Land Rover Range Rover 2003 Review

This time the old faithful flagship of the Land Rover empire is designed under BMW stewardship yet, to change all the chairs at the table, is now built (and owned) by Ford.

The result is a fine vehicle, albeit an expensive vehicle.

But it has ability, style and a road presence that's hard to match in a herd of luxury dirt trackers arriving from Europe.

Now some critics continue to trash the notion of rich off-road vehicles unlikely to see a dirt road.

Yet, these same types go weak at the knees about $200,000 sports cars that will never see an autobahn or racetrack, let alone a twisting mountain road.

At least a Range Rover can carry four or five plus luggage with poise, on or off the tar.

This one is a long, long way from the original in luxury and convenience fittings, electronics and mechanicals.

But it does retain superb off-road ability, used or not.

On the road this new Range Rover is a king of the road, an instant classic.

It also has, for now, reclaimed its title as the prince of the off-roaders.

On the tar, tearing down a gravel road or quietly parked, the British wagon has an imperious presence, a royal charm with upmarket bearing and a cabin packed with tasteful trim.

The big body style, particularly in profile, is most handsome.

Inside is plush, British with lots of leather, yet most usable.

Controls for most bits and pieces are easy to find and follow although the satellitenavigation/television/audio system may take a few practice runs.

The analogue instrumentation is done in classic style, there are infinite seat and steering-wheel adjustments and switching through the transfer box between high and low ratio takes just a fingertip and the ignition key is down on the transmission tunnel.

It is both tactile and practical.

Underneath this castle lays a mix of German and British engineering that makes the Range Rover a superb machine for cruising or strutting across the rough stuff.

Tyre kickers and passsersby can see it is an expensive piece of machinery and understand the marque has a history of foibles but still this new-generation Range Rover, only the third model in 30 years, is immediately recognised and revered.

Off the road it is capable and extremely comfortable.

Other 4WDs could be as capable, but none brings quite this level of comfort nor lashings of luxury to the bush.

There is a wonderful snarl and wail to the German V8, a deep-throated mix of mechanicals and exhaust gases.

Off road the Range Rover is better than ever.

Flick the switch for low range, flick the switch for extra ground clearance and maybe, on downhill runs, flick the switch for HillDescent Control.

Then, with driver sitting high and handsome with a decent view out the front, most of the rest is up to that V8 and traction control.