The new 2010 Range Rover

There is a facelift on this version but we’ll forgive you if your eyes can’t detect the slight changes in appearance from a distance. In addition to a revised grille, LEDs around the headlamps and taillamps, and slightly different side gills with LEDs that function as turn indicators, the fog lights move from the front […]

There is a facelift on this version but we’ll forgive you if your eyes can’t detect the slight changes in appearance from a distance. In addition to a revised grille, LEDs around the headlamps and taillamps, and slightly different side gills with LEDs that function as turn indicators, the fog lights move from the front bumper down to the sides of the air intake. The current Range Rover has aged quite well, so only minor changes seem appropriate. The Look has become more appealing this time; it has a more aggressive and tougher look. It gives it a challenging look to most off-roaders.  Then what is the sport trim for?

For 2010, all Land Rover models get the new direct-injection 5.0-liter V-8. Horsepower is up 75, to 375 hp, and torque is at 375 lb-ft — both figures represent big upgrades over the aging 4.2-liter V-8, which sometimes struggled to move vehicles as big and heavy as a Land Rover. Supercharged models share the 5.0-liter block but also get an intercooled sixth-generation Eaton blower that pushes power to 510 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to a ZF six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The increase in power from the 5.0-liter engines allows the torque converter to lock up earlier, which increases fuel efficiency. An adaptive sport mode provides more aggressive shift points and “learns” an individual driver’s style to provide more appropriate responses to throttle inputs. It has a Jaguar power train especially that of the XFR which is brilliant to me.

On the Off-Road all you need to know that it has improved. Half the reason to consider purchasing a Land Rover is its proven off-road prowess -which why you forget the Sport trim, X5, ML and others. For 2010, the Range Rover receives some significant improvements in this area. Land Rover’s Terrain Response system now includes a launch control program for starting the SUV in sand. In this mode, wheel spin is limited, based on the vehicle’s speed, to turn power into forward motion rather than digging a trench. Revisions to rock crawling mode and hill descent control also promise an easier time on the trail. Gradient release control is another new feature that prevents the vehicle from gathering speed too quickly once the brakes are released on a steep slope.

I wish I could discredit it but really these are the kinds of car that manage quite well on Nigerian road. From it 4X4 drive train to its high tech suspension dampings, it could just get you anywhere. But the unpleasant thing is sometimes it could become very expensive to live with. I’m very sure that the on-road capabilities are still above the average standard in Nigeria. The current version seems to be doing well even though 4X4 have lost a little bit of appeal the once had because of the economy and the trendy family vans.  I still the new 2010 Range Rover will sell in the same manner as the current version as it still remain the best in its category. We hope to see it on the Nigerian roads in the mid-year or after.