Land Rover鈥檚 New, Lighter 2019 Range Rover Lands In America
When the Tata Group took Land Rover off Ford鈥檚 hands back in 2008, the future for the venerable British automaker seemed a little murky. Fuel prices were on the rise and sales of serious sport-utility vehicles were softening. But the marque hung tough, and under the generous guidance of the Indian conglomerate and its Land Rover-loving chairman, Ratan Tata, it rolled out one dramatic upgrade to its model lineup after another. The 2013 Land Rover Range Rover is the latest鈥攁nd arguably the most impressive. It is a new, dramatic improvement from bumper to bumper, but the biggest news is likely what鈥檚 missing: weight. With its highly advanced aluminum structure, the new Range Rover is some 700 pounds lighter than the outgoing model. And the benefits are manifold, including improved fuel economy, on-road handling, and, of course, off-road prowess. The new Range Rover is supremely confident both on-road and off, thanks in no small part to the next generation of Land Rover鈥檚 masterful Terrain Response System. An array of pictograms surrounds a rotary knob on the center console, indicating modes for grass, snow, mud, sand, gravel and even rocks. Inside, the vehicle is notably more accommodating than the outgoing model鈥攔ear-seat legroom, for instance, is up an impressive 4.7 inches. 4,450) for the Autobiography model. The Autobiography model, identified by its bright chrome grille, huge panoramic roof, and 21-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, offers buyers a fairly limitless array of color and trim combinations, including an additional 22 exterior and interior paint colors.
Not to burst your bubble, but most luxury badges on vehicles trace their roots back to parent automakers with plenty of hoi polloi cars. It鈥檚 not a bad thing: Larger automakers provide the economies of scale to develop the technology and performance you expect from luxury car brands; the high profit margins from luxury sales, in turn, justify that research. But when the relationship runs too too transparent, it can harm a luxury car brand鈥檚 cachet. Independent ownership, by contrast, can drive lasting (Tesla) or short-lived (Saab) luxury results. Ultimately, execution matters regardless of the parent situation. That brings us to those parents: Which automaker owns your luxury brand? Which Automaker Owns Acura? Acura is Honda鈥檚 luxury car division. The Japanese automaker launched Acura in 1986 with two models: the Integra and Legend, the latter of which employed Honda鈥檚 first V-6. The brand would grow to include everything from the MDX and RDX SUVs to the NSX exotic sports car, though a few products 鈥?the short-lived ZDX coupe SUV, for one 鈥?never caught on.
The company pointed to a downturn in China as a reason for the job losses and lower demand for the diesels which make up most of its products. In the UK, 'continuing uncertainty related to Brexit' was blamed. It has returned the struggling brand to profit in less than two years and is cash-rich with revenue up 18.9 per cent in 2018 to 拢63.7m. PSA chairman Carlos Tavares has made no secret of his desire to acquire the UK-based luxury car manufacturer. Jaguar Land Rover pointed to a downturn in China as a reason for the job losses and lower demand for the diesels which make up most of its products. During an interview with Autocar India in April, he said he believed it would be good for PSA to have a luxury brand and that the company was 'considering all opportunities'. Sources inside JLR have told the Press Association that despite public statements downplaying the prospects of a tie-up, 'things are moving quickly behind closed doors'.
Also fitted to the vehicle is Land Rover鈥檚 Terrain Response system, a useful tool when off-roading as the system can automatically adapt the vehicle's engine, gearbox, center coupling and chassis systems to match the demands of the terrain. The system works together with a secondary Hill Descent Control feature, which, as its name implies, aids drivers while tackling steep inclines, automatically restricting the speed on downhill approaches. Standard goodies include grained leather covered electric seats, dual sunroofs, keyless start and 18-inch alloys. Some of the optional extras worth upgrading to include a premium Meridian sound system, a voice activation feature and a rear-view camera. You鈥檒l easily recognize the 2013 model thanks to some changes to the exterior that give the vehicle a sportier and more purposeful look. The lights have been redesigned both at the front and rear and feature new graphics with LED elements. Another key touch is the grille and fog lamp bezels, which now feature a bright finish.
Whatever your opinion, the Evoque has unquestionably captured the attention of the car-buying public, and that is more than half the battle. Land Rover has also cleverly gone down the route of massive personalisation, to tempt potential buyers even more. There are 12 exterior colours, three roof colours and eight alloy-wheel designs, and that鈥檚 just the outside. There are 16 鈥渢ailored鈥?interiors available as well as a huge list of options. Choosing your own will be a delicious and welcome dilemma, which is the whole point, but regardless of the boxes ticked, the Evoque鈥檚 cabin is another big plus. There are lots of geometric shapes inside that tie with the exterior looks, while the trim and the displays scream luxury. Of course, this is a significantly cheaper car than a Range Rover, but the Evoque sits comfortably in the same ball park as its illustrious big brother. Go for the five-door and you have a clearer view out and easier access to the rear seats. The three-door is arguably better looking but with the inevitable penalty of a tricky journey to the second row.
