From the Daddy to the Babby

Look it, forget about my opinion. The truth is you like SUVs, Sports Utilities, 4x4s or whatever you want to call them. These vehicles allegedly have less green credentials and with macho bullbars fitted, they are intimidating and present more dangers to those you may hit in an accident - man or machine. But there's something about these vehicles that appeals to us and we are buying more and more of them.

In the same way that the word 'Hoover' has become synonymous with the vacuum cleaner, Land Rover has become synonymous with 4x4s. They are the four-wheel drive masters and their vehicles are testament to their rugged terrain traversing capabilities. Land Rovers have crossed over into popular culture as being cool, with proper, as opposed to pseudo, off-road ability.

When I parked the Range Rover in my drive-in, it seemed to take it over fully. It's enormous. Its presence wouldn't even be eclipsed by a stretched Hummer - possibly the single-most ugliest form of transport ever, unless you can think of anything uglier. The Daddy of all 4wds is the Range Rover. From the day it was launched to today, it is regarded as the one at the top of the hill/heap. (Probably the only one that could get there).

The Range Rover originally appealed to the very wealthy, who could also use it to make a class statement. The class and wealthy combination was shattered years ago and the publicity shy, as well as the publicity hungry, are both apt to drive a Range Rover. Contradictatory requirements provided by the same vehicle that must have, and still give, the marketers a head-wrecking problem. I never once felt conspicuous driving the Range Rover. That's because I always dreamed it was the form of transport fitting for my perceived place in the world. Out and about you get 'those looks' and less than your fair share of goodwill from fellow motorists for sure.

The Babby of 4wds, on the other hand, is less divisive and contradictatory. It has widespread appeal in versions and your pocket. The first model was a roaring success that led to many imitations that bettered it in some departments and failed miserably in others. Where the Freelander excelled was in the basics i.e. traversing ground that isn't topped with smooth bitumen, tarmac or any derivative of the black stuff. Where it let itself down was in the reliability stakes, which in any car these days is totally unacceptable. The new Freelander has slayed a few demons and the hopes are high it'll be a dependable, trusty means of transport for many a year. The Freelander was designed to be the big seller and it should be. It is as complete a form of transport for me as is possible. Step in/out seating position, zero wind and road noise with a responsive diesel engine fitted. The interior gurus of Ford have splashed a bit of magic over the Freelander. Whereas the original Freelander could have been made up from the motoring equivalent of Oxfam, the new one has its own consistent look that's seamlessly blended in.

I've driven all the Land Rovers now and the two above are reviewed in-depth on www.esbelectricmail.com/motoring. Without spoiling the reviews in advance for you, my pecking order of Land Rovers might surprise you. Get clicking to find out.

Range Rover 3.6 TDV8

Freelander2 TD4 2.2l

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www.landrover.ie
Daddy RRP: €103,000
Babby RRP: €41,990

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