2013 Land Rover Range Rover Sport HSE SUV

The Sport gets a 2.0-liter, turbo four-cylinder borrowed from the Evoque. With the new engine, the Sport is much more fuel efficient and packs more power. Slight exterior design changes include the available appearance pack, which adds privacy glass, front fog lights, headlight washers, and 18-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels. A new dashboard and center-console design keep the interior fresh.

The 2013 Land Rover Range Rover Sport walks the line between a subtly elegant vehicle and a fun, sporty toy. The smaller size tucks perfectly into the vehicle trends of today while still echoing the familiar designs of the Range Rover. This look is instantly recognizable but with the sleek body styling that is achieved so beautifully by British designers. Like most Range Rovers, the little brother Sport is usually a sophisticated titanium color.

A starry design on the grille is given the whimsical name of Jupiter while larger flares on the fenders and sharp side vents add to the sporty edge. Though the body styling of this vehicle is essentially a box, the careful detailing of the short overhangs and an aerodynamic shape create a package that is much more appealing without making it look at all feminine or soft.

Setting the Sport apart from its counterparts is a sloped rear and a simple front end that rejects the often complex and overworked faces of luxury SUVs. This front creates an aesthetic that is sophisticated and subtle, effectively making it stand out in its restraint.

The interior of the 2013 Land Rover Range Rover Sport has been redesigned for indulgent luxury that belies the fun off-road capabilities of the vehicle. The beauty and lushness of the cabin ensures that even long, adventurous rides will be comfortable. Though the instrument panel is comprehensive it is designed to be neat and clean in presentation. The five-inch touch screen has taken the place of many of the buttons and switches that create a somewhat confusing and cluttered appearance in similar vehicles. The pushbutton start and valuable power assists all come standard. What may be surprising to drivers and passengers is that heated front seats are only an option, which is not common in this level of vehicle.

The steering wheel has a fantastic hand feel and features many of the controls including cruise control and communication. All of the seats are designed to be extremely supportive while remaining comfortable even for long drives. The attractive addition of contrasting stitching on the leather seats adds a handsome detail that may not be noticed immediately, but would be missed if it wasn’t present.

Access into the cargo space is facilitated through a two-part hatch. The upper and lower sections open separately, allowing the upper portion to be opened independently of the bottom section to make loading and unloading smaller items easier.

Particularly when discussing a sport vehicle, safety is an important consideration. This has not been lost on the 2013 Land Rover Range Rover. Anti-lock brakes are designed to automatically sense the rotation of each tire so that pressure can be modulated to allow tires to rotate properly even under conditions of extreme braking. To supplement these braking capabilities, the stability control system is in place to sense when the driver has exceeded the limits of the vehicle’s handling. It reduces power to the engine or automatically applies the brakes to prevent the vehicle from going out of control.

In the event that a collision does occur, front and side-impact airbags, as well as unique overhead airbags, are strategically positioned to protect the heads and torsos of the drivers and passengers. To further protect passengers, seat-belt pretensioners sense the size and movement of the occupant of each seat and automatically tighten to ensure that the passenger is in the optimum position for safety during a collision.

Driving the 2013 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is a blend of powerful performance, off-road capability and luxurious comfort. There is a lot of power and fun tucked in the 5.0-liter, V-8 engine, and 375 horsepower can lug the heavy vehicle from zero to 60 mph in just over seven seconds. Regardless of driving and weather conditions, the six-speed transmission provides automatic control and worry-free adaptation to all terrains and performance challenges.

Drivers may be concerned with a ride that is made rough by tight, aggressive handling. To combat this, the adaptive suspension option softens the ride for greater comfort.

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