There are very few cars quite as impressive close-up as the new Range Rover. This is not just a matter of bulk, although there's plenty of that, in a vehicle whose large dimensions simply cannot be disguised.The thing is that, while the exterior appearance continues the familiar Range Rover general approach, everything's just that little more rounded-off. And if you want a formidable headlamp display, look no farther. The whole vehicle seems much more 2002.There's also been an attack on weight. Nothing with all the off-road technology expected in a Range Rover will ever be short on , but the fact that aluminium is used in the doors and bonnet is a sign that some effort has been made.What the 4.4-litre petrol HSE can't offer is good economy and low emissions. The V8 engine has been tweaked somewhat, but its fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are still eye-watering.Inside, the cabin is far more commodious than most rival 4x4s, even ones which seem to be on a similarly grand scale. There's a lavish amount of head, leg and shoulder room in the rear seat area. Unlike the Discovery, though, the Range Rover doesn't go in much for high-level stowage slots.It goes in for just about everything else, however, offering in standard form or from the options catalogue high standards of safety provision, climate control, telematics, seating, general equipment and cabin layout.There's also a huge range of accessories and extra-cost options, and if an owner really wants to push the boat out, the Autobiography programme is ready and waiting. It includes items from twin rear seatback TV/DVD screens at £4200 right up to special colour jobs at £10,000 retail.With variable camshaft control, variable inlet manifold control and a drive-by-wire throttle which responds differently on-road and off-road, the latest version of the V8 engine is strong on both power and torque. It runs noticeably more quietly, and is still linked to one of the finest 4x4 systems on the world market.In the HSE, a five-speed automatic transmission is standard. Of course, it also has a high and low range transfer box, now with a very neat Steptronic function which operates in both ranges and, among other things, comprehensively beats sister company Jaguar's J-gate for slick operation.The new Range Rover has computer-controlled air suspension as standard, with off-road, on-road and motorway settings. In extreme conditions, the "intelligent terrain sensing software" takes over.Now, all of this is highly praiseworthy, but the fact remains that the Range Rover is massively over-engineered for the kind of going most owners - certainly first owners - will tackle. Few of them will get even close to its off-road limits. After all, not many people will be prepared to spend almost £53,000 on a V8 HSE and, as soon as it's run-in, dash gleefully down some boulder-strewn riverbed or up the face of a quarry.Does this undeniable fact mean that for most purchasers a Range Rover V8 HSE is a fantastic waste of money? Well no, it doesn't. What you get is a car with colossal reserves - of power, control, traction, braking and all the rest. That's always very reassuring.This is a majestic performer, and unlike several other large-scale 4x4s its sophisticated suspension means that it simply wafts along minor roads and motorways alike. It can cope with quite forceful cornering, and bumpy tarmac straights don't even begin to put it off its stride.Like all good big cars, when it's travelling quickly it doesn't feel as bulky as it really is. In wet weather, though, as with the Discovery, you have to be prepared for the fact that if you go through even moderately deep standing water, encountered unexpectedly, at 25mph or above, the water doesn't splash out at the sides but provokes a bow wave which crashes over the whole windscreen.One notable plus point about the Range Rover, however, is that even if you entirely disregard its off-road credentials it should be a splendid winter-travel machine. The power reserves, traction, excellent braking and variable ground clearance mean that it will run securely in conditions where lesser vehicles might as well be left at home.
Engine
4398cc, 8 cylinders
Power
281bhp
Fuel/CO2
17.4mpg / 389g/km
Acceleration
0-60mph: 9.0 seconds
Top speed
130mph
Price
£52,995
Details correct at publication date