BUSINESS CLASS TRAVEL

YOU'D EXPECT NOTHING ELSE BUT COMFORT AND LUXURY FROM A RANGE ROVER OR LEXUS. A HYUNDAI NOT SO MUCH. SO WOULD THE STYLISH PALISADE PROVE A SURPRISE? OUR MOTORING ED DIETER LOSSKARN WAS KEEN TO FIND OUT...

- DIETER LOSSKARN

FROM THE BEGINNING OF SUV TIMES

RANGE ROVER WAS THE EPITOME OF SUPREME LUXURY AND AMAZING OFF-ROAD ABILITIES. Nothing has changed. No matter which Range Rover you are in.

I am currently driving the new Sport, with the six-cylinder diesel powerplant. It is such a refined oil-burner, you'd think you were propelled by a petrol-fired ride. Even the sound is muscular.

The first Range Sport variant was launched in 2005. This third iteration is based on its sibling, the 'regular' Range Rover, and it features slimmer headlights and a cleaner design, which still clearly maintains the unique RR Sport lines.

What first catches your eyes are the impressively enormous 23-inch wheels. Remembering how 21-inch wheels usually feel in SUVs, I expected the worst regarding the ride quality. But inside the quiet and refined cabin, the air suspension effectively prevented bumps and shakes from aggravating my lower back. It's a dream car you immediately want to take on extended road trips across the country.

The Japanese offering in this luxury SUV line-up evokes the same kind of feel. Especially in the flagship model RX500h, the most powerful (and expensive) of the four derivatives currently offered in South Africa.