Expert answer

Hi Suliman,

Obviously we'd not recommend such things in normal conditions on a public road, but if you do need to know how to disable it...

Start the engine up and put the gearbox into Drive. Let the car creep forward a little. While creeping, slot the gear lever back into Neutral. Then turn the ignition key as if you were starting the engine again. You should here an electronic 'bong' noise signifying that the 'Performance Mode' is activated.

I believe it will reset to normal next time you turn the car off and back on.

Use with caution!

Expert answer

Hi Shane,

First of all, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) utilises the ABS sensors to operate, so if you have DSC then you have ABS. We checked with MINI Ireland about standard equipment on the Cooper S and they confirmed that the September 2008 to 2009 model year version did indeed have DSC as standard, which incorporates ABS, as well as Anti Skid Control (ASC) and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC).

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

Hi there,

See the DSC button to the bottom right of the image below? Hold that down for what seems an age. Eventually you'll hear a 'bong' and something like 'DSC off' will be displayed in the dashboard. Note that there's an interim setting where it's not turned off fully though a light does light up on the dash saying 'Trac DSC' or similar. Don't let go of the button when you see this if you want it turned off fully.

Disclaimer: We're not responsible for how the car reacts when you turn off the traction control!

Hope that helps. Let me know if you can't get it to work.

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.