1. Home
  2. Autos
  3. Trucks

2006 Range Rover HSE Test Drive and Review

From Colin Hefferon

2 of 5

First Glance at the Range Rover HSE

2006 Range Rover HSE

(c) Colin Hefferon

First Look at the HSE Range Rover

Your most immediate impression of the Range Rover is its immense size. Yet it does not look big or sloppy. Rather it has a lean, even chiseled look, which is highlighted by side and back panels that are prevented from looking slab-like only by a seam running 360 degrees around the vehicle just above the door handles.

The glasshouse is extraordinarily tall -- almost, but not quite, disproportionately so. It will remind some of the glass in the exquisite BMW 2002ti from two decades past. It allows remarkable site lines from each of the four seats.

The Land Rover Corporation has built its flagship Range Rover to stay together in all road conditions. It has a monocoque integrated body/chassis with three steel subframes. The front fenders, hood and doors are aluminum alloy. The rest of the body is double-sided zinc coated steel.

The Range Rover has extraordinary presence. Photos just don't do it justice. I can't call it beautiful because it's certainly not -- at least not in the conventional sense that say, the new Europe-only Alfa Romeo Brera is beautiful. But when you're in it, you feel quite entitled to all the privileges and perks that seem naturally to be extended your way. It's a great feeling. One that's easy to get used to.

Explore Trucks
About.com Special Features

How to Inspect a Used Car

Stay safe and save time by following these tips before driving a used car. More >

New and Redesigned Cars for 2010

Discover the hottest cars for the 2010 calendar year. More >

  1. Home
  2. Autos
  3. Trucks
  4. Truck Buying Advice
  5. Pickup Truck Reviews
  6. 2006 Truck & SUV Reviews
  7. 2006 Range Rover HSE Test Drive and Review - Range Rover SUV

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.