Test drive Land Rover Range Rover 2002 - 2005 SUV

Sir Rover

He is aristocratic, original and dared to the new Range Rover

Cute! I am standing here in a traffic jam on New Arbat, and, imagine, next to me, the new blue Range Rover! You, dear, assured me that they were not yet in Moscow. What do you say? I can’t vouch for the literal program, but the content of the conversation could not be different. An interesting young lady in the black jeep of the same model, but the previous generation, for a long time and carnivorously looked at the car, and then very emotionally spoke on a mobile phone, for some reason nodding and pointing her finger in my direction. When we met, I smiled politely. But in response, he received such a sweet and fat smile-grimas that he hastened to turn away, press the pedal and not even look in the rear-view mirror, the cork was absorbed. Hmm, not lucky, to see, her boyfriend. Perhaps he will buy this very blue Range tomorrow ...

In the style of techno

This was always the case: the new Range Rover models invariably attracted close attention of the public, and caused a storm of emotions. A good 30 years ago, when the first car appeared under the name, a tradition was born: Range is necessarily powerful, comfortable, stylish to unlike other cars under the legendary SUV brand. The first -born was enough to say that he could develop a speed of up to 160 km/h on asphalt. In those days, only sports cars could compete with him. Since then, outstanding dynamic qualities and purely English spirit (and luxury) have become Range Rover synonyms. These British cars did not lose their originality, neither when the company was under the wing of the BMW, nor now that Ford owns the brand.

Of course, Range Rover was not and could not be a bestseller by definition, however, always occupying strong positions in his market segment. This is still an expensive car, for true connoisseurs of the brand, ready not only to admire its advantages, but also to put up with shortcomings. And there were shortcomings, what a sin to hide were. More precisely one: relatively low reliability of units and details. At one time, I happened to work under the leadership of a very poor person, in the personal garage of which there were several representatives of the representative class. He said: you need to buy two Range Rover at once in order to ride one while the other is in the repair. He repaired it with enviable constancy, however, preferring Range to all other cars. He really loved him, and he reciprocated literally saved his life in a terrible accident on the highway. The jeep, by the way, was restored after, while two more cars of the accident were no longer to be restored.

However, quite about sad. Moreover, there is every reason to believe: the previous shortcomings have gone the past with previous models. The latest generation SUVs are simply required to meet high corporate standards, and German and American at the same time.

But the family traits in appearance and in the interior have been preserved, although they are boldly processed, without much food before the past. As a result, a car was born that could cause a shock among the cheerful of traditions by a combination of classics and modern. Probably, the lord would have made the same impression, having come to an appointment with the queen, not in the tuxedo of traditional cut, but in a suit from coutures. However, the 21st century is in the yard, gentlemen, it is time to break stereotypes. And on both sides of the massive grille of the radiator, square blocks with round light sources appeared clearly in the fashionable style of techno. The same lights decorate the stern. There were gills on the side and some other decorative elements that emphasize both solidity and the modernity of the SUV at the same time. A huge bumper, 19-inch wheels on original cast discs complement the picture of the power and even permissiveness, which simply blows from Range Rover. In my opinion, he is very good, looks organic and inspires respect. To feel it, there are probably few photos.

What awaits you inside, I do not want to call the salon in an ordinary word. These are car chambers for a person reigning on the road. There are no front seats, still armchairs, have armrests. The range of adjustments equipped, of course, with an electric drive, is so wide that Gulliver and Pygmy will be comfortable. The upper part of the back is capable of changing the slope separately, which, along with an adjustable lumbar subpoor, gives additional comfort and will not even get tired on a long journey. Around the skin and aluminum. There are no doubts in the highest quality of all materials, all gaps are perfect, it seems that you are not in a serial car, but made to order with special care.

I must admit that at first I was even confused by the abundance of levers, switches, toothblasts and buttons inside. However, thanks to their logical placement and clear icons, I very quickly figured out the purpose of everyone. Here, for example, are two rounds of control of the climate control system. It is clear that the one that is closer to the driver is intended for him. The passenger is free to create his own microclimate in his place. At the same time, all controls made to the central console made of aluminum are clearly visible and conveniently located. The lever of the automatic checkpoint is also made of flying metal, and proudly carries the inscription Range Rover (suddenly you forgot where you are?). In the middle of the torpedo, in its upper part, there is a liquid crystal screen on which you can display any necessary information from the list of radio stations to your favorite television program. By the way, the quality of reception of Russian television channels is very good, but you can only watch them when the automatic transmission lever is in the Parking Safety position above all! It is noteworthy that even with the bright sun, the image on the screen can be seen perfectly.

Next to the handle of the gearbox, there are two toggle switches. The left, closer to the driver, includes the HDC (Hill Descend Control) system, which maintains low speed (about 5-10 km/h) on steep descents. With the help of the right, the transition to a reduced series of gears is provided. In order to confidently move off -road, it is better to use a special switch at the bottom of the console to change the clearance. Moreover, if the clearance is of medium size, a light bulb light up next to it. If you need to overcome a high border or serious off -road, it is enough to move the lever up the road clearance will increase by 50 mm. True, the speed should not exceed 50 km/h, which will remind you of the inscription on the display in the lower part of the instrument panel. By the way, about the latter. Under a beautiful framing in the form of chrome rims, in principle, standard scales from BMW are hidden. Returning to a variable clearance, we note that for an active driving on asphalt there is a lower position in which the body will drop 43 mm.

