Range Rover raises luxury

By ALASTAIR SLOANE

The new Range Rover is expected go on sale in New Zealand next June.

The third-generation model retains the distinctive Range Rover styling cues inside and out, but offers improved luxury.

The engines have been updated, too. The petrol vehicle gets a 4.4-litre V8 and the turbo-diesel a 3-litre straight-six. Both engines are current BMW units.

The first Range Rover introduced upmarket four-wheel-drive transport to the world in 1970. The second took things a few steps further in 1994. The third goes further again.

"We believe the new Range Rover is the most capable vehicle in the world with the greatest breadth of on- and off-road ability," said the managing director of Land Rover New Zealand, Peter Lockie.

"We wanted to set the new model apart from all off-road competitors and also offer an interior that beats luxury saloon rivals."

The Range Rover has full-time four-wheel-drive and uses independent suspension front and rear. A host of technological innovations improve on- and off-road ability.

The premium Vogue is expected to cost considerably more than than the current Vogue's $135,000. The 2002 Range Rover will be sold in 125 countries.