The latest models which were launched in Europe and America recently have been described as “cars of the future which are driving into the next generation”. In Zimbabwe, the two models are dubbed “the eastern highlands cars” for their ability to stay balanced on rough roads and mountainous areas such as Chimanimani.The new Discovery 4 won two accolades at the Caravan Club’s Towcar of the Year Awards 2010, which took place at the Royal Automobile Club in London recently. These are said to be the first awards to the new Discovery 4 which will be unveiled tomorrow. Buying the vehicle from South Africa will cost between US$49 000 and US$55 500.It’s an evolution of the current 2,7 TDV6 (which continues for base-end versions) and is equipped with the very latest in common-rail technology and a particulate filter to trim emissions to 244g/km, meet EU5 exhuast limits not due in until 2011.Range Rover experts say the Discovery 4 gobbles around 10% less fuel than before, a feature that most Zimbabweans would want on their cars as fuel is more expensive when compared to the region..The Discovery 4 has also won the “Best Towcar” and the “All Wheel Drive Over 1800kg” category, beating the likes of the Lexus RX450h, Mercedes Benz E and C class, Volvo XC70 and XC60 and the Isuzu Rodeo. The testing was carried out at Millbrook Proving Ground to determine the car’s towing ability, dynamics when hitched, acceleration and braking.Speaking at the awards ceremony, driving judge, Barry Williams of The Caravan Club was quoted saying: “The Land Rover Discovery 4 stood out among an astonishingly good selection of cars in the two classes it entered. It will go anywhere and offers an impressive array of caravan-friendly features. I’m sure it will be a popular choice with our members and their families.”The Discovery 4 has a class-leading 3 500kgs towing ability and comes with new intelligent towing technologies such as Tow Assist, which helps the driver perform accurate towing manoeuvres, and Trailer Stability Assist, a system that initiates engine torque reduction and braking interventions to bring the towing back under control when trailer oscillations and uninvited steering movements are detected.The Discovery 4 features the new LR-TDV6 3,0-litre diesel engine, which delivers more power, improved refinement, better fuel economy and lower emissions. With an impressive 600Nm of torque at low rpm and intelligent towing technologies at the driver’s disposal coupled with a more luxurious and comfortable interior cabin, it really is the perfect vehicle for caravan enthusiasts.”The 2010 Range Rover Sport offers three new engines: 3,0 litre twin turbo diesel, a 5,0 litre V8 petrol and a supercharged version of the 5,0 litre engine. The 3,6 litre TDV8 engine continues to be available for the 2010 Range Rover Sport. The 2010 Range Rover Sport is said to come with a re-designed exterior and interior, improved active damping, new brakes and an updated Terrain Response system. The Terrain Response system of the 2010 Range Rover Sport features the Dynamic setting which has been designed for “sporting on-road driving”. The 2010 Range Rover Sport features a surround camera system with tow assist, high beam assist and e-terrain technologies.Land Rover Managing Director, Phil Popham was quoted saying: “The vehicle’s stylish new appearance signals the transformation under the skin, which includes three powerful and efficient new engines, enhanced levels of interior craftsmanship and refinement, and significant improvements to both on-road and off-road driving dynamics.”“The new Range Rover Sport’s performance, ride and handling have been transformed with the introduction of new engines, transmission and chassis systems.” “If you combine these enhancements with the contemporary style and luxury of the revised interior, and it’s clear that the Range Rover Sport remains the only choice as the quintessential SUV sports tourer,” he added.The introduction of new systems such as Adaptive Dynamics and the addition of the road-focused Dynamic program to the Terrain Response system help enhance agility and ride quality. Further improvements to the Terrain Response system ensure that off-road capability is kept at the expected class-leading level.“The Range Rover Sport has generated a passionate following among customers who require the performance and refinement of a true sports tourer, but who value the formidable off-road ability of a Land Rover. Now that we have widened its range of capabilities even further, the following for the Range Rover Sport looks set to grow stronger,” says Phil Popham.
Paul Nyakazeya