The Range Rover Sport is a loud and visceral sign of opulence and luxury. We take a closer look at the second generation of Land Rover’s take on what a luxury SUV should be.
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The Range Rover nameplate has been around since 1970 and sits at the top of Land Rover’s SUVs. However, things changed in 2005 when Land Rover launched a smaller version of its luxury SUV, the Range Rover Sport. This SUV became an immediate success and in 2013 the second generation was launched to great acclaim. It was also launched in South Africa, continuing and improving on the reputation of its predecessor. The 2017 facelift also worked wonders, bringing this luxury SUV back to the top of the sales charts.
Related: Range Rover Sport SVR by SVO Road Test
While it certainly wasn’t an affordable SUV, affluent buyers flocked to showrooms to get their hands on one. And yes, Land Rover often sold as many as 100 units per month! One hundred units may not sound like much, but when you consider that the most affordable model at the time cost around R1.5 million… An all-new model made its debut in 2022, but the second generation remains a standout SUV on our roads. This is what you need to know about it.
An overview of the Range Rover Sport
Throughout its ten-year existence, the Range Rover Sport was equipped with a range of turbocharged and supercharged engines, consisting of both petrol and diesel. Engine sizes were expected to change over the years. At the end of the series the smallest size in the range was 3.0 litres, for both petrol and diesel models.
In 2020, the Range Rover Sport reached a definitive milestone with the introduction of hybrid power. The mild-hybrid system was added to the inline-six Ingenium 3.0-litre petrol engine, producing 265kW and 495Nm in the P360 MHEV, with power increased to 295kW/550Nm in the newly added HST model. All engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Related: New Range Rover Sport SV Delivers More Power Than SVR
The range-topping model is, of course, the Range Rover Sport SVR. With a loud and raucous 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine sending power to all four wheels, this SUV had enough going for it to have your neighbours calling the cops for noise violations. Still, with its 2.4-tonne tipping point and slightly slanted steering, the Range Rover Sport SVR is an SUV for the road. In our 2021 review of this brutal SUV, we noted:
“Despite the overt appearance of the powertrain, the integral link rear end with standard air suspension ensures that the SUV is always level and composed, allowing the chassis to translate all 423 kW and 700 Nm to the asphalt. So a real iron fist in a velvet glove scenario.”
What to look for when buying a used Range Rover Sport
Potential buyers should be aware of potential issues if this SUV is on their purchase list.
- Electrical problems: The infotainment system, dashboard displays and sensors may be faulty, but the problems can be resolved with regular software updates and inspections. In some cases it is necessary to completely replace a component.
- Air suspension: If this system fails, it can lead to poor ride quality or an SUV that sags on one side. Routine maintenance and replacement of defective components are essential.
- Oil leaks: This is a common problem, so it is important to perform timely maintenance and to constantly check the seals and gaskets.
- Turbocharger malfunction: Timely engine maintenance and the use of high-quality lubricants can extend the life of the turbocharger and supercharger.
- Cooling system: The cooling systems, radiator and water pumps may have problems, but maintenance checks and timely replacement of cooling system components can extend the life of the engine and prevent overheating and damage.
Which one should I take?
While there are many variants and derivatives to choose from, the HSE Dynamic trim offers a good balance between luxury, performance and value. This trim is available with both diesel and petrol engines, whether in a six-cylinder or V8 form. Furthermore, the standard fitment of luxury features and advanced technologies further sweetens the deal.
However, if performance and a driving experience that makes you smile are top of the list, then the Range Rover Sport SVR is the best choice. The power delivery from the V8 is intoxicating and the acceleration addictive. And yes, the sonorous sounds that accompany the experience are an audible delight.
A 2014 Land Rover Sport HSE SDV6 is currently for sale for R499,900 on the AUTO deals pages, while a special edition SVR Carbon Edition retails for R3,799,995.
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