How safe is a Range Rover?
I recently had a baby, which has inevitably given me a different perspective on various aspects of my life such as the safety credentials of my car. I've convinced myself that my Range Rover is one of the safest cars on the road, but I don't know if its NCAP rating backs this up? I often hear that large SUVs are more likely to turn over in an accident compared to the standard car but I don't know if this is true or just scaremongering?
Phillip Cawley (Avoca, Wicklow)May 2010 Filed under: safety
Expert answer
Family drivers have this instinct to cocoon them in as much metal as possible for fear of being in an accident so I understand where you are coming from.
The NCAP rating you mention is the European New Car Assessment Programme where the safety of cars is tested by crashing them into walls and pillars and all sorts under strict repeatable conditions. It's been a while since the Range Rover has been crash tested by the organisation, eight years in fact, so it was the first generation of the current Range Rover model and it managed four stars in the test. In summary, the model was good at protecting those in the car, but not those outside it. NCAP said in their report at the time:
"The Range Rover has an immensely strong body that provides for its occupants safe, well balanced protection in severe frontal and lateral impacts. Each of its doors could be opened normally after the tests and the amount of intrusion was slight. However, the driver experienced fairly high impact forces on his chest and, in a real crash, these pose a risk of injury. The child restraints worked well generally. But, unfortunately, the level of protection given to pedestrians proved to be dire."
The 2010 model is quite different from the 2002 version and is loaded with safety kit. Four-wheel, anti-lock disc brakes are standard, as is all-terrain traction control. Additionally, an adaptive cruise control system with Brake Assist will alert the driver if the car in front of the Range Rover starts to decelerate. When the system detects a crash is imminent, it primes the brakes so less force is required from the driver to apply full braking power. If no action is taken by the driver, the system will lightly apply the brakes to lessen the severity of the impact.
When it comes to airbags, the 2010 Range Rover is practically stuffed with them. In the front row there are front, side and side curtain airbags, plus a driver's knee airbag. In the second row, side-curtain airbags are standard.
Hope that all helps put your mind at ease.
Should I buy a crew cab?
Hi guys. For years we have been a two-car family. My wife drove the family car and I had the van. We are seriously considering becoming a one-vehicle household and want to ask your opinion on crew cabs. I have heard so many different views that that I'm confused. Can you recommend a model?
David McNamara (Clare)Apr 2010 Filed under: pick-up
Expert answer
The crew cab did enjoy a golden period in the early part of the last decade when there was a considerable tax break, with minimum VRT being charged on them. As a result, sales boomed for a period until this loophole was closed. Sales of the crew cab models aren't as strong as they used to be, especially since the building trade has been so badly affected by the economic downturn.
However, for someone like you they might still make an awful lot of sense because they offer the best of both worlds. They are useful as work vehicles with generous load bays and strong diesel engines that are capable both of high mileage and also towing duties. As everyday passenger vehicles they aren't as comfortable as a regular car and in some cases they aren't even as comfortable as a normal SUV, as most have a pretty basic chassis.
The main choices are between the Mitsubishi L200, the Toyota Hilux and the Nissan Navara. The L200 Double Cab €26,995 new - that includes a significant price reduction recently. It has a 2.5-litre diesel engine that puts out 136bhp. CO2 emissions of 228g/km mean that it will cost you €2,050 per annum to tax, which is pretty high.
The Navara has a 2.5-litre diesel engine with 171bhp and that is quite a bit more power than the Mitsubishi and it too has emissions of Band G, at 264g/km. Prices start at €34,135 for the Navara Double Cab.
The Hilux comes with a choice of 2.5- or 3.0-litre diesel engines, with 120- and 170bhp respectively. The Hilux has emissions that are in Band E, so you at least save yourself €1,000 in road tax. Prices start at €29,575 for the 2.5-litre Double Cab model.
Having said all that, the best options are likely to be used where there are huge savings.
A 2007 Navara will cost you €16,500 from an approved SIMI dealer: http://bit.ly/d0uIC8 for example
Or a 2007 Toyota Hilux will cost you €19,000: http://bit.ly/bLloV5
Or a 2006 Mitsubishi L200 will cost you €14,950: http://bit.ly/97foEZ