Find Used Land Rover cars for sale on model specific websites. Below is a list of dedicated Land Rover sites, simply click on the appropriate link below :-
|
| As seen On |
 |
|
| The tyres that lasted 5 times round the world |
For most motorists, replacing tyres is an occurrence that comes around once every couple of years, depending on their annual mileage.
But for Land Rover driver, Tim Townsend, and his set of Avon Rangemaster tyres, that hasn't been a problem. Mr Townsend's Defender 90 has completed a whopping 117,000 miles with the same set of rubber - the equivalent of five trips around the globe.
Mr Townsend said he was "amazed, flabbergasted and grateful" by the performance. Living on the edge of the Peak District, the tyres have coped with snow, deep mud, shingle, rocky terrain, riverbeds and motorways during his work as a builder in Glossop, Derbyshire.
"I've only ever fitted Avon Tyres to my motorbikes, and that's why I chose the Rangemaster," explained Mr Townsend. "Their resistance to punctures is impressive, to say the least. I've had nine punctures over the last 12 months, but none of them have been one of the Rangemasters - they've all been on other vehicles despite the fact that the Land Rover is the only one I own that goes on anything other than a normal road."
Tyre manufacturers typically recommend that tyres are replaced at least every 5 years, although the legal tread depth limit of 1.6mm can come sooner with high-mileage vehicles.
"On the road they are so reliable," Mr Townsend continues. "Unlike with some off road tyres you don't get any weave or anything, and they're just as happy doing 70mph on the motorway as driving around the farm." |
| Land Rover celebrate 60th anniversary with new special edition |
Land Rover will celebrate its 60th anniversary with a new special edition of the iconic Defender - the SVX.
The Land Rover Defender SVX was unveiled for the first time by Zara Phillips at the British Red Cross Ball in London earlier this evening. The world's first SVX has been donated by Land Rover UK to the British Red Cross to auction at the ball.
"The Red Cross association with Land Rover goes back to 1954, when Land Rover supplied a vehicle to the British Red Cross for use in Dubai as a mobile dispensary," said James Johnstone, chairman for the British Red Cross Ball. "We are thrilled that Land Rover continues to support our vital humanitarian work today. Funds raised from auctioning this vehicle will go towards the work of the Red Cross in the UK and overseas, which this year has included the UK floods, Darfur Crisis and ongoing HIV work in Africa."
While most of the 25,000 Defenders produced each year are working tools for everyone from farmers and foresters to aid agencies, the SVX is the most stylish and feature-packed version that Land Rover has ever produced.
Special Edition Features
With metallic black paintwork and subtle satin black graphic decals, the Defender SVX will be available in both 90 soft-top and 90 station wagon versions. Distinctive exterior features have a contrasting silver finish, such as the unique 'Defender' and 'SVX' badges, tubular side-steps, and the bold surround for the front grille and new, clear-lens headlamps. All vehicles will also feature new, 'diamond turned' five-spoke alloy wheels, a reinforced aluminium front undershield and clear LED rear lights.
To bring the SVX interiors right up to date, they are equipped with custom-designed Recaro front seats, distinctive alloy gear knobs, a new audio system (with subwoofer and USB socket), iPod cradle and Garmin satellite navigation. The soft-top models are especially eye-catching, with a metallic silver tubular cage that supports a tailor-made, removable black fabric hood. This encloses a flat load-space and a spare wheel stowed behind the front seats, reminiscent of the very first open-top Land Rovers. Each SVX model for the UK will also come fitted with an individually numbered plaque, e.g. 001.
"The Defender SVX looks very different to a spartan 1948 Land Rover, but it's still an essentially practical vehicle that will enable you to go almost anywhere," says Phil Popham, Land Rover's managing director. "The new and much more refined diesel engine introduced earlier this year has been a great success with customers, and for those who want the ultimate Defender, we thought that the SVX special edition would be an ideal way to mark Land Rover's 60th birthday."
A total of 200 SVX vehicles will be made available in the UK - 140 two-seat Defender 90 soft-tops and 60 four-seat 90 station wagons. Production of the Defender SVX will start in spring 2008, with deliveries to customers starting from early summer for soft-tops and later in the summer for station wagons. Prices will be announced later in the year. |
| Britain's most practical 4x4 |
The Land Rover Discovery 3 has been named Britain's most practical 4x4 in a test conducted by Planet 4x4 Magazine.
