2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The Range Rover Sport is a more svelt, rakish take on the stately Range Rover, and like its bigger sibling, it recently switched to an all-aluminum structure that trimmed off about 360 kg of flab. Still, this sumptuous  Brit is a porker, with the Supecharged V8 model weighing in at 2500 kg.

Despite its more urban bent, the Sport is a Range Rover through and through, and this means unassailable off-road credibility along with the ability to tow up to 3500 kg. Interior appointments are British gentlemen’s club-grade, featuring fine leathers, rich veneers and polished metals. With smooth on-road manners, the Range Rover Sport cover all the bases.

Seating for seven is available, but the optional third row is best suited for kids.

Newly standard for 2016 are upgraded parking cameras, InControl Apps suite, and an off-road crawl-control feature. Available is self-lowing suspension that makes access easier when the Sport is parked. Also making its debut this year is a turbo-diesel V6 engine.

Entrance to the Range Rover Sport fraternity starts with the $75,990 SE. This runs with a smooth 3.0L supercharged V6 generating 340 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. It is hooked to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This model rides on 19-inch alloys and comes with fixed panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, navigation, front parking aid with front and rear camera views, Terrain Response and Xenon headlights with LED signatures.

Moving up to the $81,490 HSE bestows 20-inch wheels, air suspension, Oxford leather, dual zone climate control, 14-way front seats, sliding sunroof and a broader array of interior and exterior accouterments.

The gasoline V6-powered models top out with the $90,990 HST that adds exterior gloss black detailing, red brake calipers, upgraded interior appointments, 825-watt Meridian sound and more.

Those seeking road-munching power will opt for the $92,990 Supercharged whose 510-hp, 461 lb-ft supercharged 5.0L V8 rockets the ute to 100 km/h in a mere 5.3 seconds. This also begets 20-inch alloys, next-gen air suspension, twin speed transfer case, torque vectoring and paddle shifters. Moving up we find the $97,490 Supercharged Dynamic on 21-inch wheels, and then the $107,490 Autobiography with its flagship levels of appointments.

Not enough? New for 2016 is the Range Rover Sport SVR that does its best to marry bonified track capability with off-road mojo. At $124,990, the SVR brags 550 horsepower, Brembo brakes, 21-inch wheels, retuned suspension and transmission, plus aggressive body bits. It blasts to 100 km/h in under 5 seconds and will tow up to 3000 kg.

A new engine option for 2016 is a 3.0L turbo diesel V6 that makes 210 horsepower and a healthy 440 lb-ft of torque from 1750 rpm. This engine suits the Range Rover Sport to a tee, giving it effortless urge at most speeds. Its official fuel economy numbers are 8.1 L/100 km highway and 10.6 L/100 km city. The 2016 Range Rover Sport Td6 starts at $82,990.