4 Wheel Drive Zone

Land Rover is a brand held in high regard across the world, which holds true for even the most remote parts of the globe where only a vehicle of its tremendous capabilities can traverse. As one of the manufacturers to pioneer four-wheel drive vehicles, Land Rover has developed a reputation for building the most thoroughly engineered SUVs in the world.

The original Range Rover, introduced in 1970, was the first four-wheel-drive vehicle to use coil springs and four-wheel disc brakes – making it the first to refine the on-road dynamics of this type of vehicle. The Range Rover Sport, introduced in 2005, quickly became the car of choice on the high street. The question is – does it live up to its promise? And what better time than now to get a real sense of just how capable the Range Rover fleet being inherited by Tata Motors really is.

Since its reputation precedes it, there’s a lot expected of this car even before you get into the drivers seat. Give it some thought, though, and you do begin to question the point of a Range Rover Sport. After all, isn’t that an oxymoron? How could an SUV of almost 3 tonnes possibly be sporty? Well, I’m about to find out…

From the outside

The styling of the Range Rover Sport demonstrates the effectiveness of a clean cut design. This isn’t a design with concave surfaces that you have to grow to love. It’s straightforward and handsome with several design cues taken from the traditional Range Rover – including its square jaw and wraparound bonnet. It has a muscular, squat stance, and looks very purposeful sitting on massive 20-inch wheels. The Sport also provides some clues – such as vents in the front fenders, dual exhausts, and huge Brembo front brakes – hinting that it’s something very special indeed.

On the road

Once on the move, the car doesn’t feel as big as it initially appears. The very refined driving experience makes the car feel as it’s shrinking around you. You get a commanding view of the road with a large square bonnet outstretched in front. The Land Cruiser also has an array of cameras and sensors that let you know exactly what’s happening at all four corners.

The extremely smooth and powerful V8 propels this mammoth machine with sublime ease. While it’s ordinarily very silent, you can hear a nice V8 rumble when you step on the accelerator pedal with some intent. The 5-speed automatic transmission is also exceptional as the gear changes are seamless and almost imperceptible. You do have the option of going through the gears manually if you so choose. Again, the shifts are extremely smooth and very quick, but sometimes the computer does overrule your command and shift whenever it sees fit. For example, if you have your foot to the floor and choose to up-shift just before the 5700rpm redline, the computer will analyze throttle position and shift only when it reaches said redline – undoubtedly to aid your effort of picking up speed quickly.

The Land Cruiser has massive tires (285/60 R18) that provide great stability and grip – both on and off the road. It handles extremely well and has very good body control with minimal body roll for a car of its size. Its Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System that adjusts the stiffness of the front and rear anti-roll bars in accordance with the conditions achieves this. Also, while the weight of the steering at low speeds is heavier than most Toyotas, the Land Cruiser actually has quite good steering feel.

Hyundai has become an increasingly popular carmaker in the Australian market, thanks largely to the ubiquitous Hyundai Excel. But it’s in the off-road market where Hyundai is now really making in-roads. Here we look at the off-road offerings from this emerging Korean carmaker.

Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson offers a good off-roader at a great price. A new Tucson will set you back around $30,000 for the standard 2.7 litre V6 five door wagon. For the top of the range Tucson Elite S, you’ll pay around $33,000.

The Tucson has air conditioning, automatic transmission, driver and passenger airbags and anti-lock brakes all as standard equipment. One thing to consider though with the Tucson is its lack of real ground clearance which inhibits its off-road abilities. But despite this, the Tucson represents good value for money.

A good one owner Tucson in good condition should be relatively easy to come by. If you are looking at buying a used car, check for off-road damage in the body and try to go for one that has done little or no off-roading. Also, get an inspection from a qualified Hyundai mechanic.

Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe has been a great success story for Hyundai in Australia. The Santa Fe should be considered more as a soft-roader rather than a serious four wheel drive. However, if you’re just looking to have a little fun on the weekends, then this may be a viable option for you. The Santa Fe looks great and has the same standard features as the Tucson. The Santa Fe is reasonably priced at around $34,000 brand new.

If you’re in the market for a used car, go for a one owner late model, as earlier vehicles weren’t built as well as later models. And remember to check underneath and in the body for signs of off-road damage, and get a professional inspection.

Hyundai Terracan
The Hyundai Terracan is much boxier in appearance compared with the Santa Fe and Tucson, but this vehicle is built for more serious off-roading and the boxier shape actually makes it look like it means business in the bush. The Terracan, as opposed to the Santa Fe and Tucson, has good ground clearance offering good entry and exit angles. The Terracan is in permanent four wheel drive and has a two speed transfer box for torque low down when the going gets tough. The Terracan has some little luxuries too, with front fog lights, an MP3 CD player and ABS brakes standard from 2004 models onwards. New car prices start from around $35,500 for the standard model and $37,500 for the Highlander.

If you’re looking for a used car, check for steering stability on the open road and check the body for damage from off-road use. Try and go for a one owner car made after 2004 as these will have the extra equipment as standard.