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2006 Range Rover HSE Test Drive and Review

From Colin Hefferon

4 of 5

On the Road in the Range Rover HSE

2006 Range Rover HSE

(c) Colin Hefferon
A naturally aspirated 4.4L Jaguar V-8 as well as a supercharged Jaguar 4.2L V-8 are available. The 4.4L, which I tested, puts out 305 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. These are pretty significant numbers but I still feel they must be understated. This thing is a rocketship. The six-speed auto clearly has a lot to do with this extraordinary responsiveness. The gearing feels close to perfect. Step on the gas at almost any speed and you’re pushed back into your seat.

I tested the natural aspirated engine and it was plenty fast. The blown version, which I regrettably didn’t get a chance to drive, must be a monster - a very expensive monster, by the way. A friend whose enormously wealthy father recently ordered a supercharged version explained it this way: If you’ve already popped for 70 or 80 grand, you might as well go the extra ten so you don’t look cheap. Offhand, I can’t think of any situation where anyone opting for even the basic HSE will look cheap.

Once you’ve spent a few days with this beautiful brute, your worldview begins to change. It has extraordinary presence. Driving it makes you feel special. Few automobiles impart this kind of feeling.

I don't want to neglect mentioning the parking assist camera. It makes parallel parking a snap.

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