On show: Range Rover and Range Rover Sport Hybrids, Discovery facelifted, upgraded Range Rover Evoque
Range Rover and Range Rover Sport Hybrids
Most significant news from Land Rover following a raft of all-new models over recent months is the arrival of diesel-electric hybrid versions of both the full-size Range Rover and the new Range Rover Sport.
Both models were designed to take hybrid powertrains from the outset, so the batteries sit in a specially designed compartment in the floor meaning the passenger and luggage areas are unchanged from the existing models.
By mating the electric motor and 3.0-litre SDV6 engine to an eight-speed automatic transmission, Land Rover claims the new luxury hybrids match the larger SDV8 engine for performance with 335bhp and 700Nm of torque available.
Crucially, they’re 26 percent more efficient though, offering up to 44.1mpg and 169g/km of CO2.
Prices for the pair will be confirmed soon, with both available to order from mid-September for early 2014 delivery.
Click for our full reviews of the Land Rover Range Rover and Land Rover Range Rover Sport.
Discovery facelift
There’s no mistaking the revised-for-2014 Discovery when you see one as the previous ‘Land Rover’ lettering across the front edge of the bonnet has been replaced by the model name. Aficionados will also spot the dropping of the ‘4’ suffix from the model name and the SDV6 engine badge moving to the front doors.
Up front there’s a new grille and a single band of LED daytime running lights, while the tail lights are framed in black rather than red.
Although power output from the 3.0-litre diesel engine remains unchanged at 252bhp, fuel economy and emissions have both been improved to 35.3mpg and 213g/km of CO2 respectively.
Technology additions continue with a Meridian premium audio system and ‘Wade Sensing’ joining existing on-board cameras and monitoring systems.
All Discovery models ordered now will be the 2014 versions with delivery from mid-November.
Our full review of the Land Rover Discovery is available here.
Range Rover Evoque upgrades
Biggest news for Evoque customers is greater efficiency from the 2014 models.
Although the engines remain unchanged, fuel efficiency improves not only because of new features like ‘Active Driveline’, which switches off the four-wheel drive system, but also due to the fitment of a nine-speed automatic transmission. The result is the most frugal models can achieve a claimed 57.6mpg with emissions of 129g/km of CO2.
Technology is packed into the popular model with ‘Wade Sensing’ being joined by ‘InControl’ telecommunications which can give the car’s location to emergency services in the event of an accident or theft.
With new colours and alloy wheel designs for 2014, the new Evoque is available to order now.
For full details of the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque read the full Parkers review.
Click here for all the Frankfurt Motor Show coverage.
