Land Rover Philippines (LRPhils) Motors, Inc., the official and exclusive importer and distributor of Land Rover vehicles in the country welcomed the all-new 2014 Range Rover Sport—the brand’s most dynamic and sportiest model that still manages to embody the Land Rover spirit of unparalleled all-terrain capability and Range Rover’s opulent luxury.

Considered as the fastest, most agile, and responsive Land Rover ever, the all-new Range Rover Sport exerts a bold and progressively designed exterior that’s more assertive, powerful, and muscular. The lowered roofline, squat stance, and (up to) 22-inch wheels all hint at the Range Rover Sport’s new-found performance. Developed alongside its bigger brother, the Range Rover, the Range Rover Sport underwent an extensive weight loss diet resulting in a curb weight that’s 420 kilograms less than its most immediate predecessor. Contributing to the Range Rover Sport’s lighter weight is among others, a new suspension design with wide-spaced Double Wishbones in the front and independent Multi-Links at the back. Other changes include an upgraded Dynamic Response and Adaptive Dynamics system.

The performance part of the equation is supplied by a choice of four engines—two supercharged petrol engines (510 horsepower, 5.0-liter V8 and a 340 horsepower 3.0-liter V6) and two diesel engines (292 horsepower, 3.0-liter SDV6 and a 339 horsepower 4.4-liter SDV8). These engines are mated to an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission.



“Developed and engineered without compromise, the all-new Range Rover Sport embodies the innovative spirit that the brand is known for. With Land Rover capability at its heart, the breadth of capability of this vehicle makes it the class leader on- and off-road,” said Marc Soong, Executive Director of LRPhils.

Inside, the all-new Range Rover Sport is both packed with cutting-edge technology while keeping abreast with the brand’s luxurious heritage. Distinguishing it from the Range Rover, the Range Rover Sport has a more cocooned interior with a higher center console to bring all the driving controls closer to the driver. In addition, the Range Rover Sport has a thicker rimmed steering wheel, a vertical gear shifter, and seats with thicker side bolsters. All the touch points in the Range Rover Sport have also been taken into consideration with authentic metal details and sumptuous leather surfaces. The Range Rover Sport offers a variety of options to improve either its occupant or luggage carrying capability. The second row may be ordered in a 60/40 split-fold or 40/20/40 split-fold configuration while third-row jump seats are an available option.

Like all other Range Rover models, the Range Rover Sport comes standard with a wide array of passive and active safety technologies. Being introduced for the first time, the Range Rover Sport comes with Wade Sensing that uses sensors in the door mirrors to provide drivers with information when driving through water. Visual and audible warnings alert the driver as the water rises around the vehicle (maximum wading depth is 850 millimeters).



Marking its launch, LRPhils invited a select group of motoring journalists to sample a taste of Scotland with a single-malt pairing event hosted by Diageo Reserve Philippines. With a sumptuous five-course lunch prepared by Chef Mikko David of Hungry Hound and Niner Ichi Nana, everyone was treated to Diageo Reserve’s classic single malts throughout the afternoon. Diageo Reserve Philippines flew in expert Colin Chia. Chia walked guest through the history, heritage, and unique enjoyment of Diageo’s range of classic malts including Oban, Lagavulin, Dalwhinnie, and Glenkinchie.

“It’s indeed a match made in heaven! Both the Range Rover Sport and Diageo Reserve Classic Malts embody the innovative spirit and distinct qualities their brands are known for. This full-day event is unique as we celebrate not only automobile luxury, but also excellent whiskey and food pairings,” said Marc Soong.

“We are honored to be part of this exclusive launch and excited to showcase an impeccable mix of Classic Malt’s flavors and textures,” said Colin Chia, Regional Brand Ambassador APAC, Diageo Reserve.