See all Motoring NewsHaving been on sale for three years now, it's time for some updates for the second-generation Range Rover Sport - and the biggest news of all for the 2017 model year is the introduction of a new four-cylinder version.
Previously, the Sport has used V6 and V8 diesels, as well as supercharged V8 petrol engines, but now there's a new sequential twin-turbo example of the 2.0-litre 'Ingenium' diesel slated for the big SUV. Also joining the fold is the 340hp/450Nm supercharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine, this unit coming across from cars like Jaguar's entry-point F-Type and the XE S sports saloon, although it hasn't been confirmed as yet whether this motor will come to Ireland.
Back with the diesel, this is the first time the Ingenium engine has been used by the 4x4 company outside of its 'baby' Land Rover Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque families, with the newcomer instantly assuming the title of the most economical Range Rover Sport yet. Despite the addition of the extra turbocharger, this 240hp/500Nm lump can return 6.2 litres/100km (45.6mpg) and emits just 164g/km of CO2. It is the slowest Sport of them all, but it's no disgrace, as it puts in a commendable 0-100km/h time of 8.0 seconds and has a 206km/h top speed. There's a visual giveaway for the SD4, too, so even if it is de-badged by a self-conscious owner you can spot it's the 2.0-litre as it has a single twin-exit exhaust, where all other Sports get a single exhaust on each side of the bumper instead.
Despite its 340hp, the supercharged V6 petrol is slower to 100km/h from rest than the existing SDV6 diesel, the new Sport taking 7.1 seconds to tick off the sprint (6.8 seconds for the SDV6) and capable of the same 209km/h top speed as the 3.0-litre diesel. And given it uses 10.5 litres/100km (26.9mpg) and emits 243g/km, it's not the ideal choice for our market so we'd be surprised if it gets introduced here at all.
Elsewhere for the 2017MY, the Range Rover Sport gets more semi-autonomous driving technologies - such as Advanced Tow Assist, Blind Spot Assist and the Intelligent Speed Limiter - as well as Low Traction Launch and an updated 4x4i menu for off-roading. There's a new, enlarged dual-view 10-inch touchscreen for the InControl Touch Pro infotainment within and on the outside, a Bright Pack for the Autobiography Dynamic models and a range of 19 fresh premium colours from Jaguar Land Rover's Special Vehicles Operations division are introduced.
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