During a particularly cold week of testing, the Range Rover displayed a few quirks. On two occasions, the SC stalled on start-up, black smoke billowing from the exhaust. (The consensus was that an injector might have been out of tune.) The second time, the parking brake light in the instrument panel flashed on and off, even though the parking brake was not engaged.
Once warmed up, though, the SC proved a smooth operator. All its power is fed through a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift capability. The transmission, as per the fashion these days, adapts to the driver, matching shift points to individual driving styles. In testing, it worked beautifully, offering slick-shifting characteristics and general all-around driving fun. A strength, to be sure.
The Range Rover SC receives an upgraded braking system when compared to its normally-aspirated HSE sibling. Both models feature a 4-channel ABS braking system, but the SC gains 4-piston Brembo front brakes to go with its single-piston stock rear caliper. The Brembo product is, generally, beyond reproach and there's no reason to suggest otherwise here; similarly powerful brakes for the rear wheels would've been a good idea.
Technology to Spare
While the Range Rover is really a very slick ride for the urban jungle, it also possesses the aforementioned off-road credentials.
For the 2007 model year, these capabilities have been boosted by the addition of Land Rover's Terrain Response system, which debuted in the LR3 last year. To use the system, you simply twist a knob on the centre console to one of five different settings for various driving conditions, including one for rock crawling. The system then automatically adjusts the powertrain, suspension and electronics to best suit those conditions.
Also standard on the SC is electronic air suspension (EAS) with automatic load-leveling, 4-wheel electronic traction control (4ETC), a two-speed transfer case, an electronic centre differential and, new for 2007, an electronic rear differential. While there was no opportunity to test out these attributes, it's impressive that Land Rover continues to work at maintaining its stellar reputation in the off-road arena.
Sheer Luxury, Curious Quirks
Over and above all its mechanical qualities, the Range Rover is, of course, a luxury vehicle. The interior features great swaths of soft leather, slick wooden touches, and a high-tech instrument panel and centre console with all manner of dials and switches.
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| ...so long as you do not mind stopping frequently for fill-ups. |
Once warmed up, though, the SC proved a smooth operator. All its power is fed through a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift capability. The transmission, as per the fashion these days, adapts to the driver, matching shift points to individual driving styles. In testing, it worked beautifully, offering slick-shifting characteristics and general all-around driving fun. A strength, to be sure.
The Range Rover SC receives an upgraded braking system when compared to its normally-aspirated HSE sibling. Both models feature a 4-channel ABS braking system, but the SC gains 4-piston Brembo front brakes to go with its single-piston stock rear caliper. The Brembo product is, generally, beyond reproach and there's no reason to suggest otherwise here; similarly powerful brakes for the rear wheels would've been a good idea.
Technology to Spare
While the Range Rover is really a very slick ride for the urban jungle, it also possesses the aforementioned off-road credentials.
For the 2007 model year, these capabilities have been boosted by the addition of Land Rover's Terrain Response system, which debuted in the LR3 last year. To use the system, you simply twist a knob on the centre console to one of five different settings for various driving conditions, including one for rock crawling. The system then automatically adjusts the powertrain, suspension and electronics to best suit those conditions.
Also standard on the SC is electronic air suspension (EAS) with automatic load-leveling, 4-wheel electronic traction control (4ETC), a two-speed transfer case, an electronic centre differential and, new for 2007, an electronic rear differential. While there was no opportunity to test out these attributes, it's impressive that Land Rover continues to work at maintaining its stellar reputation in the off-road arena.
Sheer Luxury, Curious Quirks
Over and above all its mechanical qualities, the Range Rover is, of course, a luxury vehicle. The interior features great swaths of soft leather, slick wooden touches, and a high-tech instrument panel and centre console with all manner of dials and switches.
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| Cabin design is done in typical Land Rover fashion; the seating position is high and visibility is extremely good. |