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I've been a wild rover for many a year ... And I spent all my money on Fords, Chryslers and the occasional MG.
Fortunately the good people of Euro Motors invited me to test drive the new Range Rover Sport and I found out what I have been missing for the past 33 years of my driving life.
I've known a few people who have been dedicated Range Rover owners who wouldn't drive anything-else ... in fact, one even had his treasured vehicle transported over to Bahrain from New Zealand rather than be parted from his high-mileage beloved car.
And, for a few days on the island I quickly became accustomed to feeling like a lord behind the wheel of a majestic motor and watching as Toyota Land Cruiser drivers from Saudi flashed me envious looks as I powered past them. Sport, please move out of the way!
This is a 4x4 which combines style with steel and the sport version knows how to move instantly by the nudge of the driver's foot in a southerly direction.
Land Rover believes it has staked out new territory with the introduction of the Range Rover Sport.
The Sports Tourer excels in its delivery of on-road performance, best in class comfort and refinement with incredible off-road ability.
The 2009 Range Rover Sport, the company tells me, introduces changes which are focused on building on its success; making the best even more desirable and ensuring that the successful and dynamic Sports Tourer vehicle continues to capture a greater share of the luxury SUV market.
The 2009 Range Rover Sport includes contemporary revisions to the exterior reinforcing its distinctive design. The interior enhancements develop the luxury theme, with an increased use of premium materials combined with revised trim colours.
The exterior enhancements are focused around the refreshed rear-end details, which include body colour finish to the tailgate trim and the addition of clear-lens rear lights and clear lens side indicators.
The dramatic stance of the vehicle is further enhanced with the addition of a second 20-inch wheel style, available in painted silver or diamond-turned finish. The new wheel style is complemented with the addition of a shadow chrome finish now available for the first time on the existing 10-spoke 20-inch alloy wheel.
My vehicle dazzled in white but I'm told there is also the choice of three new metallic paint colours - Santorini Black, Galway Green and Bournville (black with a hint of brown) - to further differentiate the 2009 Range Rover Sport.
The desirability of the range is further enhanced with the introduction of Noble, a metallic plate finish, on the centre console sides, air vent bezels and door pull handles to emphasise the clean architectural graphics of the cabin.
To continue the contemporary sporting nature of the cabin, leather seats with Alcantara centre panels have been extended across three colour options, with contrast Ivory stitching available with Ebony.
The introduction of acoustic laminated side glass to both driver and passenger windows allows occupants to enjoy the updated cabin whilst experiencing reduced levels of road and wind noise, along with increased levels of security.
There are powerful reasons why Range Rover Sport is one the world's best-performing sports tourers. It offers lightweight, compact and extremely strong engines where balance of performance, refinement and economy is unmatched.
Range Rover Sport is available in two powerful engine variants: a Supercharged 4.2 litre V8 delivering 390 BHP and accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 7.2 seconds, plus a high technology naturally aspirated engine variant that comes with a 4.4 litre V8 engine that delivers 300 BHP and accelerates 0-100 km/h in just 8.2 seconds.
Motoring scribes describe it as the best-handling, most agile and most exhilarating vehicle that Land Rover has ever produced. Fully independent double wishbone suspension is used in the front and rear. An innovative anti-roll control - Dynamic Response - ensures that the vehicle's attitude stays flat even at speed on challenging corners, while also preserving ride comfort and suppleness.
Other continued features include a linear speed-sensitive steering, Adaptive Cruise Control, a supple suspension system, Terrain Response and Land Rover's unique Dynamic Response System.
Advanced technology in the Range Rover Sport includes a comprehensive in-car entertainment and information system, including the availability of a twin-screen DVD system.
Other features include a harman/kardon 'Logic 7' digital surround-sound in-car entertainment system, a comprehensive navigation system including on and off-road modes and Bluetooth capability.
The different elements of the 'infotainment' system are connected by a fibre-optic MOST network for rapid data transfer.
Range Rover Sport is an exceptional sports tourer that offers the broadest range of capability in its class. Fast, agile and exhilarating to drive, it is refined and comfortable over long distances and excellent off-road.
As I pulled up at Euro Motors Sitra showroom to return the car after three days of spinning around the kingdom on the school run, to the football stadium, across the desert and on a daily commute from Saar to Isa Town, I switched off the ignition key and my driver's seat slid automatically backwards so that I could slip out of the vehicle.
Unfortunately, for the time being, it's no, nay, never, no nay never no more, will I play the wild rover. No never, no more.
That is unless I strike it lucky with my bank's lucky draw account because I'll miss this beautiful beast and can recommend it at a very attractive price of BD29,500.
For further details contact Euro Motors on 17750750 or visit: www.medialandrover.com
https://www.landrover.com/meast/
