Land Rover stages ‘Experience’ drive at Amby Valley

I woke up on Friday morning with a huge smile pasted on my face. How couldn’t I be? Especially when I had an invitation in my inbox for an “Experience” drive from Land Rover on their Discovery Sport and Evoque. 

Let’s deliver some history to drive you on to the same page. Land Rover India had announced in 2013 the launch of its ‘Land Rover Experience’ programme that includes customer awareness events throughout India. Since then, different corners of India have witnessed this event which is specifically meant to let prospective buyers and existing owners experience the true capabilities Land Rover vehicles are really associated with.

Let’s hit the reality button and face it; most users would end up showcasing their Land Rovers on tarmac, concrete and probably gleaming in their parking lot. Okay, I’ll take it easy; maybe some flat gravel sections too, however, it’s questionable about whether someone would really venture out into the wilderness with these aspirational machines. This is the stereotype thought that goes through the heads of buyers and owners, and is precisely the reason why Land Rover is getting them behind the wheel to experience it first-hand.

On a personal note, I strayed away from the gang and I lingered around the line-up comprising of Discovery Sports and Evoques. Beside the parked cars I caught a view of the track that we were to take for the ‘Experience’ drive. One hard look at the terrain and my jaws dropped literally! There were huge stones all over and it looked treacherous enough for a serious off-roader. Experts from Land Rover then briefed us on the cars off-roading features and pointers for safety. They added that the Discovery Sports and Evoques present for the drive were not modified and were exactly similar to what you’d see roll out of the LR showroom. Even the tyre pressures were the same. 

I could feel the adrenaline doing its job when we drove out into the wilderness, and each vehicle had a designated instructor for expert guidance. All the vehicles overcame the surprisingly wicked and wretched terrain that included extreme ascents, descents, a deep river crossing and unimaginable stones and boulders all over the track. We all believe what we see and a quick peep into the gallery here will sort of put things in perspective for you. 

Wouldn’t you agree that its pure ecstasy when you set out and prove all your apprehensions wrong, and also return with a great ‘Experience’. Yes Land Rover, just brilliant and please sign me up for the next one too! Enjoy the pictures.

Pictures : Santosh Nair