2013 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo First Drive

The world used to be full of cars like this. Plenty of space in the back, a hatchback and a big boot. Remember the Rover 800, Saab 9000 and Ford Scorpio? When people stopped wanting them, a few manufacturers decided that by building taller bodywork, they'd do better. We give you the Vauxhall Signum, Fiat Croma and Renault Vel Satis. See where this is going? Via hopeless sales and minicab inglory, they all bombed out.

Hang on. What if they weren't actually a crap idea, they were just crap cars? If you meld a generous cabin and a hatchback with the things BMW is good at - style, quality, engines, chassis - then the result ought to be OK. Oughtn't it?

Which brings us to the 3-series Gran Turismo. It uses the longer wheelbase of the Chinese-market 3 saloon, and has a fastback hatch so as not to scare off people who think estates are a bit common. And though you sit as high as you do in an X1 and you will soon be able to get a 4WD option, it doesn't look like an SUV.

Still with us? The suspension is slightly softer than the saloon and Touring, and there's lots of rear-seat space and a versatile boot with handy hidden storage. So it's a useful family car.

But to drive, it lacks the full dose of 3-series magic. The longer wheelbase slows down the steering responses. It also rolls onto the front tyres in corners, and it weighs about 140kg more than a saloon or Touring, which is hard for the engineers to hide.

There are some options that help, though. The sports steering rack, adaptive dampers and big wheels all do their bit, without harming comfort much.

That weight also means the four-cylinder diesel has to work harder, throwing more noise at you. Again BMW allows you to spend your way out of trouble via the tempting 328i...

But let's be fair: it still drives better than the crossover you might have been considering instead. Really though, we'd suggest you pick from the Tourings. The 3GT is priced between the 3-Series and 5-Series wagons. Either crush your kids and baggage a bit so they can fit into a 3-Touring, or get a 5-Touring and forego some of the options.

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Daniel Craig Bought Himself An Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster Birthday Present

Daniel Craig, aka Agent 007, celebrated his 45th birthday with a car worthy of his name: anAston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster. Daniel Craig paid an impressive sum of £150,000 (around $226,000 at the current exchange rates) for his sports car, but unfortunately it does not come with an ejector seat or hidden weapons.

The famous actor went to London to take delivery of his car and he dressed inconspicuously in an attempt to zip around London without anyone recognizing him. We are not very sure if he was successful in his attempt, but for sure he was very pleased with his new toy.

And why wouldn’t he? The V12 Vantage Roadster is powered by a 6-liter V-12 engine that delivers an amazing 510 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, sprinting the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds and up to a top speed of 190 mph.

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2014 BMW M4 sheds some camouflage for latest test run

Last time we saw the upcoming BMW M4 out testing, it was heavily clad with camouflage and decidedly homely looking (as most early development mules are). But in this latest set of photos, the M3 coupe successor has started to come into its own skin, and we're seeing a shape more closely akin to that of a rendering we brought you a few months back.

Unsurprisingly, the M4 coupe looks very similar to the 4 Series Concept that BMW debuted at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year. And while non-M version of the 4er will likely look a bit more sedate, these spy shots clearly show an aggressive front fascia, large wheels and the usual quad-exhaust rounding out the rear end.

Naturally, the M3 sedan will launch before this M4 coupe (and convertible), and powertrain details are still unclear as of this writing. We understand that the current M3's naturally aspirated V8 will be axed in favor of some sort of turbocharged six-cylinder engine, and we've heard plenty of rumors as to what, exactly, it might be, but we have yet to hear any official confirmation.

The 4 Series will launch later this year as a 2014 model, and we expect the M4 to follow suit about one year later as a 2015 model.

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2013 Audi RS5

Enthusiast drivers tend to be a greedy lot. Always in pursuit of the next great thing, with just a little more oomph, they are never happy. In the process, many participate in bench-racing, a form of verbal histrionics where they try to show whose car is equipped with the biggest stones.

Apparently some of the brass at Volkswagen Group’s Audi unit felt the need to show off some “brass” of their own.

The result is the 2013 Audi RS 5.

Newly available on these shores, the RS 5 has been enjoyed by those stiffs on the Old Continent for several years. Fitted with more, more, more of everything, it returns in one of the sexiest packages in the sport coupe segment. More powerful than its pedestrian relatives, the A- and S 5, the RS 5 improves on their offerings by going a lot further.