At first, the shape of the steering wheel is somewhat surprised (it is regulated using all the same servo drives vertically and horizontally). However, then you understand that the central part of the steering wheel is deliberately drowned inward so that the driver accidentally does not press the buttons placed on it, actively rotating the steering wheel. Kilings on the steering wheel allow you to control the audio system and cruise control. The wheel itself even has heated this hello from BMW. A very unusual and conveniently located unit control unit of electric windows and mirrors in the immediate vicinity of glass, on a peculiar ledge. Between the driver and the passenger, a massive separator with two boxes for storing various little things. There is also an original cup holder that can adapt to the size of any bottle or jars.

The rear passengers, of course, are also not deprived. Their seats have two -stage heating, in the armrest are two cup holders. The luggage compartment is able to accommodate an incredible amount of luggage. Moreover, as it should be in the real jeep, the glass of the fifth door opens separately. However, it's time to try the new Range Rover in the case.

Unusual character

Having intended to start the engine, I ... was at a dead end. Where is the ignition lock? Here it is, between the seats. Strange, this is not Saab. In general, I experienced some excitement, getting behind the wheel. Nevertheless, under the hood of the BMW power unit, familiar from the X5 model. Do the rest of the settings correspond to it? Representatives of Land Rover also claim that they have significantly redesigned this 8-mi cylinder engine. However, the volume remained the same 4.4 liters, as well as the power of 286 liters. With.

Leningrad highway near Dynamo. All three rows with the left, and then with the right turn, in the manner of an stretched rearrangement, go into the main road. Speed \u200b\u200bof about 100 km/h. Of course, this is not a few for the SUV, but we are talking about Range Rover. The steering wheel to the right. The body rolls like a yacht on a three -point sea wave. The car, nevertheless, honestly tries to follow the given path, but somewhere in the middle of the arc first a rubber scan appears, and then begins to carry. Moreover, the DSC stabilization system does not enter into business, early? Yeah, when it has already really suffered (I deliberately do not struggle with a skid, fortunately, there are no cars nearby) DSC changed my mind and straightened the situation. The case, I must say, is indicative. The Range Rover suspension is quite soft, which is more inherent in American SUVs (hello from Ford). But comfort, even on our roads with potholes, is beyond praise. Of course, this is not Lincoln Navigator, but something close.

The steering initially seemed easy. However, with an increase in the speed of the barracks, it was noticeably heavier, although I still lacked feedback. That is why the moment of demolition in the described situation was not clear and occurred instantly. Is it minus? From the point of view of active driving on normal roads, it is likely. Meanwhile, Range Rover is still a respectable car, to arrange races with a persecution for him somehow does not. And the previous generation of the SUV could not boast of sports settings.

In fairness, I note that at high speeds and at the straight line Range Rover behaves quite adequately, not even trying to go astray from a given course. I am pleased with the motor and an automatic 5-speed checkpoint. The reactions to press the accelerator pedal are fast, and if you transfer the lever to the Sport position or a manual selection of gears, they are almost instantaneous. Acceleration is very confident. At first, you even become terrible from such dynamics, you are sitting high and you feel all the enormousness of the car. However, fear quickly passes, especially after the first serious braking: the jeep is able to slow down and stop, it seems, no worse than a sports car. The soft brake pedal does not upset at all, but only brings additional convenience. Everything is clear with asphalt, but what is the situation with off -road qualities?

Vorobyovy Gory, observation deck. People around enjoy good weather and beautiful views of Moscow. One is silent for me. Right under the observation deck steep descent. Just right to check the HDC system. GPP lever in manual control mode, activate the system and release a brake pedal. Range Rover tried to go quickly, but did not have time. The electronics instantly used ABS, and we began to slide along the slope at a speed of about 5 km/h. Perfect! The pit is ahead? A real trifle with incredibly large moves of independent pendants. Even having failed in one wheel, the Range Rover practically did not tilt.

After taking a couple of pictures, I tried to climb up. I deliberately do not turn on the reduced series of transmissions, but just press the gas. The eyes drowned in the horizon, the earth is not visible. And Range Rover calmly and smoothly climbs up, under the gaze of grateful spectators from the observation deck. But everything is not enough for me. I stop in the middle of a cool rise. He got out of the car and noticed that the electronics lowered her nose, significantly reducing the body's roll and increasing the stability of the car. Now I'll try to move. No problem! A huge torque and power of the motor is enough to easily slide the colossus from the place, again, without resorting to additional transmission capabilities. Having tried plenty of bumps and dirt, I came to the conclusion: Range Rover does not save and before serious off -road, and will not give way to the best of competitors in assault qualities. Although the owner of a prestigious SUV will hardly use these advantages too often.

You have to pay for pleasure

Range Rover should no doubt be attributed to the castes of the most expensive SUVs. Prices begin at 87 thousand dollars. Range Rover in the maximum configuration will cost 101 thousand. Although, for that kind of money I would like to have, to everything else, wealth, such as a system of automatic turning on the headlights or a rain sensor. As for the reliability of the car, the manufacturer gives a three -year guarantee, and this, you see, is a lot.

It seems that the new Range Rover has very good prospects in the Russian market. We have long been able to appreciate the SUVs in general, and English, in particular. So, let me welcome you, sir Rover!

Andrey Osipov

Brief technical characteristics of Land Rover Range Rover

Engine volume, cubic meter. See: 4398
The number of valves for the cylinder: 4
Power, l. With. at about./min.: 286/5400
Max. Torque, Nm/at about. min.: 440/3600
Acceleration to 100 km/h, p.: 9.2
Maximum speed, km/h: 208
Average fuel consumption l./100 km.: 16.2
The volume of the fuel tank, l.: 100
Dimensions, mm.: 4950x1955x1860
 

A source: Newspaper "Automobile Izvestia" [No. 13 (16), 2002]