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It’s been a long time coming and I was honestly getting concerned that halfway through the year I hadn’t found any pleasant surprises yet. Sure, thundering AMG’s and seven-figure Jags may apply but it wasn’t until last week that I stumbled across a hidden gem: the Opel Astra GTC.
Prepare to meet the definition of the words legend, antique and expensive. I haven’t been so excited about a test car in months and it’s been equally long since I witnessed such diverse and lively reactions to a vehicle, in this case a Mercedes-Benz G350 BlueTEC.
I’m in love. Head over heels, butterfly-filled stomach, Vaseline border vision, smiling double-sigh, pulling petals off flowers while gazing into the sunset in love. Please believe me when I say that I tried to resist it, but eventually the Range Rover Vogue SE TDV8 got under my skin.
Land-Rover was one of the first companies to identify and attack the SUV market, bolstered by its experience with no-nonsense bundu bashers and luxury brawlers. The Discovery was launched in 1989 to neatly fill the gap between the basic Defender and suave Range Rover.
Welcome to this week’s contradiction on wheels: the decidedly extravagant Range Rover powered by a sensible turbo-diesel engine. Half the appeal of a flashy R-R Sport was always its thundering beast of an engine so does this mean the Sport badge should be ripped off its backside?
Mere minutes ago I realised that I have an unnerving affection for American cars. Despite my personal preferences, I quite like most Dodge efforts, secretly lust after an old Corvette and regard Jeep as one of the most esteemed badges in the business.
Having recently had the pleasure of testing the big Range Rover Vogue, I am severely pleased that I don’t possess the bank balance to afford such a car. Yet. With the 2010 Range Rover Sport Supercharged taking up most of my driveway, I’m glad I don’t have to choose between the two.
No time for chit-chat this week, I have a lot of stuff to work through with our latest test car, the Range Rover Vogue SE TDV8. If you think that name is quite long, you should cast your eyes upon the car itself. I can’t recall when last I drove a car that is, mostly, taller than me.