What is it? 
Recently tagged by collectible car insurer Hagerty Insurance as one of its Top Future Collectible cars, the 2013 Audi RS 5 Coupe is a four-seater that offers speed, handling, and style in a luxury package. Instead of the standard 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder of the A5, or 3.0-liter, six-pot supercharged engine in the S5, the RS 5 is motivated by Audi’s 4.2-liter naturally-aspirated V8, which produces 450 horsepower at a sky high 8,250 rpm and 317 lb-ft of torque at a mid-ranged 4,000 rpm. Since 2011, that engine has been based on the Audi V10 found in the R8 supercar, with two of the ten cylinders eliminated

The familiar quattro all-wheel-drive system is also on board mated this time to a seven-speed Audi S Tronic dual-clutch transmission that allows shifting with the lever or steering wheel-mounted paddle shift levers. Power is delivered to quattro's new crown gear center differential, with a starting front/rear bias of 40:60. If needed, up to 70 percent of torque can be delivered up front or 80 percent to the rear. The new system is also optimized for Audi’s electronic torque vectoring. For those seeking a do it yourself gearbox, your time is wasted here: no manual transmission is offered. For the six-speed manual transmission, buyers will have to opt for the 333 horsepower Audi S5.

Although our RS 5’s brakes with their eight piston calipers and drilled rotors were nothing to sneeze at, the package can be upgraded with a carbon ceramic front brake kit that carries with it, a tariff of $6,000. Regardless, this Audi is not about dilly-dallying.

What's it up against? 
The personal/executive muscle segment is not lacking in players here. The RS 5 is joined by Cadillac’s CTS-V Coupe, Mercedes-Benz’s C63 AMG and, perhaps, BMW’s M6. From the Pacific Rim is the Nissan GT-R.

How does it look?
More muscular than the traditional, more sedate version of its “weakling” little brother A5, the RS 5 is packing a wallop and subtly lets you know. At first glance, it might get passed over as just the standard 5-range sleeper, but closer examination reveals the performance mesh grille with four rings logo that telegraphs this car’s Ingolstadt heritage.

New gaping air intakes, which seem to grab at least 30-percent more volume, minus the fog lamps of the standard model, occupy the lower bout of the front fascia. Audi touts their cooling ability for the brakes and S Tronic transmission.

Meanwhile, ground effect side skirts do their part to visually lower the car further than the 0.8-inch that comes standard as part of the RS 5 specification. Two visual giveaways make up the uniqueness at the rear: the new splitter with twin oval exhaust dumps below the bumper, and an automatically deploying spoiler that raises from the trailing edge of the decklid at 75 mph, or with the touch of a button at any speed.

The overall look is grown up boy-racer at its finest, and we love it.

And on the inside? 
We have long appreciated Audi’s interior executions. Always a step ahead of the competition, they reflect the epitome of what a modern day sports car’s interior should be. Recently the competition has stepped up their game, and soon, we hope Audi will, too.

The pair of sport seats are two of the most coddling we have experienced, offering generous bolstering and support for long stints behind the wheel. The great flat-bottomed steering wheel is alive here, as are all the controls and dials we have grown accustomed to. Rear seat legroom veers towards non-existent with long-legged passengers in front, so we would recommend the rear seat as a storage annex, instead. Trunk space measures up to 12.2 cubic feet, but can grow with the rear seats folded forward.

While all other operations are as we remember, Audi has managed to one up the competition with its available ($3,550) MMI Navigation Plus package. It’s all on-board: The sublime Bang & Olufsen sound system, MMI Navigation with voice control, and Audi connect with online services. Those include Google 3D mapping, and Internet access, making your car a secure, rolling T-Mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. The end result is rapid messaging and emails to a user’s smartphone, but we recommend turning the alerts off to avoid the Pavlov’s Dogs response that occurs every time a new message warning is sounded.

But does it go? 
The naturally-aspirated 4.2-liter V8 is a sultry beast that manages to sound totally intoxicating under full stress. Moveable sound flaps within the exhaust system open and close to decrease pressure buildup from within. But if this engine were all show, and no go, the story would end very quickly. Thankfully, this mill brings it. It sits like a cobra, calm and certain of its abilities, and just when needed, meaning when you squeeze the loud pedal, this engine rears back and snaps with a toxic vengeance.

Just dialing in the RS 5’s launch control will supply all the convincing any driver may need.

