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THE 110 is a new model in the Land-Rover stable and such are the improvements over previous models that it is expected in time to replace the 109 in all its guises, reports BILL BROCK.
"There will however be a longterm commitment by the company to all existing models," said managing director Tony Gilroy. "Continuity is important in a conservative market that appreciates evolution rather than revolution".
The latest element of the company's £200m investment programme combines the best of Land Rover and Range Rover. Mr Gilroy would not be drawn on how long it might take to recoup such a sum but assured CM that Land-Rover is in profit and intends to develop its export business, currently running at £220rn a year. On the road, I was able to try out the 110 V8 12 seater County model. It was unladen but nevertheless the ride and handling showed a dramatic improvement on the Series Three, matching the power and speed of the vehicle. Fitted with a four speed box transmission, noise was very low; and the overdrive box fitted to the four cylinder machines should be even quicker.
Power steering is a welcome addition and gave a positive feel on the road. The one-piece front screen provides better forward vision but only when the spare wheel is not fitted on the bonnet.
The third seat between driver and passenger seats at the front is almost unusable but its inclusion does get round car tax.
Off-road at Land-Rover's Solihull test course, I was able to try out less powerful models.
In heavy rutted mud tracks the power steering could be manoeuvred without much effort but the purists will no doubt prefer the standard steering set-up, which gave better indication of the direction of the steered wheels.
Strange noises came from the front disc brakes after emerging from deep muddy water but their efficiency seemed unimpaired.
Other specially prepared sections tested wheel articulation, hill climbing and side stability, and in true Land Rover form the vehicle plodded through them all.
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