cruise control. The SE model has larger 18in alloys, bi-xenon headlights, leather seats and uprated stereo while the HSE adds touchscreen navigation and 19in alloys. Despite this there was a long list of optional extras available when new and many buyers ticked the lot. This means the used market is stuffed with cars featuring extras you may not require. Always compare cars carefully and only pay for what you need, not for what someone else fancied.
With good looks and high levels of equipment, it is easy to forget Land Rover also engineered into the Sport all of its famous off-road ability. Few owners are likely to explore the Sport’s full potential, but if they do they’ll find off-roading to be an eerie experience. Air springs can raise or lower the car by about 4in, and there is a low-ratio transfer box, Hill Descent Control and Terrain Response, which, at the turn of a dial, adjusts ride height, differential settings and even throttle response.
