Talk Morgan Forums Community Vehicle Talk (non-Morgan) Range Rover TDV8

Well, tomorrow (with a little luck) should end the daily drive of the Aero 8 as I am hoping to collect the new Range Rover TDV8. I've heard great things about the new engine so am excited to see if it lives up to the hype. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Looking forward to seeing it. If I wasn't stuck in meetings all day tomorrow I would pop over for a gander. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/gloomy.gif" alt="" />

Trust you got back from Southampton in one piece Simon? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cop.gif" alt="" />

so how is it Simon? I have read a very good review of the new engine.

I only had the chance to drive it 45-miles home, on the motorway, yesterday - so a fair review will have to wait.

As it stands, the 'new' interior (MY07 revisions) are very nice and improve upon what I always felt was probably one of the nicest interiors on sale a the moment (it has always reminded me of a high-end home stereo, what with the use of wood, aluminium knobs and such).

Because the TDV8 has the RR Supercharged brakes and suspension, it handles far better than any RR I've driven before (the wallowy ride and handling was what put me off before) but it retains the quiet interior and feeling of 'calm'. (The engine is also very quiet and it would be easy to forget it's a V8 diesel - in fact, I can see why they have fitted the first ever automatic closing internal fuel car: basically the pipe closes if you try to insert a petrol nozzle and you need to reset this with a little tool in the boot).

I'm off to do some miles in it later, so I'll write a bit more about the engine later.

As for the exterior... it's the a-typical Java Black Range Rover with 20" wheels <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Just call me PIMP <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Let's see the evidence, photos of the new wheels please...
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/woohoo.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

He's still out driving it.. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/party.gif" alt="" />

I doubt we will see a photo of it today, unless Simon takes one whilst he is out. It's going to be dirty when he gets back and then the 'pure joy' of cleaning a beast of that size..

Ben, Ben where are you? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/coffee.gif" alt="" />

Well, I put another 50+ miles on it today - in mixed a/b road and motorway driving and I have to say I'm very impressed. The engine pulls really well at low speeds (under 60 mph) and seems to be returning very fair mpg (mid 20s).

I actually didn't take any pictures when I picked it up <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> ... this is mainly due to the fact that I am having a few 'extras' fitted and was planning to wait until then to take some shots. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

It's pouring rain, miserable but I stood under cover and took this picture... see, it looks like an a-typical black Range Rover <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

The wheels are the new 20", which is the first time they've been able to fit 20"s on the diesel without it causing too much vibration through the steering wheel.

One very interesting aspect of buying this car - and a good one as well as a smart/wise move on Land Rovers part, is that they are CO2 Offsetting the environmental aspect of the build process and the first 45,000 miles of vehicle use. Basically on my invoice was a charge for

I think Simon and I will be hooking up shortly to get both the Morgan and the Rangie ready for the winter (if it ever arrives...).

Car looks good Simon, although I hope one of the extras you're having fitted is privacy glass - I think that would really add to the look of the car.

Ben