Simply Abu Dhabi XXXIV

2 2 7 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I This point is also reinforced when negotiating the notorious UAE speed humps where the Range Rover will glide over themwhile some of the more sporting SUVs need to treat themwith caution for fear of scraping the nose and/or hitting your head against the roof. In this regard, the Range Rover Sport offers more versatility as it’s hardly a slouch when it comes to outright performance and its steering is nicely weighted allowing you to place it in most situations with confidence at speed. The familiar 5-litre engine is a joy to punt around, delivering a neat rasp through the exhaust when you bury the foot, while the auto transmission is as smooth as you will find anywhere. It’s virtually seamless in econo mode but when in sport, it’s always ready to drop a cog or two for a quick overtaking blast when needed before returning to cruise mode, happily ticking over at 2500rpm on the motorway. Select the adaptive cruise control and it has enough torque to keep it all running effortlessly without any pedal input from the driver. If your aim is to do track days with your SUV, then the Germans may be your thing, but if you want to get the best out of your SUV’s off-roading capabilities and enjoy a car that’s compliant on the uneven surfaces of many suburban roads, with an exhaust note that excites, then look no further. Combining a supremely luxurious interior with handsome, timeless looks on the outside, you really can’t go past the marque that started it all nearly 50 years ago, the Range Rover Sport Autobiography.