Land Rover Range Rover Vogue 2012 Review

More. Give us more.  That's what Range Rover's well heeled buyers want with each new model. And the company is only too happy to oblige, with the addition of a even larger, harder hitting twin turbo V8 diesel that produces a whacking 700Nm of torque.

We put the big Rangey through its paces on NSW's South Coast over a mixture of back roads and fire trails. It was all a walk in the park for the Range Rover Vogue which combines supreme off road ability with sumptuous luxury appointments. But, with prices starting from $158,000 - it's not for everyone.

ENGINE AND MECHANICAL

The diesel sounds like a V8 when presshed hard and is paired with an eight-speed ZF auto, complete with paddle shifts. It doesn't get much better than this. Power jumps 15 per cent to 230kW and torque is up nine per cent to 700Nm, compared with the previous 3.6-litre engine. What's more, the extra torque is produced 500rpm lower in the rev range, from a low 1500rpm.

To go with the diesel, there's two petrol V8s one of which is supercharged. Both are carry overs from the previous model. The supercharged engine produces 375kW of power and 625Nm of torque while the naturally aspirated V8 delivers 276kW and 510Nm. Both petrols are teamed with a six-speed ZF auto.

The most popular configuration by far is the V8 diesel which accounts for about 70 per cent of sales. And why not when it sounds like a V8 and uses half the fuel, with a rating of 9.4 litres/100km.

DRIVING

Whichever way you jump it all translates into effortless cruising and overtaking. But start to push the big Rangey hard and you are reminded of the bulk and weight of this vehicle, which ranges from 2.5 to 2.8 tonnes, depending on what model you're driving.

Despite its size the Vogue gets going, with the diesel taking a scant 7.8 seconds to reach 100km/h. Ultimately, however, the vehicle's weight counts against it. Corners are best approached with caution and the car will try to run wide if you're carrying too much corner speed. Best to go in slow and come out firing.

The Vogue's electronic stability system cuts in early and harshly to avoid expensive mistakes. Six piston Brembos are fitted at the front, but it's still a big ask, especially in traffic. Ideally, it's best to be decisive and brake early. The 2011 model is further enhanced by improvements to the Terrain Response system in the form of Hill Start Assist and Gradient Acceleration Control.

Inside the diesel inherits the push-button, rotary gear selector which has earned accolades for Jaguar in the XF and XJ. There is also and improved entertainment system and illuminated treadplates for the front doors are available as an option. New colours and wheels have been added and a new exterior design pack allows customers to give their Vogue a more individual look.

LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER VOGUE TDV8

Available: Now
Price: $160,500 - $212,500
Engine: 230kW/700Nm 4.4-litre V8 bi-turbo-diesel
Economy: 9.4 l/100km
Transmission: 8-speed sequential automatic; 2-speed transfer case; constant 4WD
Dimensions: 4972mm (L); 2034mm (W); 1877mm (H)
Wheelbase: 2880mm
Weight: 2810kg (loaded)
Tow: 3500kg.