It is a genuine “Go anywhere” vehicle. It has a specially programmed Terrain Response 2 system which is capable of analyzing the inputs derived from the sensors precisely located within the vehicle’s framework, and helps to reduce driver’s intervention. The system maximizes off road performance. The comfort level in the cabin is very good. The fuel economy is acceptable and not so bad considering the size of the vehicle and its curb weight. The SUV includes a completely new range of safety features and offers a newly designed dashboard. The biggest makeover is what lies beneath the sheet metal – the unique “unibody” construction pattern. Owning the 2013 Range Rover Supercharged is like buying two distinct vehicles – a highly rugged off road SUV and a luxury car, the features of both the vehicles integrated into a single entity.
The vehicle is supplied with a two speed transmission gearbox which supports normal driving consisting of frequent changing of gears, and a special setting option which offers a high torque necessary for climbing gradients and crawling over rocky terrains. A standard air suspension having four levels of height adjustments helps to cope up with the different ground clearance levels required for different types of terrains. The normal ground clearance level is quite high, and by pressing a button, the vehicle adjusts itself to different clearance levels. It is a plus point because it can help the SUV to decrease its height while being parked in garages having low ceilings, and increase the clearance levels when negotiating over rocky terrains which require more “play” between the wheel and the fender. The off road speed limits are system regulated. One of the main advantages of the automated features of the vehicle is its parallel parking system which makes use of sonar sensors to measure the curbside parking space and judge whether the SUV will fit within the designated or available parking area. When enough parking space is found by the sensors, the digital instrument console indicates the parking feasibility, and the computerized system takes over. The electronic power steering manipulates itself and parks the vehicle without driver intervention. The driver, however has control over the gas and brake controls.
The infotainment system offers many high tech features which can be controlled by touch screen menus. The voice control system however is not so convenient, as it requires the driver to provide responses to multiple prompts as well as confirmations. The menu system is far too sluggish, and results into low response times. For example, the driver has to interact with the system and provide many inputs, involving many screens, before it can even carry out a basic task such as finding the nearest gas or service station. Another drawback of the automated features is that the vehicle parking feature works only on the right hand side of the vehicle and totally ignores the left hand side. Moreover, the system is very slow – it is often more convenient and quicker to manually park the vehicle by doing away with the automated parking feature. In all, the vehicle is a good buy considering the comfort levels and the host of new features offered by the auto manufacturer.
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Tagged: 2013 range rover review, land rover range rover supercharged review, range rover review