By the numbers, this hot-rod will click off a 0-60 mph sprint in 4.5 seconds and hits a terminal velocity of 174 mph. Thankfully there is none of that electronically-limited 155 mph top speed here.

Speaking of numbers, the EPA says to expect mileage in the range of 16/23 mpg with 18 combined.

The RS 5 displays a very direct steering feel, which along with its electronic torque vectoring provides some of the most tenacious grip we have encountered. We were surprised to find that the RS 5 is available in only one suspension configuration, owing to its standard springs and dampers. The ride may be harsh for some, but doesn’t beat you into submission in a manner like the Nissan GT-R does. We liked its firmness just fine.

The low profile tires transmit a fair amount of road noise that could limit your grand touring intentions.

A centerstack-mounted Drive Select button offers varying amounts of engine and transmission remapping, while readjusting the dynamic steering and sports differential. On the other end of the equation, the rev-matching downshifts prepare the drivetrain for a full-on assault of a turn’s apex, but sometimes do so with a certain degree of choppiness or drivetrain shock.

Overall, it’s just one more thing adding to the RS-5 visceral appeal.

Leftlane's bottom line:
Good things come to those who wait. And in the process, Audi’s RS lineup gains another member.

Available in the old country for several years now, the RS 5 ups the ante in North America by offering near supercar performance for a relatively un-supercar price point.

2013 Audi RS 5 base price, $68,900. As tested, $75,820.
Suzuka Grey Metallic, $475, MMI Navigation Plus, $3,550, Sport exhaust, $1,000, 20-inch wheels, $1,000, Destination, $895.

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Pagani and Sonus Faber ink deal for high-end Huayra audio system

Along with a mysterious Track Pack for the Pagani Huayra, the Italian builder of deliciously crafted supercars announced a partnership with Sonus Faber, Italian builders of deliciously crafted speakers, at the Geneva Motor Show. Pagani didn't reveal how many speakers the Sonus Faber kit has, but did tell us that at 1,200 watts it's three times as powerful as the previous audio system.

Known for items like its Aida and The Sonus Faber loudspeakers that can cost anywhere from $20,000 to 200,000 per pair – yes, $200,000 per pair – Sonus Faber is just as devoted to design as Horacio himself. That's why the avional and gunmetal aluminum alloy housings and the lightweight carbon cones in the speakers in the image above look like they could have come from George Clinton's ParliaFunkadelic spaceship or, well, the back of a Huayra.

Pagani says this is the "first step of a partnership between two iconic brands." We've no idea what's coming next, but you can be sure this first step will be stupendously expensive. More details, if you need them, can be found in the press release below.

Partnership Pagani and Sonus Faber

Geneva AutoShow 2013: Pagani and Sonus faber announce partnership with the introduction of an exclusive premium high-end audio system for the new Pagani Huayra

Geneva, Switzerland, March 4th 2013 -- Renowned high-end luxury audio speaker manufacturer Sonus Faber and sports car manufacturer and design atelier Pagani have developed in co-design an exclusive premium high-end audio system for the Pagani Huayra. This achievement marks the first step of a partnership between two iconic Italian brands.

The Pagani vehicles have always been known for their every day car capabilities, despite the performance they regularly demonstrate on the world's most prestigious racetracks. The Pagani Huayra has been praised for its smooth supple ride, light cabin interior and confidence inspiring handling. Creating a high-end audio system that would improve on both extremes of this two-sided nature was a challenge for the expert audio engineers at Sonus Faber and the creative team at Pagani.

Technical specifications
Sonus Faber has transcended its music reproduction skills for this supercar challenge. From the immutable harmony of interiors to the rhythm "on the road", a set of new paradigms has been created.

Power versus featherweight, is the leitmotiv. New, innovative, Carbon cones have been developed, marrying extreme rigidity to lowest weight, inspired by the Carbo-Titanium nature of Huayra. Neodymium magnets are used throughout for highest performance and lightest weight possible.

Reverberating the car extreme performance, the new Sonus faber audio system provides an amplifiers' structure which delivers a total amount of 1.200 Watt power output, tripling the performance available in the Huayra 's standard sound system.

When the mighty AMG V12 engine is not singing the song of power, a Digital Sound Processor creates a refined atmosphere where both driver and passenger can enjoy hearing a rich sound experience not normally expected in a hypersports car. In full Pagani tradition the aim is to stir the emotions of the passengers every single moment. The DSP allows the whole system sound to be "tailored" to the customer's own musical taste under his request, configuring the Huayra cabin into a concert hall, stadium, or whatever environment the Pagani owner seeks.

