Land Rover has announced a new version of the flagship Range Rover HSE model. The dHSE is powered by the BMW 2.5 litre six cylinder turbocharged diesel engine and costs £48,705.

Standard features of the new model include full leather interior, climate control, four wheel traction control, anti-locking braking system, front and side airbags, eleven speaker in car entertainment system with steering wheel controls, electronic memory driver seat and door mirror positioning.

Peter Kinnaird, Land Rover UK managing director said:

"The dHSE has been introduced following customer demand. Last summer we introduced a similar model as a limited edition. The response from customers looking for the ultimate in 4x4 luxury, but preferring a diesel engine, was so good that we decided to launch the model as a permanent variant."

Like all other Land Rover models sold in the UK - Defender, Freelander and Discovery - the Range Rover DHSE is covered by a three year warranty.

Land Rover World -Wide Sales Record

A record number of Land Rover models, Defender, Freelander, Discovery and Range Rover were sold in the first four months of this year. Due to the success of the Freelander and new Discovery, world-wide sales rose by 30 per cent to 56,633.

The Freelander was launched at the beginning of 1998 and in less than 16 months is already the highest selling 4x4 off-road vehicle throughout Europe. The new Discovery and revised Defender went on sale at the beginning of this year and are proving so popular with customers that waiting lists of between six and eight weeks are being experienced in many markets.

Peter Kinnaird, Land Rover UK managing director said:

"World-wide sales in 1998 were 151,500 which was the highest ever since production began in 1948. To be nearly a third higher so far this year is an incredible achievement."

Germany, France, Italy, Spain and USA Land Rover markets have all reported increases in sales varying from 45 - 111 per cent.

Peter Kinnaird added:

"We are hoping that the remaining two thirds of this year will be as good as the first four months. The 4x4 market has never been so competitive, but Land Rover models continue to set the pace in their respective sectors."