Almost half a century ago (1970), the Range Rover was introduced in the world as perhaps the very first luxury SUV (sport utility utility vehicle).

Yes, there was the Jeep Wagoneer that bowed in 1962. It had a high usability, but was marginal in terms of luxury.

And then there were a few small competitors, such as the intriguing V12 Lamborghini LM002 (1986) and the subsequent LM004, but the Range Rover was the standard with which all others are judged, and in many cases still.

The queen enjoys her at Balmoral, as well as a large number of members of the royal family and others who see the Range Rover as the perfect "gentleman & # 39; s express" for crossing Europe, the Middle East and of course North America .

From the original Range Rover is the brand in the Evoque, Discovery and Velar with different characters, but with the guarantee to go all over an area and get in style, is still the trademark's trademark.

The Range Rover main model series now consists of four trim levels, including the HSE TD6 diesel from $ 113,000, the subject of this week's assessment.

Despite the recent negative news about VW & # 39; s & # 39; Dieselgate & # 39; fiasco, the efficiency inherent in diesel technology can not be denied.

Downtown Windsor to Yonge Street, Toronto, on a half tank is good for any vehicle, but it's also fun when you're at the helm of the Range Rover TD6 from 2018.

In the course of just under 2,000 km, the TD6 with diesel engine has put everything on track, from cruising through the neighborhood where I grew up, to the stringing of my way back to Toronto in one of the worst driving conditions I've ever seen on Highway. 401.

The core of the TD6 is a 3.0-liter common-rail turbo diesel engine delivering 254 hp and a healthy 443 lb / ft of torque coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission with Range Rover's tailor-made all-wheel drive.

With all that torque, the TD6 accelerates from 0-100 km / k in 8.0 seconds with a top speed of 209 km / h, while it is capable of towing up to 3,500 kg (7,716 lb) when properly equipped.

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The driver is high to give an impressive picture of the road around you, which was a blessing on the ride from Windsor.

Being able to know where the four corners are on a vehicle, this big one can not be done with a regular sedan, which is another reason why consumers go to SUVs en masse.

The instrumentation is excellent, with a flat-faced instrument panel with a large steering wheel – all of which combine to give you the feeling of commanding a yacht, which is one of the attractive features.

Information for the driver depends on three displays, starting with the 12-inch Interactive Driver dual-dial display, single face and extended mode views available while the phone, media setting and navigation are displayed.

Two 10-inch touch screens are located on the center console with the settings for the upper operating system, telephone, navigation, camera and parking assistance.

The bottom controls climate control, climate and massage chairs and Terrain Response / Driver functions, along with "Widget" functions, which can control certain telephone and media controls.

And then there are no less than seven Terrain Response settings: Rock Crawl, Sand, Mud / Ruts, GCS, Eco, Dynamic and Comfort, the default setting.

If you had ever had a diesel in the past, one of the disadvantages was waiting until the glow plugs warmed the cylinder before the ignition process was started, especially in the winter.

That is now all over and the TD6 starts on the button and goes without any delay, which is good for every turbo, especially a diesel.

It was not that bad on Windsor's construction-covered car ride, at least on the inside.

I sat on 20-fold heated and cooled seats with a wide sill on the driver's window, making it a great leather armchair.

Part of the optional Drive Pro package ($ 2,220) was not only air conditioning with three zones, but also adaptive cruise control, lane assistant and blind spot assistant.

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Although I had both hands on the wheel at all times due to the difficult traffic conditions, the adaptive cruise and lane distribution was reassuring to be used as a back-up.

Finished in dark Russello Red with a huge panoramic, electric sunroof, I was surprised how many truckers in their big rigs gave an approving nod when we walked together between Chatham and London.

Range Rover scrimps on nothing and that includes a full spare tire easily accessible under the loading floor which, for me, is an important decision maker.

Standing still on the side of the highway with a flat in the heat of summer or the death of winter with nothing to show, but an inflator set gives me the shivers.

The TD6 not only has a superior range across most, if not all, modern SUVs of today, it's one of a handful that you can get from coast to coast, not just on the highway, but on every terrain that you can come across.

2018 Range Rover SWB TD6

BODY STYLE: Five-person, four-door SUV, full-size
DRIVE METHOD: Eight speeds Automatic, permanent all-wheel drive with Terrain Response
MOTOR: 3.0 liter intercooled turbo V6 (torque of 254 hp / 443 lb / ft)
FUEL ECONOMY: (Diesel) 10.7 / 8.3L / 100 km city / highway
TREK CAPACITY: 3,500 kg (7,716 lb)
LOAD: 1,943 liters behind the first row, 900 liters behind the second row
PRICE: Base $ 113,000; as tested, $ 130,440 including destination surcharge of $ 1,600
webite: LandRover.ca

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