Member Since: 07 Dec 2004
Location: Bramhall
Posts: 26779
13 model year - HSE lux, 1st impressions...
Took delivery of my new car yesterday. I have now done the 1st day out in it. The first thing you notice is how smooth and how much torque the SDV6 has, the 8 speed gearbox also is silky smooth. The rotary selector takes a few tries to get used to, but I'm fine with it now. The difference between the 2.7 and the new 8 speed 3.0 really is substantial.
The handling is very crisp, with much more body control, it feels lighter than a 3, and the 20 inch wheels don't seem to affect the ride too badly. The brakes were initially a bit dead, but now they are bedded in they are very powerful.
I have just about got used to the keyless system, and the door lock/unlock procedures. I need to be careful not to leave the key in the car when I get out
The stereo/iPod/phone/dvd /cameras are all great fun and easy to use. Its a credit to the designers that most things I have managed to work out and not had to resort to RTFM! The quality of sound and picture on the rear entertainment is astounding. The wireless headphones are very easy to use. Shame the kids have grown up!
A couple of times I have caught the shift paddle and managed to engage command shift without realising.
Also was surprised that the fuel tank was showing empty, but only managed to get 65 litres in it. Going to keep an eye on that as I suspect the gauge is reading low. It was saying 20 miles left when I tried to fill it.
So very impressed overall and can say that there is enough difference in the driving experience alone to warrant the upgrade from D3.
22nd Mar 2013 3:58 pm
Hairy Dan
Member Since: 19 Jan 2011
Location: Co. Durham
Posts: 12319
Re: 13 model year - HSE lux, 1st impressions...
They are great aren't they, I was surprised at the difference from a MY11 to the 12 so much better.
Gareth wrote:
I need to be careful not to leave the key in the car when I get out
Luckily you can't lock the car with the key inside I found this out when I had a holdall in the boot with my spare key in it and wondered why I couldn't get the car to lock, after 10 minutes of being unsuccessful I was on the verge of calling Land Rover Assistance when it suddenly dawned on me why it wouldn't lock Cheers Ian
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22nd Mar 2013 4:38 pm
DG Site Moderator
Member Since: 12 Dec 2005
Location: The Gaff
Posts: 50979
I am convinced that the steering rack ratios are different to the D3 ...the steering is light ...almost too light for my liking tbh ...but I'm getting used to it
If you want to get out of flappy paddle mode just keep your finger on the paddle for a few seconds and it will revert back 21 year LR veteran > D2 GS 2003 > D3 S 2006 > D3 HSE 2009 > D4 HSE 2013 > D4 HSE 2015 > D5 HSE 2018 > DS HSE R-Dynamic P300e 2021
22nd Mar 2013 4:46 pm
petersw
Member Since: 17 Nov 2012
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 1135
I think the steering rack is now variable ratio ... light at slow speeds and comfortable at higher speeds
22nd Mar 2013 4:51 pm
Gareth Site Moderator
Member Since: 07 Dec 2004
Location: Bramhall
Posts: 26779
Steering is definitely lighter, but not aware of different ratio.
The front cameras are a bit odd, I thought they would be looking left and right, giving a better view out onto the road at a blind junction for example, but mine seem to both be looking almost straight ahead, giving very nearly the same image on both cameras. I was hoping this would help me spot the suicidal cyclists coming down the pavement outside my house when I exit the driveway, but they are not much use to be honest.
22nd Mar 2013 5:44 pm
PSC
Member Since: 01 May 2006
Location: Johannesburg
Posts: 255
Re: 13 model year - HSE lux, 1st impressions...
Hairy Dan wrote:
Luckily you can't lock the car with the key inside
Well I managed to lock my key in the boot - at the airport - the signal must have been obscured by my laptop (the key was in the laptop bag) .....
22nd Mar 2013 5:50 pm
PSC
Member Since: 01 May 2006
Location: Johannesburg
Posts: 255
DG wrote:
I am convinced that the steering rack ratios are different to the D3 ...the steering is light ...almost too light for my liking tbh ...but I'm getting used to it
DG you are correct -
From the LR Press Kit
Quote:
The variable ratio steering rack is revised, complementing the improved ride quality by reducing ‘twitchiness’ around the centre line at high speed cruising and slightly increasing sensitivity at higher lock angles. This enhances the sense of driver involvement in high-speed manoeuvres, and also increases precision for low speed control and off-roading.
