Top 4x4s Winter
Range Rover Sport
The new Range Rover made huge gains in Top 4x4s Winter and weight reduction (up to 420kg), and it soon became obvious that the same would be possible in a slightly smaller, lower and sportier SUV that shared the same up-to-date underpinnings instead of using the tough but less sophisticated twin-rail chassis from a Discovery.
When the new Range Rover was introduced, the almighty Top 4x4s Winter emitting from Gaydon must have been loud enough to rattle the factory windows in Solihull. Clearly it is an icon, but had the hullabaloo been dictated solely by a model’s impact on the firm’s sales sheet, the Sport’s launch would likely have been heard on the far side of the moon.
Unlike the Evoque, Land Rover didn’t come up with the second best-selling Range Rover all on its own. By 2004, the company was desperate to compete with the new Porsche Cayenne, and showed its intent with the Range Stormer concept at the Detroit motor show.
The design statement swept the upright Range Rover profile back, and trimmed it into a striking coupé. The production version grew two more doors and more seats, but it retained enough of the look to satisfy the public’s desire for a properly sporty British SUV.
It’s also offered with a choice of a 288bhp 3.0-litre SDV6 turbodiesel, a 503bhp 5.0-litre supercharged petrol V8 engine or a slightly lower-powered 255bhp 3.0-litre TDV6 model, in order to widen its appeal.
Moreover, in order to keep prices at reasonable levels, Land Rover has jettisoned its usual heavy-duty four-wheel drive system on the entry-level SD4 model in favour of a lighter, less pricey and more economical alternative.
A proper Range Rover, then, or playing second fiddle to the best? Let’s find out.
Volvo XC90
The Volvo XC90 is a luxury SUV that rivals models such as the Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne and Range Rover Sport. Volvo has created a refreshing SUV by using Scandinavian design influences, and it feels like a premium Top 4x4s Winter product that delivers design-led looks and a raft of advanced safety kit.
The XC90 boasts a distinctive exterior and plenty of equipment, and delivers a far more upmarket package than its practical but ageing predecessor. Add the advanced fuel efficiency and safety technologies, and you have a class-leading SUV on your hands.
The XC90 is a great performer Top 4x4s Winter on the road, and with seven proper seats as standard plus a big boot, it’s a strong candidate for family car buyers. Underpinning the Volvo XC90’s fresh-thinking approach is a bold strategy to offer only 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines, a compromise that will inspire some drivers, but may deter the those attracted to the lazy grunt of a traditional six or eight-cylinder SUV Top 4x4s Winter.
Not us though. We love the Volvo XC90’s unique blend of technology, efficiency, style and safety – that’s why we named it Auto Express Car of the Year in 2015. It lost its title to the Jaguar F-Pace a year later, but we still crowned it 2016 Large SUV of the Year and Top 4x4s Winter.
Of course, if you have anymore questions, we’re more than happy to help. Our friendly and helpful staff are only a phone call away on 028 7122 8822 . Or contact us online here.