Road Test – Range Rover 3.0 TDV6 Vouge SE

This car is big – and it never lets you forget that. Even behind the wheel you are aware that you’re in charge of a two-tonne luxury machine.

Range Rover 3.0 TDV6 Vouge SEI think that’s a good thing. It keeps you on your toes and stops you driving like a fool. Mind you, even if you are predisposed to moments of motoring madness, the Range Rover 3.0 TDV6 Vogue SE does its best to placate you. It brings out the gentleman in you and makes you feel good. Not superior – just good.

But with every positive, there tends to be a negative. And in the Range Rover’s case it seems that unfortunate false impressions can quickly be born. For example, when parking at the beach with my family, a guy commented that it was “alright for some” to have enough money to buy such a car. And while wafting along the M1 in the fast lane I was greeted with a one finger salute. The fact that the possessor of the digit had been hogging the middle lane for the last five miles didn’t seem to matter to him. I don’t get those kind of reactions when driving smaller test cars, so the Range Rover does seem to be the common denominator here.

But, if there’s one thing I’ve learnt in life: you can’t control what other’s think. So it’s best to let them get on with it and enjoy what you’re doing. And when you’re driving a Range Rover, it’s hard to be anything other than happy.

Inside, it’s tastefully minimalistic with all the key functions controlled through straightforward switchgear. Even the touch-screen infotainment system is clear and uncomplicated to use.

Range Rover 3.0 TDV6 Vouge SEBetter still, the driving position is first- rate and offers a commanding view of the road. Quite frankly, cabins don’t get much more sumptuous than the Range Rover’s. The workmanship is of a very high standard, meaning the whole kit and caboodle looks and feels good enough to eat. From a handling perspective, the luxury Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), is astonishingly nimble for its size. It feels accurate and self-assured on the straights; but sophistication is the Range Rover’s most obvious characteristic. Particularly remarkable is the way the car insulates you from the world when you’re hustling. There’s barely any wind noise, and the erudite thrum of the V6 diesel soothes, rather than irritates.

The Range Rover is just as accomplished off-road, literally crushing any non-tarmac terrain under its huge wheels. And back on the blacktop, it only starts to tell you “enough is enough” when
pushed hard around twisty ribbons of road. The large car expresses its distaste like a stallion. But rather than bucking and whinnying, it lurches and squeals.

All versions, including this mid- spec Vogue SE, have all the equipment necessary for happy motoring, and the power unit under the bonnet is hooked up to computerised gadgetry to keep things shiny side up, whether on asphalt or over the rough stuff. Indeed, the car scored the full five-stars when tested by safety body, Euro NCAP.

All things considered, the Range Rover is a wonderfully relaxed and utterly competent machine on and off-road. It’s even relatively economical with a V6 oil-burner under the bonnet. Just be aware of other motorists who may judge you due to their inverted badge snobbery. But that’s their problem, right?

Pros

  • Luxurious
  • Powerful
  • Safe
  • Efficient

Cons

  • Inverted snob magnet

Fast Facts

  • Max speed: 130 mph
  • 0-62 mph: 7.9 secs
  • Combined mpg: 40.9
  • Engine layout: 2993cc V6 turbo diesel
  • Max. power (bhp): 255 • CO2: 182 g/km
  • Price: £81,850