22nd Mar 2013 5:58 pm
Robbie
Member Since: 05 Feb 2006
Location: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Posts: 17932
Re: 13 model year - HSE lux, 1st impressions...
PSC wrote:
Hairy Dan wrote:
Luckily you can't lock the car with the key inside
Well I managed to lock my key in the boot - at the airport - the signal must have been obscured by my laptop (the key was in the laptop bag) .....
Yep, seen this lots of times. Just having a mobile next to the keys is enough; ladies handbags seem especially prone to this so pretty easy to lock away the keys.
I keep my keys in my pocket so the only trouble I have is the keys not being recognised from the outside should my iphone get in the way.
Land Rover - Turning Drivers into Mechanics Since 1948
Member Since: 29 Nov 2006
Location: North Yorkshire
Posts: 15269
Glad you're pleased with it Gareth, but what about the bad bits compared to the D3.
ie centre console storage, no slide out cup holders, no headrest grab handles, door pocket bottle holders too big, obscured lighting controls, uncomfortable seats?
........ or is it just me ...... always on the road less travelled 🚧
< ‘tis but a mere scratch …….. it’ll polish out.
22nd Mar 2013 6:26 pm
Robbie
Member Since: 05 Feb 2006
Location: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Posts: 17932
Not just you but I find the seats supportive but the poorly placed seam in the leather does not please my bottom and getting fat to compensate is not an option.
My mother misses the cybermen something rotten.Land Rover - Turning Drivers into Mechanics Since 1948
Member Since: 24 Dec 2010
Location: Borders
Posts: 11027
Damn !....I wish I hadn't read this...the list of things I didn't realise weren't there anymore has just grown.....but not as long as the list of things I like.... "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool,than to speak out and remove all doubt" ?.....what rubbish...
Locking rear E-diff
RLD spare wheel protector & sump guard
Extended roof rails
Series 111 mudflaps
Black side tubes,grill and vents
Timed climate remote
Hids4u interior lights
D4 Firenze my2012 HSE
D3 Java 2005 SE manual (sold,sadly,thanks for the memories)
1966 '88 Series 2a....still starts in the morning better than I do...
22nd Mar 2013 6:51 pm
euangibson
Member Since: 24 Dec 2010
Location: Borders
Posts: 11027
Just out of interest,what does the Lux add over the standard HSE,apart from extra soft cows ?"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool,than to speak out and remove all doubt" ?.....what rubbish...
Locking rear E-diff
RLD spare wheel protector & sump guard
Extended roof rails
Series 111 mudflaps
Black side tubes,grill and vents
Timed climate remote
Hids4u interior lights
D4 Firenze my2012 HSE
D3 Java 2005 SE manual (sold,sadly,thanks for the memories)
1966 '88 Series 2a....still starts in the morning better than I do...
22nd Mar 2013 6:52 pm
Gareth Site Moderator
Member Since: 07 Dec 2004
Location: Bramhall
Posts: 26779
Lux gets Windsor leather, Rear entertainment, very comfy seats, mine have adjustable lumbar, and side bolsters which are fantastic, and some other bits.
Yes I agree that it could do with more storage places, and I miss the large expanse of grand black lacquer that was the H trim! SWMBO misses her slide out cup holder. The cup holders in the rear of the centre console are in a cheap bit of plastic that does not fit properly.
22nd Mar 2013 7:02 pm
sacimiddx
Member Since: 09 Mar 2007
Location: hants
Posts: 2144
Glad u got there in the end
Cameras should be on the sides of the front bumper as you sayIllegitimi Non Carborundum
22nd Mar 2013 7:25 pm
DG Site Moderator
Member Since: 12 Dec 2005
Location: The Gaff
Posts: 50979
Gareth wrote:
very comfy seats, mine have adjustable lumbar, and side bolsters
HSE gets these too 21 year LR veteran > D2 GS 2003 > D3 S 2006 > D3 HSE 2009 > D4 HSE 2013 > D4 HSE 2015 > D5 HSE 2018 > DS HSE R-Dynamic P300e 2021
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I found this out when I had a holdall in the boot with my spare key in it and wondered why I couldn't get the car to lock, after 10 minutes of being unsuccessful I was on the verge of calling Land Rover Assistance when it suddenly dawned on me why it wouldn't lock 
- the signal must have been obscured by my laptop (the key was in the laptop bag) .....