The baskets of the bespoke speaker units follow the technology developed for the most extreme Sonus fabers loudspeaker systems, such as Aida and "The Sonus Faber" itself, with a vibration-free CNC made hybrid avional/gunmetal structure: a geometry which has been calculated to damp natural resonances of the two materials, creating a virtually ideal speakers' chassis for the purest sound reproduction. The speaker diaphragms are made in a special ultra light carbon fibre optimized for acoustic applications providing this way synergy between rigidity and damping.

Horacio Pagani, chief designer and CEO of Pagani Automobili:
"We are glad for this important partnership and, to use an audiophile term, the harmony between the two brands could not be better. Sonus faber creates musical pieces of art for a very exclusive market of sophisticated customers. The technology, craftsmanship and attention to details is what made us very happy to see their interpretation of a high-end sound system for our Huayra. We hope our customers will be as surprised as we were when we first experienced the depth and richness of this audio system."

Mauro Grange, CEO of Sonus faber:
"It is an honor to work with Pagani, as the Huayra stands for timeless design and performance, values that Sonus faber has always cherished when designing its speakers. Our engineers have faced the demanding and special requirements of an automotive application with a no-compromise attitude and we are pleased to have contributed with a state-of-the-art sound system for an automotive icon."

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2013 BMW 3 series wagon

Fanboys, rejoice! A leaked document has revealed BMW's plans to sell a diesel-powered version of its latest 3-Series wagon in the United States.

Although diesels and wagons remain relatively low on shoppers' must-have lists in the U.S., BMW has decided to combine both attributes into one vehicle for the 2014 model year. Starting in July, BMW will begin assembling the 2014 328d wagon for the United States market.
It remains unknown if the 328d wagon will be available with a stick, but, according to Automobile, the sports hauler will offer the stability of BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system.

Power for the 328d wagon is expected to be provided by BMW's latest 2.0L four-cylinder turbodiesel. That lump should be good for about 220 horsepower and a stout 330 lb-ft of torque.

No pricing information has yet been revealed, but the 328d wagon should carry a base price of about $40,000, with the all-wheel drive option sure to tack on another few grand.

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2013 Geneva motor show Editors' Choice Awards

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“LaFerrari is easily the most memorable car at the show,” said news editor Greg Migliore.

The Geneva motor show is one of the most decadent in the world. It's synonymous with supercars -- the most exotic and rarest from all comers. But sometimes, handling and style win out over pure power, and our annual Editors' Choice awards are evidence of that. Here are the winners:

Best in Show: Ferrari LaFerrari

 GEORGIA CHAPMAN
LaFerrari puts out about 950 hp, which is derived from a 789-hp V12 supplemented by a 161-hp hybrid system.

Consider the Enzo replaced. It took a decade, but clearly it was worth the wait, at least for the lucky 499 who get to pay about $1.5 million for the most powerful Ferrari ever. LaFerrari puts out about 950 hp, which is derived from a 789-hp V12 supplemented by a 161-hp hybrid system. Significantly, LaFerrari is the first car designed by the company's in-house styling team in recent memory (not Pininfarina), crafting a performance-oriented, aerodynamic appearance. Oh, and it's faster than the Enzo.

“LaFerrari is easily the most memorable car at the show,” said news editor Greg Migliore. “Years from now, we'll always remember how we were taken with the looks and superlative power of the successor to the legendary Enzo. From the raw performance to the striking appearance, everything about LaFerrari is breathtaking.”

Others considered: McLaren P1

Most Significant: Mercedes-Benz CLA

“The CLA opens up the world of Mercedes -- and, as Willem Dafoe said, 'all that goes with it' -- to a whole new generation of buyers,” explained Mark Vaughn, senior editor, West Coast.

It's not every day that a new Mercedes-Benz comes out -- well, with the Mercedes AMG and Black Series editions, maybe it is just about every day -- but rarely does an affordable, attractive, entry-level Mercedes bow. Thus the CLA, at around $30,000 to start, can be afforded by just about anyone who would have otherwise purchased a far more pedestrian midsize ride. With a 208-hp 2.0-liter turbo four driving the front wheels, and 4Matic all-wheel drive coming later, this baby Benz means far more people can enter the Mercedes family and, as Benz hopes, stay there.

