by Liz Turner
There are SUVs, and then there’s the Range Rover. The original, the Daddy. And if you have a Range Rover, the absolute top of the range is the Autobiography.
I recently clambered into the driving seat of a £82,650 Range Rover Sport Autobiography at Games of Thrones-style Eastnor Castle near Ledbury. Challenging Land Rover Experience days are run from a chic modern reception area in the old stable blocks, and guests learn to make the most of the off-road abilities using tracks within its extensive grounds. However, our press pack was treated to lunch in among the suits of armour, under the watchful eye of the family portraits and the accusing stare of many stuffed critters.
A sporting Range Rover…
The Range Rover Sport has a bit of a roof-chop and is more svelte than the full-size R-R. The ‘face’ of the latest model has a close family resemblance to the Evoque.
As the tin says, it has a more sporty character than its big brother, but it’s larger than the Evoque, and I definitely to had to hop to get up into the cabin.
Somebody had clearly thought hard about how to make this car expensive. The Oxford perforated leather seats are available in nine colours with an Autobiography pattern. They recline, levitate and ease your body into position via 18 power adjustments with memory function, so you only have to find that perfect posture once.
Unfortunately the colour choice in this one reminded me of a 1970s’ pub with its three shades of fudge brown. I was quite disappointed huge armrest dividing the rear pair of seats didn’t contain a bar.
I stayed out of the mud, but took off down some beautiful country lanes. I’ve no idea where I went; I just followed the sat nav, which displays its map in between virtual dials ahead of the driver. It felt pretty lively for a breeze-block shaped metal house on wheels, and incredibly comfy and quiet.
Sound and vision…
Of course it had more tech on board than the Rosetta spacecraft. This included a surround camera system at £700 or ‘perpendicular’ park assist at £900. The onboard TV adds £800, but the enormous panoramic sunroof is a no cost option. When I’d had enough of the quiet, I filled the car with stirring music via the 1700w MeridianTM Signature Audio System, which secretes 23 speakers around the cabin (well worth £5,000.)
Of course, most owners will never use the incredible off-road ability this car has, but it’s reassuring to know I could drive up a vertical wall or driving through 850mm of water if I felt like it. The latest Four Corner Air Suspension and Terrain Response® 2 has five terrain modes to choose from. So wherever I bought my weekend cottage (or mansion), I’d always be able to get to it.
Range Rover Sport Autobiography
Price £82,650
Engine 4.4: SDV8 Diesel
Economy 32.5mpg combined
CO2 229g/km
Land Rover Experience 01531 638 779
www.eastnor.landroverexperience.co.uk
Half Day £225 per person, using 30 miles of multi-terrain track in the grounds of Eastnor Castle
Full Day £325
Advanced Experience £365
Land Rover also offers exclusive adventure holidays in countries such as Brazil, South Africa and China.