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The cars James Bond drives are as legendary as the agent himself, so when I was offered the chance to test drive the 2012 Range Rover Sport on my way to watch the latest 007 movie, I was more than a little excited.
Not only has the British sport utility vehicle (SUV) become part of the Bond franchise, but it’s also my favourite car and I had been waiting six long years to drive one.
According to the man who handed the keys over to me at Euro Motors, I’m not on my own. He believes the Range Rover is ‘everyone’s most loved car’ and probably will be for years to come. Before wishing me a pleasant trip, he also conveniently reminded me that the off-road experience was not one to miss either.
So, obviously, push to start and I drove to the desert to try it myself before heading to the cinema.
The normally boring journey flew by as the comfortable ride was accompanied by loud music pumping through the Harmon Kardon Logic sound system, offering a staggering 825W of power through 17 speakers.
The ride was smooth and I fell in love instantly as if she were my own, nicknaming the SUV Honey as I travelled along the highway accompanied by Ryan, the GulfWeekly photographer.
It was only later when I was discussing the test drive with a friend that he reminded me of the spooky Bond connection. Honeychile Rider is a fictional character in Ian Fleming’s novel Dr No. In the 1962 Bond film of the same name, her name was shortened and changed to Honey Ryder and played by Swiss actress Ursula Andress.
The Range Rover was every bit as stunning as a classic Bond girl. She was strong and powerful but this driver was completely in control.
I was able to select from five options (highway, mud and ruts, sand, grass/gravel/snow, and rock crawl) but the SUV did it all automatically, adjusting power and braking, making this model an efficient off-road machine.
It featured a 510bhp, 5.0L V8 engine with advanced chassis control systems. Inside, it boasted a two-toned beige and green leather interior, which complimented the Aintree green exterior. Other specifications included a sunroof, a navigation system, Bluetooth, iPod input, CD player, stability and traction control.
Moreover, what I loved the most, other than the perfect sound system, were the five external cameras. I’m not saying all women are bad drivers, but speaking for myself, the cameras (two in the front, one on each side mirror and one in the back) definitely helped, as it meant I was completely aware of my surroundings. There was also an Advanced Emergency Brake Assist system, designed to detect the driver’s responses to potential emergency situations.
I also felt completely superior, looking down on all the smaller cars. I was in control on the roads and a force to be reckoned with, just like Bond, and I loved it.
And for those who struggle getting in and out of SUV’s, you’re in luck as the car descends when the engine is switched off by the click of a button making it an easy and smooth exit.
The only issue I think people may face is that this SUV seemed to drink petrol, but then again, with current prices at the fuel pumps, it still remains affordable.
And just as I got a snippet of the Bond lifestyle, I had to return Honey and get back into my pea-sized car.
As I drove slowly away, Adele’s Skyfall, the new Bond theme song played on the radio, putting a smile on my face and giving me that Bond feeling once again … at least I still have that.
A Range Rover Vogue SE and a Land Rover Defender Double Cab Pick Up, as well as quick shots of the Range Rover Evoque, are featured in Skyfall now showing at Cineco, Saar Cineplex, Seef I and Al Jazeera Cineplex.
The Range Rover Sport 2012 is priced at BD43,500. For details, call Euro Motors on 17750750.
