Saxton 4×4 have been trading in the leading global marques for over four decades to date, proudly building up a reputation as the leading independent 4×4 dealership in the UK. As experts in the field, Saxton 4×4 have built up a strong knowledge of the Land Rover brand and the launch of the Land Rover Range Rover Sport has proved to be a real competitor for existing SUV editions. With Land Rover’s 2016 launch of Range Rover Sport Td6 Diesel in North America to rave reviews, many are expecting a renewed interest in the model back in Europe.
The latest Range Rover Sport fits between a compact and full size vehicle, combining Range Rover’s reputation for luxury off-road with a sportier image. The Range Rover Sport first went into production in the US in 2005 as a mid-size luxury SUV, created by the Tata Motors subsidiary Jaguar Land Rover. The second generation was introduced in 2013, with both generations to date offering all the recognised benefits of a Range Rover including off-road capacity, refinement and dynamic performance, with a sleeker and more luxurious appearance and drive.
First Generation 2005-2012
The first Range Rover Sport to hit the market was powered by a Jaguar AJ-V8 all-aluminium supercharged 4.2 litre engine, later adapted for 4.4 and 5.0 litre versions, with the diesel models powered by Ford Lion ranging from 2.7l V6 to 3.6l V8. Sitting on a variation of the Discovery 3 chassis, this revolutionary vehicle combined robustness with refinement and structural rigidity. With suspension components similar to those used by the Porsche 911, the patented Terrain Response system from Land Rover and Dynamic Response driving technologies and fitted with Active Cruise Control and a speed sensitive steering system, the Sport appealed to many for its adaptability for both on and off-road driving.
Second Generation 2013-Present
The second generation of the Range Rover Sport was immediately billed by reviewers as more efficient, more luxurious and better to drive than its earlier cousins. The high quality of the interior was much vaunted – despite the tightness of the rear seats, the third row of seats which can be unfolded from the floor of the boot create an optional 7-seater layout for MPV versatility without compromise on comfort.
In the latest edition, Range Rover have installed lighter aluminium steel components which, combined with several other adaptions, make for a much lighter vehicle. Again fitted as standard with the Land Rover Terrain Response system, the lighter new Sport features great off-road capability with automatic adjustments to deal with all types of terrain. Still smaller and more compact than standard Range Rovers, the new Sport remains imposing yet distinctive, offering a sleeker, sportier appearance and light and agile handling.
An Award-Winning Drive
Since first being introduced in 2013 the Range Rover Sport second generation has won more than 85 industry awards. In recent months these include the 2015 Fleet World Honours Best SUV award and the Autocar Star Award. Range Rover Sport cleaned up at the prestigious What Car? Awards this year, taking home a prestigious Safety Award for the new Discovery Sport, Best Large SUV for the SDV6 HSE for the second consecutive year and three Price Point Awards for the SDV6 HSE, the Evoque and the 3.0 TDV6 Vogue SE. 2014 awards include the 4×4 of the Year from Petersen’s 4-Wheel and Off-Road Magazine, Best Premium Mid-Size Utility Vehicle from ALG, 4-Wheeler of the Year from Four Wheeler Magazine and 2014 Top Rated Vehicles from Edmunds.com.
With reviews like these and a multitude of awards behind them, it’s not surprising that sales of Range Rover Sports have increased year on year; worldwide sales figures have increased from 33,468 in 2009 to 58,234 in 2013. Saxton 4×4 have recognised this demand and stock a wide range of Land Rover Range Rover Sports, from brand new models to quality used first generation versions. With new additions in 2015 to include revisions to the 3.0-litre engine and an infotainment station, interest in the Range Rover Sport won’t be slowing down any time soon.
Check out our previous post about Top five reasons to love the Volkswagen Touareg.
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