This is the new Range Rover Hybrid, which is claimed to deliver similar levels of performance to the conventional models, but with a decently improved fuel efficiency, says Steve Cropley in Autocar. And it's hard not to be impressed by the figures: Range Rover claims an average of 44.1mpg and carbon dioxide emissions of 169g/km. That's a 17% reduction in fuel consumption when compared to the TDV6 model.
The new hybrid system combines the Range Rover's TDV6 diesel with a 35kW electric motor. There is a system that harvests kinetic energy to recharge the battery when the car is coasting or braking. But there is "no compromise" in off-road performance, says Cropley, and, with V6 diesel and electric motor "at full tilt", it can sprint from 0 to 62mph in 6.9 seconds and go on to a top speed of 135mph. "Brisk enough and it feels it." This is a car that is very much still "all Range Rover, in the best possible sense".
The Range Rover Hybrid is an impressive achievement, says AutoExpress. "Thanks to the clever control systems, the engine and electric motor work in almost perfect harmony to deliver a punchy drive on road and off it, as well as returning some decent gains in fuel economy."
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The only downsides are the limited range when running purely on electric (it can only go for about a mile at 30mph) and the huge price tag (prices have yet to be announced, but expect to pay £98,000 when it goes on sale in September that's a good £20,000 premium over the models on which it's based). But if you have the cash, you won't be disappointed with this "well engineered and executed technology showcase".
Price: £98,000 (estimated)Top speed: 135mph0-62mph: 6.9 secondsEngine: 2,993cc,V6, turbocharged diesel, plus electric motorPower: 355bhp at 4,000rpmTorque: 516lb ft at 1,500rpm
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