Driving in the lap of luxury

Rover experience.
For me it wasn’t just about tourism, but to also learn and get more insight on the brand and its handling capabilities.
First off from the airport, I took off behind the wheel of the all new 2013 model Range Rover, the daddy of the pack.
Naturally, I led the convoy to the off road location where we would test the capabilities of this robust yet cute SUV.

Besides the handling which I rambled about a few weeks ago when it was launched in Zimbabwe by Premier Auto Services, the interior left me with very little words.
As a woman who likes all things clean and perfect, I was very impressed.

The luxurious interior has a modern and pure character, incorporating distinctive Range Rover design cues, but with a fresh and very contemporary treatment. The cabin retains the characteristic strong, architectural forms, and these are emphasised by extremely clean and elegant surfaces which are flawlessly executed using the finest leathers and veneers.

“Kamhuru kachinhuwirira” all perfectly stitched, what more could a senior executive ask for?
It has been engineered from the ground up to be the most refined, most capable Range Rover ever. 
With the adoption of the latest body and chassis technologies, the vehicle’s all-terrain performance has moved on to another level, both in the breadth and accessibility of its off-road capability, and its on-road handling and refinement. I tried all the new features which give it better off-road handling because personally I like to prove everything.
Next stop was the Range Rover Sport, the second in line.

This is definitely for the young and hip not for my granddad . . . kikiki.
Besides being clean shaven and well-shaped up, it has great off-road capabilities too.
Handling curves with so much confidence, I enjoyed every bit of it.

The interior is impeccable with hand-done finishes where a lot of attention to detail has been done.
Driving at high speeds with so much groundedness and stability leaves your adrenalin pumping.
I have driven it many times before but handling it in a different terrain gave me new insight.
For those of you who are religious followers you may have read a review on this vehicle.

The third and one of my favourites in the line-up was the Discovery 4.
The Disco is an icon, boxy and assertive, I’m always in love . . . kikikiki. With its remodelling early last year, it has become a dangerous never-to-be beaten competitor in its class.

I love it. Through dongas and rivers the all new Discovery 4 manoeuvred with no hassles. The Discovery 4’s design and equipment levels have been given a makeover.
“Enhanced design and equipment levels, consolidate the Discovery 4’s position as the most capable and versatile all-purpose vehicle on and off the road today.
“The Discovery 4 is quite simply in a class of its own,” said John Edwards, Land Rover global brand director.

The Disco 4 comes in the three trims, namely the SDV6 S which is entry level, the SDV6 Se which is in the middle and, of course, the one which is highly spaced – theSDV6 HSE.
On the SE and the HSE for those who want more ummmph and power, there is the V8 engine.

All versions of the 3.0-litre diesel engine are equipped with the same parallel sequential turbo-charging system. Throttle response is staggering with maximum torque available from only 2 000rpm.

The 3.0-litre diesel can significantly out perform its rivals by delivering 500Nm in only 500 milliseconds from idle.
This means drivers have instantaneous access to 83 percent of maximum torque. Fantastic, that’s all that I can say about the Discovery 4.
Lastly, the one vehicle that touched me from the day it was launched, designed for the high-end fashionistas, like yours truly – the all-new Range Rover Evoque. A design that is inspired by the vibrancy and energy that defines the greatest cities on earth.

A spirit that belongs to a new geeration. Bold and uncompromising. Unique. Original. With an attitude that’s got whatever it takes. The future transformed into stunning reality.
Unashamedly accomplished thanks to an all-new chassis, Range Rover Evoque charms with an engaging blend of dynamic, sporty handling and impressive refinement.
The lightweight, compact footprint of the vehicle and the low centre of gravity facilitate lightning quick responses and extraordinary agility. And with the option of adaptive dynamics with advanced MagneRideTM dampers, an optimum balance is achieved between confident, nimble handling and a supple yet controlled ride.
Range Rover Evoque masters all surfaces and all weathers, using legendary Land Rover all-terrain technologies.
It is smaller, lighter — the most efficient Range Rover ever. A true Range Rover in compact form yet a new class of SUV.
Available in two distinct body styles, Range Rover Evoque and Range Rover Evoque Coupé.

Bold, assertive design that is also offered with the option of two equally distinct derivatives — Prestige and Dynamic. Each one promising a true smorgasbord of modern design interpretations and technology.

Driving this vehicle in Livingstone roads was such a breeze, viewing elephants and other game, checking out the magnificent Victoria Falls was such an experience.
So from the stunning baby Evoque, the boxy Disco 4, the butch Range Rover Sport, and finally the flagship, the iconic Range Rover you will be driving first class.
Available stock at Premier Auto Services Harare, Manfred and his team will gladly assist with pricing and test drives.
I was blown away, you will be too.

Till next week, buckle up and keep it pumping. God bless you.

Fact Jeke is a car enthusiast with over a decade of experience. You can contact her on email: [email protected].