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Many original Sport Utility Vehicles started off life as a pickup truck. Auto manufacturers simply replaced the pickup bed with a fixed passenger box and a truck like passenger vehicle resulted. As the SUV fad heated up consumers said they wanted an off road vehicle when in reality they wanted a car based station wagon that looked like a rugged four wheeler. Few Sport Utility Vehicles were designed from conception, as real off-roading vehicles. Land Rover remains true to their original purpose. They don't make pickups and they don't make cars. Land Rover however, makes some of the finest, rugged, luxury, off road vehicles in the world. Range Rover by Land Rover has held a position of honor as one of the most coveted vehicles by wealthy farmers and sportsmen the world over. A top of the line Range Rover is a serious commitment with a Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price starting at $74,950. The Supercharged version is priced at $89,950 and can reach perilously close to the hundred grand mark fully loaded. Stratospheric ownership costs may be too rich for some buyers who actually want to take their vehicle off road. While the large Range Rover remains legendary in the back country, Land Rover recently introduced the Sport version of the Range Rover for the truly serious off roader. Saving over $18,000 the slightly smaller Range Rover Sport HSE may actually be more maneuverable due to its shorter wheelbase and overall length. With a starting MSRP of $56,750 the 2006 Range Rover Sport HSE offers exceptional features, capabilities and value. The available LR3 for $38,950 and the $27,495 Freelander complete the Land Rover collection of off road sport utility vehicles for 2006. I was able to drive the top of the line Supercharged Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and LR3 during back to back weeks. Each vehicle had a unique personality and market position. While the 390 horsepower supercharged V8 was awesome, I was very satisfied with the 300 horsepower and 315 lb. ft. of torque that the naturally aspirated 4.4.Liter Aluminum V8 produced. The supercharged engine is available in both the Range Rover and the Range Rover Sport. Range Rover HSE is the non-supercharged version while the supercharged vehicle is badged as Supercharged. Mated to a silky smooth 6-speed Automatic Transmission my 2006 Range Rover Sport HSE was at the pinnacle of luxury. At home both on and off the highway, the Range Rover Sport HSE never lacked for power or panache. With Permanent Four Wheel Drive, 2-speed Electronic Transfer Case and Center Locking Differential, the Range Rover Sport is a true off road vehicle. In addition to the really cool Air Suspension and Automatic Load Leveling, my vehicle came equipped with the Rear Locking Differential giving it the ultimate off road capability. Terrain Response ties all of the various electronic traction systems together helping you conquer the most challenging environment. The 2006 Land Rover Range Rover is truly an ultimate off road vehicle. Regardless if you choose the larger Range Rover or the Sport version, you will have confidence in any terrain. My test vehicle included the optional Luxury Package offering superb heated leather seats in both front and rear positions. Elegant wood trim and a host of advanced electronics made this one of the most tasteful vehicles available at any price. The 550 watt 13 speaker Harman Kardon Logic 7 Audio system is one of the finest sound systems I have ever experienced. The new styling for Range Rover is very muscular and bold. But as home as this monster is in the back woods, this is an incomparable prestige vehicle for downtown Saturday night. The ultimate status vehicle, it lacks nothing, living only to protect and serve its occupants. Not everybody needs a sport utility vehicle. But if you want the ultimate vehicle for all occasions, this is not an imitation. It did not start life out as a pickup truck or a car based station wagon. The 2006 Land Rover, Range Rover Sport HSE is the real deal.
2006 Land Rover Range Rover HSE
4.4 Liter Aluminum V8
$62,900 MSRP as driven Additional Web only Information and Resources For Additional Reviews: |
©2006 - Stan Risener