In the first assessment of its kind, the Discovery 3 scored an impressive 93 points out of a total 100 and beat off competition from the Mercedes GL, Audi Q7, Nissan Pathfinder and Lexus RX.
"This is a great achievement for the Discovery, which has proved time and time again it is three cars in one. It has now won nearly 100 awards since launch in 2004, making it one of the most decorated SUVs ever," said John Edwards, Land Rover UK managing director.
Alan Kidd, editor of Planet 4x4 added: "This is probably the most intense scrutiny a group of 4x4s has ever been put under. Our testers crawled all over each of the 38 vehicles, examining every last detail of what makes a car easy to live with.
"There are some incredibly clever packaging solutions out there - but nothing to beat the Discovery 3. From its handy double glove box to its brilliant seat-folding system, it sets the standard for load carrying and does a proper job of taking seven fully grown adults. It's a perfectly executed example of how a vehicle's interior should be, and richly deserves the title of Britain's Most Practical 4x4."
The seven-seat Discovery 3 GS is available on the road from £29,815 which includes a CO2 offset for the first 45,000 miles. |
| Land Rover Freelander 2 a hit with UK customers |
The all-new Freelander 2 is proving a real hit with UK customers since launch in December 2006. Sales for the award-winning compact 4x4 are up 20 per cent compared with the same time last year.
The Freelander 2, built at the acclaimed Halewood manufacturing facility in Liverpool, has sold 7532 units in the UK so far this year - 95 per cent of which are diesels with a fuel economy figure of up to 37.7mpg and nearly 30 per cent are top-of-the-range HSE models. It now leads the Compact 4x4 segment outselling rivals such as the new Honda CR-V and the BMW X3.
John Edwards, managing director, Land Rover UK said: "The all-new Freelander 2 is now firmly established as the premium compact 4x4 of choice in the UK. This is a testament to its great design, high levels of quality and improved fuel economy."
He continued: "The Freelander 2 is the foundation of our business in the UK and will help us to deliver our best ever sales result in the UK this year."
Land Rover UK has sold over 24,000 units this year. Sales of the Range Rover are up so far this year by 13 per cent - mainly driven by the new and refined TDV8 engine - the Discovery 3 and the Range Rover Sport are currently selling twice as many units as their nearest competitors, and the Defender 07MY has seen its best UK May sales result ever.
"The Land Rover business is in great shape - not just in the UK but across the globe. It is now solidly in the black, with two successive record sales years and it is on target for yet another this year," said Phil Popham, managing director, Land Rover. "We sell to 147 markets around the globe, and more than 40,000 cars into emerging markets like China and Russia that we weren't selling in five years ago." |
| The all-new Freelander 2 is here |
The all-new Freelander 2 goes on-sale in the UK next week, and is now available with a range of accessories for customers wanting to personalise their vehicle.
Land Rover has introduced an Audio Connectivity Module for music lovers, to integrate an iPod Nano, iPod 30 +60GB and iPod Photo (version 4), using the steering wheel controls for track selection and volume, with a neat cradle for the iPod positioned to the left of the dashboard controls. The auxiliary connection, fitted as standard, also allows analogue input from other personal music player devices.
To enhance this feature, a Rear Screen Entertainment system with wireless headsets can be added. Comprising of two 5.6 inch LCD screens in the rear headrests, it will allow most portable audio video devices to be connected, including portable DVD players and iPods.
Also announced this week, the following insurance groups have been announced, which show the Freelander 2 to be notably competitive against key rivals such as the BMW X3:
Model, Insurance Group, Price (including CO2 off-set for first 45,000)
TD4 S, 11E, £20,935
TD4 GS, 12E, £20,435
TD4 XS, 12E, £25,485
TD4 SE, 13E, £28,485
TD4 HSE, 13E, £30,935
I6 GS, 13E, £26,490
I6 XS, 13E, £28,540
I6 SE, 14E, £31,540
I6 HSE, 14E, £33,990
The Freelander 2 will be in showrooms across the country from 7 December 2006, and comes with either a 2.2 litre turbocharged diesel or 3.2 litre straight-six petrol engine from £20,935 - including CO2 off-set for the first 45,000 miles. |
| World-first system prevents mis-fuelling |
The world's most complete luxury 4x4 just got smarter, with the 2007 model year Range Rover TDV8, on sale this week, pioneering an innovative world-first technical solution - the petrol fuel guard system.
