Simply Abu Dhabi XXXIV

2 2 4 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I From behind the wheel, it’s a clear view ahead, sitting above the traffic while the interior has been given a full makeover with touchscreen controls taken from the Velar as well as climate control switches and the gear selector for the eight-speed auto similar to those you’ll find in the flagship Jaguar models. The instruments are clear and concise and the screen-based multimedia systemwhich now works via touch-sensitive pads rather than buttons, takes some familiarisation, but once you’re comfortable with it, is intuitive and works well. On the road, the Range Rover Sport corners far better than you might think if you’re familiar with the earlier generations, as there’s still some body roll but it’s greatly reduced, while off road it is as capable as the full-size Range Rover in any situation. Like all Range Rovers, the body roll is more pronounced compared to its rivals like the Porsche Cayenne, but it’s hard to compare them as while they are technically in the same class, the German and English approach to this sporty SUV segment is entirely different. The Porsche, like the Mercedes GLE and AMG versions are better pinned to the road and handle more like a sports car, but when it comes to looking for articulation of suspension travel off-road, the Range Rover Sport will get you to places the Germans will struggle to find. So, the trade-off is a bit of traditional Range Rover pitch and dive under braking before turning into a touch of understeer at the initial limits of grip. However, that’s where the stability control subtlety kicks in when needed.