Range Rover Sport 2006 Review

Not only does it go like a scalded cat, but it is right up there with the best of them in terms of off road ability.

Range Rover Sport is the fastest vehicle that Land Rover has ever produced.

Built on the same platform as the Land Rover Discovery, the Sport cuts an impressive figure around town, with stylish side air vents, aerodynamic enhancements and dual exhausts.

Our test vehicle was the top of the line supercharged V8 model priced from $136,500.

Kind of takes your breath away doesn't it, but so too does the performance when you get to drive it.

There's also a less powerful, naturally aspirated V8 version and an economical turbo diesel available – but why settle for second best?

The supercharged 4.2-litre V8 is the same engine that can be found in Jaguar's top of the range S Type R and marks a return to an in- house power plant for the company.

The 287kW/550Nm engine has been reworked for duty in the Rangey, but even pushing almost three tonnes, still manages to propel the the vehicle forward at a rate of knots, blasting from 0-100km/h in 7.6 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 225km/h – with race- bred Brembo brakes for stoppers.

A six-speed sequential automatic trans- mission takes care of gear changes, allowing the driver to shift manually if desired, with a host of electronic aids to keep the car in check.

The Sport is 14cm shorter in the wheelbase than the Disco, with a plunging roof line, blacked out roof pillars and one-piece tailgate with glass that opens separately for easy access.

The emphasis is firmly on performance and handling and as such the car sits low 20in wheels and low profile rubber.

Rangey's famous air suspension is used to raise and lower the car, with ground clearance between 172mm and 227mm.

Although it carries a full-size spare under the back (essential off-road), it has a relatively small 88-litre fuel tank, so you won't get far in the bush.

Fuel consumption for the supercharged V8 is a claimed 15.9L/100km, but this can easily blow out to more than 20.0L/100km if driven hard – we registered 18.8L/100km during our stint behind the wheel.

The supercharged model has impressive straight line acceleration, with a lovely exhaust note from the V8.

Dynamic stability response (standard on supercharged) keeps the car flat in corners.

As befitting a luxury car the equipment list is extensive, with six airbags standard.