...I didn't actually buy a Range Rover Sport in the end because I didn't enjoy driving it, but I wanted to post back and thank everyone (James, Spencer and Barry) for a fabulous deal and great service over the past week as we tried to put a package together.

There is no doubt that if I had liked the car I would have definately bought from these guys and I therefore just thought a "thankyou" would be in order.

Nice

Out of interest, what didn't you like about the RRS? 

2009 Outstanding Contribution Award - Joint Runner Up
2009 'Tech-Head Of The Year' Award - Runner Up

Like it here? Then Donate to RRSPORT!!

I tried a V6 and a V8. The first thing I would say to a prospective buyer is - don't discount the V6. On paper it looks like the V8 is the only one to have. When you drive it the V6, however, it makes a remarkably convincing job of hauling the car along. As a note, the steering is notably lighter also on the V6, I suspect given the lighter weight of the engine over the front axle. The other thing I'd say is that the V8 still changes down more than you'd expect when you want to pull away smartly just like the V6 does; it's not some big gurgling american style V8 with THAT much power that it just stays in one gear. It's nice, the V8, and better, yes - all I'm saying is that as a newcomer to the RRS when you read the brochure you definately think the V6 will be a waste of time and now I see that couldn't be more wrong. It's very nice.

Why didn't I buy one? Well it's the body control. At the end of the day it's an off roader, and try as they have the body still wobbles about when you hit poor road surfaces. You can feel the chassis and body having a constant dialogue - in some cases quite a heated one and on big potholes it's a positive disagreement! My (heavily pregnant!) wife was sat in the back and without me saying a word she asked the salesman what that "vibration" was!

Also the steering is vague around the middle; I found myself constantly correcting even in a straight line for a little while until I started to do it automatically.

Ultimately, the car is probably about 500kg too heavy, and no amount of clever trickery can disguise the pounding that the suspension is getting as it tries to control all that weight.

Obviously the above is 100% a personal opinion - I think the RRS is a great looking car and I'm glad it's out there. Just not for me, that's all!

All fair points, I think

So what have you gone for instead? 

2009 Outstanding Contribution Award - Joint Runner Up
2009 'Tech-Head Of The Year' Award - Runner Up

Like it here? Then Donate to RRSPORT!!

Close but no cigar!

Pleasure dealing with you, and if your circumstances change and you are in the market for any of our products then please give us a call!

Thanks for the update and the special mention.

James

Great review JT

It's a shame it's not for you however intrigued to know what you went for in the end.

Whatever it is, please come back on and keep us posted with your thoughts and if it turns out to be the right decision further down the line

Good luck either way  Runner up - 2009 Best Avatar Award
Joint runner up - 2009 Outstanding Contribution Award
WINNER - 2008 ‘Best Thread’ Award – Beautiful Women Of The World
Runner Up - 2008 Comedian Of The Year Award
Runner Up - 2008’s Funniest Incident

06 RRS TDV6 HSE, Java/Ebony, PTI, Running Boards, Privacy, S/C Grille/Vents, Stormers, Tasmods - GONE - (

The Cayenne looks like the most likely choice I think. The V6 one will do early twenties to the gallon of its cheaper petrol and is around £10k less than the TDV8 whilst still having slightly more performance.

Also I am fortunate that I like the way the Cayenne looks (because I know some people really can't stand the look). From a driving perspective the Porsche controls its (lighter!) body very well - I am sure it would not be as good as the RRS off road but for me "off road" means an icy hill outside my house that gives my 3 series a real problem every winter - or a muddy Cadwell park track day with the trailer on the back.

Finally, I miss those lovely white on black "porsche" dials that my old 964RS had, so there is some personal marketing tom foolery going on there too with the Cayenne dash!

I will let you know how I go on!

Julian,

Nice choice - I'm also a fan of the Cayenne - just make sure you get a 'HUGE' discount on the deal as residuals on the Cayenne are criminal

Kaine

A very good, balanced & well written review of the RRS there JT

Best of luck with the Porsche & as the others have said, do pop back in & let us know how you get on.

Thanks chaps!

I have noticed the Cayenne prices Kaine. The RRS does much better. I will have to buy (lightly) used for sure !

All the best,

Julian

JT, a good friend of mine in the UK has a black V6 Cayenne which he really likes.

Personally, I think his is a bit 'Under-wheeled' (I think it's on 18's as std) and definitely needs 20's to fill the arches a bit more but having been in it last time we were back I can confirm it's a very nice car  Runner up - 2009 Best Avatar Award
Joint runner up - 2009 Outstanding Contribution Award
WINNER - 2008 ‘Best Thread’ Award – Beautiful Women Of The World
Runner Up - 2008 Comedian Of The Year Award
Runner Up - 2008’s Funniest Incident

06 RRS TDV6 HSE, Java/Ebony, PTI, Running Boards, Privacy, S/C Grille/Vents, Stormers, Tasmods - GONE - (

I too like the Cayenne as a car, although I do have an issue with it's "challenging" looks but that is just me.

It's my opinion that it also handles better than the RRS, but then I also think the X5 does as well... don't discount the Cayenne's offroad ability either; out of the competition, the Cayenne is probably next in line behind the LR range. My only comment would be that the V6 is a little bit gutless for the size of the car if you enjoy a spirited drive, but then the V8 alternatives are obviously much more thirsty. Horses for courses.

Good luck with it and it would be good to hear how you go with it once you've done the deal  

2009 Outstanding Contribution Award - Joint Runner Up
2009 'Tech-Head Of The Year' Award - Runner Up

Like it here? Then Donate to RRSPORT!!

Great bit of reviewing Julian, very balanced and fair. I have to say I used to hate the look of the Cayenne BUT am now a convert, since the face lift I think they have made it look much better. 2013 Discovery HSE Luxury - 3.0 SDV6 - Santorini Black
2013 Evoque 5 Door Pure Tech SD4 - Orkney Grey with Panoramic Roof (Mrs E's new baby)

GONE - RRS - 3.0 TDV6 HSE - Santorini (2010)
GONE - RRS - 2.7 TDV6 HSE - Java Black (2007)
GONE - Porsche Boxster S - 3.2 - Black

V6 Cayenne is, on paper, as quick as (or even slightly quicker than) TDV8 RRS - but of course it doesn't have the torque so when you're bumbling around it feels as flat as a fart.

This will be ok, however, for going to work.

If I do ever get a clear road and am able to string some bends together then it comes a bit more alive with a bucket full of revs using the tiptronic shifter in manual.

Also in a similar vein to the TDV6 vs TDV8 there is around 80kg less over the front axle so when you're braking into a corner that translates into a little more precision than the V8.

Ususal story I think - nothing is perfect you've just got to try and get the closest thing you can!

Well I'm back to report on my Cayenne as requested!

I ended up with an S model - so the 4.8 v8 with just shy of 400bhp.

I am getting 20mpg out of it driving sensibly, and it's a fantastic drive.

To be fair although the body control is better than the RRS it is still not perfect, and can get caught out by sharp potholes. Mine has the air suspension so roll is well controlled and the nose tucks in to wet roundabouts like a sports car, not a 4x4!

Overall very pleased with it even if some people react negatively towards the car.

Still, I like it, so that's all that matters