Range Rover Sport TDV6 S 2016 Review

Range Rover Sport TDV6 S
Road Test

Range Rover’s entry-level Sport offers most of the bells and some of the whistles found in its dearer siblings. Priced from $90,900 (plus on-road costs), however, it’s as affordable as some of its more generic rivals, even if it does skimp on some tech. On the plus side, the TDV6 S loses none of the looks or comfort expected of the British marque, and with a gutsy yet efficient turbo-diesel engine up front, and Land Rover’s competent full-time all-wheel drive system underneath, the Sport S presents as a sound choice for shrewd buyers.

When you think of the Range Rover Sport, chances are “expensive” is probably the first word that springs to mind. But when you consider the TDV6 S on test starts from under $100K, then entertaining the idea of ownership suddenly becomes a realistic proposition.

OK, it’s not exactly the bargain of the century. Though we’d encourage anyone even slightly interested in the Sport to take a test drive.

All things considered it’s a pretty decent offering for the coin, especially when you take a moment to consider the equipment you really do use on a daily basis.

The big ticket items are all here. Dual-zone climate control is standard, as are Bluetooth telephony and audio streaming, cruise control and satellite navigation. Oddly, the seats are manually adjustable, but there is keyless ignition. All the windows and mirrors are electric.

The Sport S also comes with paddle shifts, rain-sensing wipers, and a 250-watt eight-speaker audio system accessed via an 8.0-inch touchscreen.

Perhaps more importantly, the TDV6 S includes Land Rover’s cracking turbo-diesel V6 and silky smooth eight-speed auto. The duo is coupled to the full-time multi-mode all-wheel drive system, Terrain Response (and single-speed transfer box), familiar to most in the Land Rover range.

The combination develops 190kW and 600Nm, which Land Rover says is adequate for 0-100km/h times of 7.6sec. Without the momentary turbo lag the Sport presents from standstill, we reckon it’d be even quicker. Not bad for a prestige SUV with a kerb weight of 2115kg.

Of course the Sport can still go anywhere you’re brave enough to take it, and considering the list price, we reckon that would be more places than other models in the range. It will also tow up to 3500kg (braked) aided by Trailer Sway Control (an extension of the Sport’s stability control system).

Now we didn’t sample the Sport offroad or with the horse float in check. We did, however, sample it in the city and suburbs, and on the freeway, noting strong yet economical performance (we averaged 7.6L/100km) and an unruffled ride. The only real downside we noticed was some vibration transfer through the floor when ‘laboured’ in high gears at cruising speed. Eighth gear really does feel like overkill at 100km/h.

The larger tyre profile of this model’s 235/65-section 19-inchers not only improves road noise over sportier Sports, but gives the entry model a calm yet confident stance, helped in harder cornering by standard adaptive Electronic Air Suspension.

The air suspension is also handy when parked, lowering the car to ‘access’ height for easier ingress and egress.

In spite of its size, the L494-series Range Rover Sport is surprisingly easy to park, the acoustic sensors and rear-view camera a blessing in tight spots. The steering is well assisted and beautifully fluid, and while some may wish for a whisker more assistance at parking speeds, I feel the weighting suits the vehicle’s size and persona perfectly.

If you take the Sport TDV6 S at face-value, you might criticise its lack of equipment. Sure there are a number of items even we feel are obvious in their omission, especially when viewed against the latest Audi Q7, for example. But considering the ability of the Rangie offroad, and its commanding presence on-road, we’re not sure too many buyers will mind. As we noted at the outset, just how many of the toys do you really use on a daily basis?

Were we to caution any TDV6 S buyer as to one critical oversight it’s the power of the low-beam headlights. We’d be opting for more powerful globes if permitted.

It’s also important to note that the model on test (pictured) featured a handful of options, including DAB+ digital radio ($900), a fixed panoramic roof with powered blind ($3400), Ebony grained leather upholstery ($4720), Convenience Pack ($4390) comprising keyless entry, gesture control tailgate, electrochromatic rear-view mirror, folding wing mirrors and puddle lights, and tow hitch receiver ($950).

Corris Grey metallic paint adds a further $2100 to the asking price (Fuji White is the only non-metallic/premium colour available).

The Sport is required to visit the service department annually or after 26,000km (whichever comes first) and is backed by a three-year / 100,000km warranty.

If you can avoid ticking the options boxes (and there are many), the Sport TDV6 S does represent sound value. It’s a premium SUV with a strong heart and solid underpinnings with the right blend of space, comfort, amenity and esteem. It’s just a shame some of those ‘options’ aren’t offered as standard.

2016 Range Rover Sport TDV6 S pricing and specifications:
Price: $90,900 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 190kW/600Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 6.9L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 182g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star EuroNCAP

Also consider:
>> Audi Q7 (from $96,300 plus ORCs)
>> Mercedes-Benz GLE (from $86,900 plus ORCs)
>> Porsche Cayenne (from $106,100 plus ORCs)