AS probably the most capable multi-purpose off-roader known to man, the Range Rover has won the hearts of many. But it has also caused anger and frustration over the years, mainly for a lack of reliability and silly, annoying operational faults. Although Ford now owns Land Rover, the new model is a complete BMW development owing much to that company's X5 soft-roader. This might set off warning bells for traditionalists but actually proves to be the new Rangie's saving grace. Bigger than before, and heavier, it is a formidable on-road presence yet is actually reasonably zesty and responsive. In the realms of $100,000-plus off-roaders, the Range Rover manages to combine outstanding off-road ability with on-road ability unchallenged by any other large four-wheel drive heavyweight. And reliability issues should now be a thing of the past.