The petrol fuel guard system helps prevent drivers filling their diesel vehicle with petrol - an increasingly common error in this age of the ultra-refined diesel engine. Land Rover's innovative new system is incorporated into the vehicle's diesel filler head and automatically activates the intervention of a mechanical shutter if a petrol nozzle is inserted, preventing petrol being dispensed into the diesel tank.
The system distinguishes between petrol and diesel nozzles because thinner unleaded petrol dispensers go deeper down the neck of the vehicle's fuel tank, activating the shutter.
Chief programme engineer for the 2007 model year Range Rover, Paul Walker, says: The new TDV8 engine in the Range Rover is so powerful and refined we feel that there is a danger, more so with this vehicle than with any we have sold in the past, of the driver mistaking the vehicle for a petrol-powered derivative - especially if the driver isn't the vehicle's regular user. Mis-fuelling is an expensive and complex problem to fix, and we are delighted to be first to the market with this innovative solution.
The AA reports that in 2005, over 100,000 cases of mis-fuelling were reported, with diesel vehicles being filled with petrol in error. The associated costs are significant, often amounting to several thousand pounds if the incorrect fuel enters the engine upon starting the vehicle.
The Range Rover for 2007 comes with a host of other significant enhancements, on both the TDV8 diesel and V8 petrol derivatives, including the all-new V8 diesel engine, revised cabin design and new technologies including Terrain Response and the fuel protection system as standard. It is on sale now with prices ranging from £53,995 to £74,795. |
| Range Rover 2007 prices & specs announced |
The 2007 model year Range Rover will start from £53,995 and is available later this month from Land Rover dealerships throughout the UK.
Following its world debut at the Madrid Motor Show in May this year, the latest Range Rover receives a powerful all-new TDV8 diesel engine to replace the outgoing 3.0-litre TD6. The 2007 model will also receive Terrain Response™, electronic rear 'e' differentials and a revised interior that includes a fresh new facia, cooled front seats, improved air conditioning and extra stowage.
Starting from £53,995 for the entry-level 3.6-litreTDV8 HSE and rising to £74,795 for the V8 Supercharged Vogue SE, the Range Rover 2007 model year prices and specifications are as follows:
TDV8 HSE
6-speed automatic transmission, Terrain Response, Hill Descent Control (HDC), Electronic Traction Control (ETC), electronic air suspension, ABS, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), 9 airbags, central locking, ultrasonic alarm system, powered leather seats, 7 touch screen with 4x4 information, climate control,
6 disc auto changer, personal telephone integration system, 19 alloy wheels.
Price £53,995
Insurance Group 16E
TDV8 VOGUE
As above plus: Oxford leather luxury seats with memory function, touch-screen satellite navigation and hybrid TV, Harman/Kardon
'Logic 7' surround sound audio system, wood trim, heated leather multi-function steering wheel.
Price £61,825
Insurance Group 17E
TDV8 VOGUE SE
As Vogue plus: 20 alloy wheels, cooled front seats, full Windsor leather seats, rear screen entertainment system, extended wood trim, ski bag, adaptive headlights.
Price £68,825
Insurance Group 17E
V8 HSE
As TDV8 HSE
Price £55,075
Insurance Group 17E
V8 VOGUE
As TDV8 Vogue
Price £62,875
Insurance Group 16E
V8 VOGUE SE
As TDV8 Vogue SE
Price £69,875
Insurance Group 16E
V8 SUPERCHARGED VOGUE SE
As above plus: unique 20 nine spoke alloy wheels, electronic rear 'e' differential and supercharged interior & exterior design features.
Price £74,795
Insurance Group 18E
|
| New V8 diesel extends Range Rover Sport line-up |
The introduction of a powerful and brand new TDV8 as a fourth engine option, completes the launch phase of the Range Rover Sport. Since its debut in 2005, Land Rover's most performance-oriented vehicle yet - dubbed a 'sports tourer' by the company - has been consistently in high demand, leading to waiting lists in many markets.
