Land Rover Dominates 4×4 Magazine’s 2014 Awards

Land Rover is the most successful nameplate in this year’s 4×4 Magazine awards, securing two class wins and the ultimate 4×4 of the year title.

It was the new Range Rover Sport that took on competition from 24 of the market’s finest all-wheel drive models to take both the Premium class and the overall 2014 honor. Meanwhile, the Ranger Rover Evoque proved itself by claiming honors in the Top Range SUV class. The Land Rover Defender was “highly recommended” in the Hardcore class and the new Range Rover was second only to its Range Rover Sport sibling in the Premium category.

Presenting the results in the winter issue of 4×4 Magazine, Editor Nigel Fryatt said: “The Range Rover Sport is a worthy winner of the prestigious 2014 4×4 of the Year award. Indeed it is such a significant vehicle that you wonder if it is the best product ever to come from the Land Rover stable, of any era.”

After putting the Range Rover Sport through its paces, the judges gave it an unmatched 90 per cent score, highlighting the 3.0-litre SDV6 engine, on-road handling, off-road prowess, towing ability, comfort and design as its stand-out features.

Their report hailed the model as the “revelation of the premium group, if not the whole test” and made special reference to the quality of the Terrain Response 2 system for tackling all kinds of off-road scenarios. Where on-road performance is concerned, they declared the Range Rover Sport is “a pure pleasure to drive” and referenced the contribution made by its independent air suspension on ride quality.

The Range Rover Evoque once again proves that Land Rover’s advanced styling and premium quality are not at the expense of true all-terrain performance. The Evoque topped the Top Range SUV class, netting an 88 percent score from judges who claim that they appreciated its “boldly styled and superbly crafted interior.” They also liked the fact that it has “the handling feel of a sport car half its size.” Design, on-road handling and off-road competence were singled out as the qualities defining its success.

Jaguar Land Rover UK Managing Director, Jeremy Hicks, said: “These awards are very much appreciated, not least because 4×4 Magazine subjects its awards contenders to such rigorous, expert scrutiny.

“The results help demonstrate that we are successfully pushing the boundaries of all-terrain vehicle engineering and design to address the changing requirements of today’s customers. We have a great heritage, but it is vital that we continue to build on that foundation with models like Evoque, Range Rover and Range Rover Sport that deliver in terms of style, premium quality and on-road handling as well as fundamental all-terrain capabilities.”

Infiniti QX50 and QX60 Bring Home a Number of Awards

Infiniti recently took home a number of awards for a pair of its models by some of the biggest names in the auto industry: Kelley Blue Book, AOL Autos, IntelliChoice, and AutoPacific.

Infiniti’s smallest SUV, the QX50, was handed Kelley Blue Book’s Best Resale Value Award among luxury compact SUV/crossover vehicles. Such an award isn’t earned by merely being a class stalwart; it requires consumer demand as a means of achieving higher transaction prices in the used car market.

With its powerful 3.7-liter V6 engine, practical five-door design, and captivating exterior lines, it comes as no surprise that consumers want to get their hands on the Infiniti QX50 even if it means having to buy it second-hand.

Meanwhile, the bigger, seven-passenger QX60 was recognized by AOL Autos as a finalist for its Technology of the Year Award for its Backup Collision Intervention system.

Backup Collision Intervention is able to detect objects at the rear of the car, and can automatically apply the brakes if it senses the driver is failing to notice an imminent collision while backing up. This technology has the opportunity to save owners the expense of repairing a damaged rear bumper, and even more importantly, provides the chance to save the lives of children and small animals that may go unnoticed by a driver while reversing there car. AOL Autos will announce the winner of this award at the Consumer Electronics Show in January.

Besides offering technology the competition lacks, the QX60 also manages to maintain its value over time and satisfy its owners in ways other luxury SUVs are unable to.

IntelliChoice and AutoPacific took data from over 50,000 new car buyers in choosing which vehicles to give its Motorist Choice Award to. QX60 buyers were so satisfied with their purchase that the SUV was named the premium segment winner in two of the awarded categories: People Mover and Kid Friendly. With a comfortable and luxurious interior, and features such as a second-row seat that grants access to the vehicle’s third-row of seats even with a child seat installed, we are in no way surprised, but nonetheless honored, by the QX60’s top spot in these two categories.

To learn more about the sporty QX50 and comfortable QX60, stop by Red Noland Infiniti and be sure to follow our Facebook page for the latest Infiniti news and information.