
We've already been blown away by revised versions of the Discovery and Range Rover, but does the perennial footballer’s favourite continue the trend?
The Range Rover Sport now looks less aggressive – a slimmer two-bar grille and simplified front bumper help soften the bluff appearance.
Land Rover has completely redesigned the Sport’s insides, too. There’s better-looking materials, lots of soft-touch surfaces and a 50 per cent fewer buttons. The Harman Kardon stereo is a highlight.
The Sport gains the new, cleaner twin-turbo 3.0-litre diesel V6 also found in the Jaguar XF S. The engine is 29 per cent more powerful and has 36 per cent more torque than its 2.7-litre forebear. So, despite the car’s 2,535kg bulk, this pulling power means you never struggle for pace, while the ZF six-speed auto gearbox ensures smooth progress.
Despite the Sport’s on-road prowess, it remains a capable off-roader, too. The low range box and Terrain Response system allow you to overcome all manner of obstacles.
Thanks to an extra dose of luxury and a new powerful but efficient engine, the best sports SUV on the market just got a whole lot better.
Rival: Porsche Cayenne Diesel
A diesel Porsche is big news. Performance is still strong from its 3.0-litre V6 TDI, but the oil-burning Cayenne costs £2,603 more than base petrol model.
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The Range Rover Sport may be a big, bling SUV, but sit in the impressive cabin and sample the super-refined engine and chassis set-up, and you’ll realise it delivers a feelgood factor that very few other cars can offer.