“The CLA opens up the world of Mercedes -- and, as Willem Dafoe said, 'all that goes with it' -- to a whole new generation of buyers,” explained Mark Vaughn, senior editor, West Coast. “And it does it much better than the old C230 Kompressor hatchback ever could.”

Others Considered: Volkswagen XL1

Best Concept: Italdesign Giugiaro Parcour

Italdesign Giugiaro unveiled the mid-engine all-terrain Parcour.

Italdesign Giugiaro celebrated its 45 years in business at Geneva, unveiling the mid-engine all-terrain Parcour. Actually, the design house showed two: a coupe and a convertible. Texts and tweets among Autoweek editors on the Geneva floor included one that said, simply, “I'm obsessed by the Parcour.” There were many more of similar tone, so we named it our Best Concept.

What exactly is the Parcour? Giugiaro described it as a “type of GT car that did not exist until now … an SUV designed for any terrain.”

Amen to that: Lamborghini's 5.2-liter, 550-hp V10 powers the car, and a dash-mounted knob controls the suspension and engine mapping. You can choose from comfort, off-road, winter and high speed. Sixty mph arrives in a just 3.8 seconds.

Giugiaro says the jaw-dropping shape blends an SUV, a crossover, a GT car and a mid-engine sports car. We'll take one of each, please.

“We were just blown away by the Parcour,” said editor Wes Raynal. “Never seen anything like it. It was by far the best concept in Geneva.”

Others Considered: Pininfarina Sergio, Kia Provo, Audi A3 E-tron, Toyota FT-86 Open, Land Rover Defender EV

Most Fun: Volkswagen GTI

The Volkswagen GTI comes to the United States next year, nearly a year after the European launch.

Few cars capture the spirit of our enthusiasm for sheer driving like the Volkswagen GTI. That's why a new version of this hot hatch made us salivate with anticipation. Based on the seventh-generation Golf, the GTI comes to the United States next year, nearly a year after the European launch. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine pushing out at least 220 hp, paired with six-speed manual or dual-clutch gearboxes, will be offered. It looks about the same, though the wheels and lights add a fresh level of sporting bling. The only downside? We have to wait for it.

“The GTI is the hottest of hatches -- it's powerful, sharp and carries a smoldering intensity,” Migliore said. “We would love to carve up the roads around Geneva in this little pocket rocket.”

Others considered: McLaren P1, Audi RS6 Avant, Porsche 911 GT3

About the Geneva motor show

The 2013 Geneva motor show runs March 5-17 and is expected to attract a range of production and concept cars as diverse as the LaFerrari supercar and the new Corvette convertible. Check out Autoweek's complete coverage at autoweek.com/geneva-auto-show.

Get more car news, reviews and opinion every day: Sign up to have the Autoweek Daily Drive delivered right to your inbox.

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  • Ferrari
  • GTI
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2013 Mercedes Benz C-Class Spy Shots

Latest spy pictures reveal an evolutionary look for the all-new Mercedes C-Class, due later this year

A new Mercedes C-Class is on the way, and judging by the development of these prototypes, its debut could be at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

These shots reveal there aren’t too many surprises in store when it comes to the styling. The C-Class shape is still recognisable, but expect to see a new grille and CLA-inspired rear lights.

Underneath the bonnet, we’re expecting many of the four-cylinder engines to be carried over. The range will likely kick off with a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, plus there’ll be the usual diesel options and a V6 model may be offered at the top of the line-up.

Expect to see big updates to the amount of safety tech onboard, though, with the new C-Class borrowing systems from the current E-Class. This includes cameras that can detect traffic at junctions, and the ability to steer itself in traffic jams.

Mercedes will offer a C63 AMG variant following the release of the standard car. While the current AMG model uses a 6.3-litre V8 engine, the new performance model will probably use a downsized 5.5-litre twin-turbo engine with around 450bhp.

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2013 Range Rover Vogue Review

Neil Dowling road tests and reviews the new Range Rover Vogue 3.0 TDV6 with specs, fuel economy and verdict.

A decade ago fundamentalist greenies accused SUV owners of damaging the planet's climate and plundering fossil fuel reserves.

The all-alloy Vogue's versatility, perfect form and outstanding function will arrest prospective luxury-car buyers. The equipment level, the superb ride comfort and spaciousness put it above saloon cars and its performance smothers many so-called sports cars.Today, a 5m long, near-$180,000 Range Rover SUV uses the same amount of fuel as an automatic 2012 Toyota Corolla. Argument over. The Range Rover Vogue - even in its entry-level TDV6 version - may be out of financial reach for most people but nothing can deny it a place as one of 2013's most remarkable motoring exhibits.

