New Range Rover Sport unveiled, India launch in six months

It looks like James Bond is giving up his Aston for another iconic British marque. The new Range Rover Sport from Jaguar LandRover was unveiled at New York by actor Daniel Craig. This Range Rover Sport is likely to be launched in India by September 2013.

LandRover chose New York to unveil the Range Rover Sport in dramatic style (including a high-speed run through downtown Manhattan) as the U.S. is the largest market for the brand globally. In markets like India it is fairly niche, and even its home turf of the United Kingdom isn’t as big. The SUV will be sold in 169 markets worldwide. Also read: Land Rover launches new Range Rover at Rs. 1.7 crore

The new Range Rover Sport is likely to be priced in the price range of Rs. 1.2 crore to Rs. 1.3 crore. One thing unique about this new Range Rover Sport that was unveiled is that it boasts of plenty of aluminium used in its construction, which has led a weight savings of nearly 500 Kg and that also makes it more fuel efficient than the model it will replace.

It also gets an all-new look, which was first seen on the Range Rover Evoque. The new styling keeps some of the traditional space and boxiness of the Range Rover intact, but gives it subtle curves and slopes to make it look far more attractive and modern. It is being positioned as a five-seater with the option of two extra seats in the boot making it a seven seater, although seven seats come as standard. Also read: Most expensive SUVs in India

The Range Rover Sport will come with a choice of a five-litre V8 turbo-petrol engine that puts out 510 bhp of power , a three-litre V6 diesel putting out 292 bhp and a detuned three-litre V6 putting out 258 bhp. It also comes with a V6 petrol putting out In India, the V6 diesel is likely to be the more popular choice. For the first time Range Rover will also offer a choice of power trains with the Range Rover Sport. One is an all-wheel drive system with a 40:60 front-rear torque split – which is a first on the Sport, and the other is the traditional Range Rover 4×4 system with low-ratio gearbox and differential locks.  Also read: Six most comfortable SUVs

The vehicle is loaded with features which include park assist, where it will automatically steer you into a parking spot, five cameras that give you a panoramic view of the vehicle outside to aid in parking, wade sensors that help in detecting the depth of water you are driving through and a panoramic sun-roof.

The Range Rover Sport will directly compete with Mercedes G63 AMG. Between the two, the Range Rover offers a bit more styling flair, but the G63 beats it on performance and sheer road presence.