The trusty Range Rover turns 50 this year and its hard to believe that its been around for half a century – in many ways setting the foundation for the SUV’s of today – the company suggesting it offers a combination of effortless sophistication and unrivalled all-terrain capability. Today, the Range Rover comes in 12 models; I tested the entry Vogue, at $201,395.  A 3.0-litre in-line petrol six cylinder with twin-scroll turbocharger in eight-speed automatic – featuring some clever technology – an electric supercharger that delivers instant response – spooling up in 1/2 a second to 65,000 rpm it helps negate turbo lag – able to reach 100kms in just 6.3 secs.

Last week I took advantage of Queensland’s border opening and drove to Surfers Paradise – with a 10 hour trip each way with rest intervals every 2 hours I averaged 8.9L/100 cruising at the open road limit, that’s better than 30 miles per gallon in the old money  – Impressive figures for a box like 4WD weighing 2,342 kilos. I’ve driven Range Rover’s in some fairly tough 4WD conditions over the years and they excel however as a cruising vehicle over long distances nothing comes close  – silky smooth, quiet, responsive, great visibility and seat comfort, excellent ride quality from the electronic air suspension, the test car also fitted with optional heated massage seats, on a long trip simply magic.

I’m David Berthon

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