Show it the dirt and it'll plunge through where no normal SUV would dare. It is, in fact, the motoring equivalent of Inspector Gadget - a car that is everything to all buyers. Damn shame it costs so much.

VALUE

My wife wants a Thermomix because it's one kitchen appliance that does everything so we don't have to buy five devices.

The Range Rover falls in the same category. Of course, like the Thermomix, the price is five times the price of a single-purpose appliance. So at $178,900 (plus $13,420 of options) the 3.0 TDV6 Vogue isn't cheap but can be all cars to all men. And women. The warranty is ordinary, the service costs are high-ish but fuel costs are low.

Hot features include massage and heated front and rear seats, huge sunroof ($3080 must-have option), dual-view touch screen ($1300 option) and superb audio. Your neighbours will hate you.

DESIGN

This 2013 model softly reflects the original Range Rover silhouette but does so with a bigger, more accommodating body.

There is more subtly with the styling - note the neater grille, headlights and tail lights - while 21-inch alloys ($3240 option) give power to the design. Cabin design is beautiful. Lots of leather and wood, excellent graphics and switchgear, superb seats and a wide field of driver vision.

It's also big inside with giant-size leg and headroom in the rear and an expanded cargo area that fits a mountain bike without removing its wheels. The electric tailgate, electric fold rear seats and rear-seat control panel adds icing to the cake.

TECHNOLOGY

The big news is its all-aluminium body that shaves up to 400kg off the old model. The 190kW/600Nm 3-litre V6 turbo-diesel may pale against the optional V8 diesel and Porsche's new 4.2-litre oiler, but it's the right choice for owners who don't tow heavy gear.

It's mated to an eight-speed auto that goes through a constant all-wheel drive system. Unlike most rivals, it has a low-range gearbox. The suspension is air adjustable, electric-assist steering, there's Terrain Response to electronically dial in the wagon for different off-road conditions and even stop-start to save a bit of fuel. Brilliant.

SAFETY

It's (only) a four-star crash-rated car with nine airbags, electronic stability and traction control enhanced with roll-stability and cornering brake control, cruise control (adaptive is $3240 extra), all-wheel drive and a full-size spare wheel.

DRIVING

Boat lovers will salivate over the aquatic bent of this vehicle. It moves forward like a luxury launch, cutting a fluid path and gently pitching and rolling with an unseen ocean's swell. That underbody cushioning - attributes of air suspension - and leather armchair comfort create the feeling that your loungeroom is suddenly capable of motion.

There's a cautious vagueness about this marshmallow ride but even when thrown into a corner, the wagon reacts immediately, hardening the suspension and steering so it unrelentingly follows its confident line through the bend.

The engine is quick to respond, though there are moments when it gets caught napping and the turbo fails to quickly ignite the engine. In terms of response though, it's a better engine than the optional V8 turbo-diesel that in comparison feels almost truck like.

Acceleration to 100km/h is a quick 7.9 seconds and it feels like being pushed in the back by a powerful, velvet-encased glove. It's an incredibly quiet car as well. Electronics run this wagon, from the steering to the optional adaptive cruise to the ride-height air suspension and the five-mode Terrain Response system.

In the sand and gravel this never even looked like slowing down. The low-range box, gobs of torque and diff locks sneered at sand. Pump the air suspension up to the max (from 220mm to 295mm) and while wheel travel is reduced, the wagon will clear some really big hurdles.

Towing is rated at 3500kg so it may suit a lot of holiday haulers.

VERDICT

This is a clever vehicle. Few cars come close to its flexibility while being luxurious, secure and even fun to drive.

Range Rover Vogue 3.0 TDV6

Price: from $178,900 ($192,320 tested)
Warranty: 3 years/100,000km, roadside assist
Resale: 63%
Service Interval: 12mths/26,000km
Safety: 9 airbags, ABS, ESC, EBD, TC
Crash rating: 4-star
Engine: 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel, 190kW/600Nm
Transmission: 8-spd auto, 2-spd transfer; constant 4WD
Thirst: 7.5L/100km; 196g/km CO2
Dimensions: 5.0m (L), 2.0m (W), 1.8m (H) WEIGHT 2160kg
Spare: Full size 

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