We likely all know that the most capable vehicles off-road are from the Land Rover stable and regular readers will also know I am no stranger to taking them off-road.
However, thanks to Land Rover Belfast on Boucher Road, I was able to sample most of the latest range, off-road and back-to-back whilst also sampling the delights of Clandeboye Estate and trying my hand at Archery.
The Land Rover range offers something for everyone, be it a two-wheel-drive Range Rover Evoque for the school run, the all-new Discovery for those needing something a little more capable for weekend equestrian transport or the ultra stylish new Range Rover Velar for tech-filled mile munching.
The current model range, in ascending price, starts from a mere £28,355 with the Land Rover Discovery Sport [read our review here] which combines design excellence, engineering integrity and exceptional versatility to create a premium compact SUV.
Next up is the Range Rover Evoque which marks a bold evolution of Range Rover design with its dramatic rising beltline, a muscular shoulder running the length of the car, and a distinctive taper to the floating roofline.
The Evoque, starting from £30,760 adopts a very dynamic profile with a powerful and athletic stance [read our review here].
Inside the Range Rover Velar whilst off-road…
Welcome now to the Range Rover Velar [full review coming soon] starting from £44,830 – the new Range Rover Velar’s interior is a calm sanctuary, created through elegant simplicity and a visually reductive approach, with design enabled technologies like the Touch Pro Duo infotainment system.
All-LED lights and deployable flush door handles on the exterior complete a truly compelling design and, of course, it’s a Land Rover with unrivalled capability in all conditions – the Avant-Garde Range Rover.
Next up, is the Discovery [read our review here], offering form and function with exemplary levels of finesse to help create one of Land Rover’s most compelling vehicles to date. Its inherent strength and off-road capabilities are matched only by its bold contemporary looks and alluring touches of luxury.
Land Rover Discovery…
Starting from £45,895, inside features astute use of space coupled with high quality design and use of premium materials enhance the vehicle’s bold horizontal and vertical lines. The versatility of the cabin is highlighted by the easily configurable seven seat layout and plentiful stowage, with clever use of space and refined comfort.
At this point we see a vast difference in magnitude, excellence and outlay as the Range Rover Sport starts from £61,315 [read our review of the fire-breathing SVR model here].
A muscular, powerfully planted stance and distinctive rearward sloping roof endow this vehicle with a truly sporting character. A dynamic look completed by the new sleek wrap-around LED headlights and Animated Directional Indicators.
Exceptional on-road performance and all-terrain capabilities elevate this vehicle into a class of its own. Exuding confidence, its sporty design is complemented by a new level of driving dynamics and seamlessly integrated technology.
Range Rover Sport…
With a wide range of engines and a light aluminium monocoque body, it delivers a faster, more refined performance. The efficient new Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) adds the benefits of a whisper quiet electrified power train to these capabilities, creating a Range Rover Sport more relevant than ever to motoring today and in the future.
Whilst a new level of technology, including the Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, 12.3″ Interactive Driver Display and optional full colour Head-up Display, delivers an even more luxurious and engaging driving experience
Finally, the big daddy of the fleet, the Range Rover Vogue sets new standards whether on Place du Casino, Monaco or some muddy track in Bangor, Co. Down and starts from £79,595 [read out review here].
Range Rover Vogue…
Range Rover has always been synonymous with supreme refinement, capability and distinctive design cues such as its signature floating roofline, continuous waistline and lower accent graphic.
A more spacious interior together with executive rear seating offers an exemplary level of comfort for driver and passengers. PHEV’s ‘whisper-quiet’ power train combines ultimate refinement with exceptional efficiency.
Whilst a new level of technology, including LED lighting, the Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, optional full colour Head-up Display and seven-mode Terrain Response with ‘Comfort’ mode, delivers an even more luxurious driving experience.
Land Rover haven’t set out to reimagine Range Rover, they’ve simply made it better and a massive thanks must go to Land Rover Experience Scotland for the use of their vehicles as well as to Ireland Off-Road Experience, a former Land Rover Experience centre, for the use of their challenging adventure within Clandeboye Estate.
Words and Photos: Graham Curry
[images must not be used in any way without prior written consent of the photographer]
Additional editorial content source: Land Rover UK
