It might come as a surprise to many, but the original Range Rover Sport, the Range Rover Sport’s predecessor, was the company’s top selling car between 2005 and 2012. Consumers loved the idea of owning a Range Rover but simply couldn’t afford it. Not only did the Range Rover Sport offer an affordable alternative, but it was also enough to satisfy customers who also wanted an injection of something sportier in their life. What held the model back, though, was certain drawbacks; it was a bit wet behind the ears, a bit naive. This second generation version is a big improvement; it’s bigger, tougher, lighter, more accurate, sharper.
Whilst the SUV sector is dominated by German manufacturers, including BMW and Mercedes, the used Range Rover Sport is certainly capable of giving them a run for their money. Whereas the German’s don’t have to be all things to all men, the Range Rover Sport HSE pretty much is. Okay, it can’t do everything – but it can certainly do most things you could ever expect a car to be able to do. Whether you want to go off-roading in muddy climes, cruise down the motorway at midnight, take your family on holiday, or simply use it to go to work and back, this car offers satisfaction to everyone. Let’s take a closer look.
No Compromise
The Range Rover Sport meets all expectations in the sense that, just like with any other Range Rover, you’re seated higher up, your vehicle will amble around pleasantly enough, strolling round the bends whilst powering relentlessly and fearlessly through murkier climes, tackling any weather and any type of road. Whilst this will be music to the ears of loyal customers who are looking forward to the Range Rover Sport MK2 model, the company knew that, if they were to have any pretension of making more sales and truly competing with the German SUV’s, they would have to up their game – they would have to add something, expand a bit.
This second generation version is much lighter than the MK1, which weighed almost 300 tonnes. The engineers have added aluminium monocot chassis, which has helped to shift a hefty 420kg. Impressive. The result is that you feel more involved when driving the car, with the experience firmer, the grip better. The seats are smaller, with the unnerving, awkward gear selector on the previous model now replaced by a more functional stick.
But the real compromise that would invariably have upset the loyal consumers centres around the manufacturers desire to compete with their German rivals to the extent that they improve and enhance their cars on-tarmac ability at the expense of its off-road excellence. Indeed, BMW and Mercedes cannot compete here, even if you own a used Range Rover Sport, when it comes to off-road brawling. But neither could this car compete with its German competitors when it came to on-tarmac drivability. Thanks to the addition of a dynamic programme, found on the terrain response 2 system, the 2014 Range Rover Sport offers better throttle response, improved body control and an overall firmer, better ride. In short, it’s just as good on tarmac now as its major rivals. Yet it’s still as good off-road as ever too. Bonus.
New Look
The Range Rover Sport looks like a Range Rover. This can’t be denied. It has the usual hallmarks and cues; the bulky wheel arches, the floating roof, the side vendor vents, the recognisable silhouette. The fact that you still have to climb into it tops it all off. This is undeniably a Range Rover. But there are differences. If you thought the first generation Range Rover Sport looked out of shape, as though it could do with losing a bit of weight and toning up, the MK2 version is the result of a work out. It’s lighter, fitter, more toned, sharper, more vibrant. It sounds strange to say about a car, but it looks as though it’s drank from the fountain of youth. This is the contemporary version of the Range Rover Sport. It’s now as light as the Porsche Cayenne.
Inside, the designers have managed to get the balance right between stately and sporty. For stately, see the expensive material; the plush ebony Oxford leather seats, the micro mesh aluminium veneer. For sporty, see the 2014 Range Rover Sport accessories that includes high technology, the rimmed steering wheel, lower seats and centre console that is higher, making you feel as though you’re in the driver’s cockpit, ready to do battle. More expensive versions come with a 12.3 inch TFT instrument screen that replaces the traditional dials you’ll find on more affordable models. This high-tech instrument screen can be customised so that you can check up on anything from wheel articulation to the temperature outside.
Final Thoughts
There are a lot of engines and variants to choose from, but the most popular among consumers is the 292 PS SDV6 diesel. The main reason for this is probably because it’s the only version which allows you to specify what exactly you want including in terms of the mechanics. For example, the most affordable versions – the entry level diesels – don’t give you any options. You just have to take what you’re given. On the other side of the coin, the pricier models, such as the diesel hybrid, have all the options. For these versions, it’s a case of all or nothing. The actual mechanical specifics we’re referring to include a twin speed low range gear box, a brand new automatic version of the terrain response system, as well as a plethora of on-tarmac driving aids that really do add something to the on-road experience.
The Range Rover Sport price tag typically ranges between £60,000 – £85,000. The more expensive versions offer the full-loaded form, and you have a choice between the SDV8 diesel, which can reach 62mph from rest in 6.9 seconds, and the 5.0 litre Range Rover supercharged model that betters those numbers – it can get there in just 5.3 seconds. If these head-spinning figures are alluring to you, we highly recommend the 2014 Range Rover Sport. But if you’re looking to invest in this car for everything else it can offer – which is pretty much everything you could ever want from a big car – then we’d also recommend it. Despite its sheer size, it’s remarkably light and super versatile, and the amount of Range Rover Sport deals open to you are fairly encompassing, ranging from the Range Rover Sport HSE to the SDVB diesel variant.
To find out more about how you can lease a 2012 Range Rover Sport, we at OSV are committed to finding you the right Range Rover finance and cash deals. If you want to get hold of the Range Rover Sport, be it a brand new or second hand Range Rover Sport, don’t hesitate to leave us a message on our contact page, or give us a call on 01903 538835 to find out more about our Range Rover Sport lease deals.