With its combination of exhilarating performance and fuel economy of 25.5 mpg (11.1 litre/100 km) on combined fuel cycle, the new TDV8 is expected to extend the Range Rover Sport's appeal still further.
The new TDV8 engine is a tremendous achievement, with performance, outstanding refinement and exceptional efficiency. It extends choice still further for our customers, and we expect it to help maintain the vehicle's outstanding sales success, says Land Rover managing director, Phil Popham.
The TDV8 engine has been designed specifically to power the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport, ensuring no compromise to its off-road credentials, and it was first seen earlier this year in the Range Rover. For Range Rover Sport, the engine calibration, installation and applications have been developed to deliver a more sporting driving experience to suit the vehicle.
The introduction of the TDV8 engine at 2007 model year is accompanied by detailed specification upgrades and improvements across the Range Rover Sport line-up. The existing three engine options continue to be available - TDV6, V8 petrol and V8 supercharged.
STRONG AND EFFICIENT NEW TDV8
Complementing the Range Rover Sport's existing TDV6 engine, Land Rover's state-of-the-art TDV8 engine is lightweight, strong and fuel efficient. Designed from the outset to accommodate Land Rover's uncompromising off-road demands, the engine has been developed to provide huge reserves of torque across the rev range.
Peak power from the TDV8 engine is an impressive 272 PS (200 kW), 42 per cent higher than the existing V6 diesel. The new vehicle reaches 60 mph in 8.6 seconds (100 km/h in 9.2 seconds), while top speed is electronically limited to 130 mph (209 km/h).
The TDV8's torque curve is impressively flat. Peak torque - an enormous 640 Nm (45 per cent higher than the TDV6) - is available continuously from just 2000 rpm to 2500 rpm. With more than 500 Nm of torque available from less than 1500 rpm to over 3700 rpm, it's no surprise that in-gear performance is where the TDV8 really excels. In CommandShift™ manual transmission mode, the new derivative takes only 6.8 seconds to accelerate from 50 to 70 mph in fifth gear. Yet, despite such performance, the TDV8 delivers 25.5 mpg (11.1 litres/100 km) over the combined cycle.
Each cylinder bank is fed by a dedicated variable-geometry turbocharger via separate, high-capacity intercoolers to help achieve the engine's impressive throttle responses.
Twin fuel-coolers help reduce temperatures in the engine's high-pressure fuel circuit, where the camshaft-driven fuel pump supplies the piezoelectric injectors with diesel fuel at pressures of up to 1700 bar. A sophisticated intake port deactivation system helps optimise combustion chamber swirl for even greater efficiency and cleaner combustion.
Land Rover's patented turbo oil-scavenging system works in conjunction with specially developed sealing and intake systems to help ensure that the engine can withstand the vehicle's 700 mm wading capability and rigorous off-road operating-angle requirements.
REFINED CHARACTER
A key objective for the TDV8 engine was refinement. Superb combustion control, exceptionally stiff engine structure and tuned acoustic covers for both the engine and fuel-injection system all help make the TDV8 one of the world's quietest large diesels.
Even at idle, vibrations are on a par with those of many V8 petrol engines thanks to electronically controlled, switchable-rate hydraulic engine mounts.
Very low levels of base-engine noise have allowed Land Rover engineers to tune the exhaust system to emphasise the TDV8's naturally sporting burble; the result is a uniquely appealing soundtrack for a big diesel.
ACCLAIMED DRIVELINE TECHNOLOGY
The TDV8 engine is mated to Range Rover Sport's sophisticated full-time 4x4 driveline. Electronic control continuously adapts the change characteristics of the ZF six-speed automatic transmission to the prevailing driving style. In addition, the CommandShift mode also provides manual gearchange when required, providing even greater driver involvement.
Land Rover's Positive Torque system is standard on all TDV8 derivatives, providing faster downshifts by automatically blipping the throttle to match engine and road-speeds.
When not locked, the four-wheel-drive system's electronic centre differential continuously adjusts the front-to-rear torque split to help optimise traction, whatever the surface. The two-speed shift-on-the-fly transfer box incorporates a low-range reduction gear, designed to help achieve Range Rover Sport's class-leading standards of off-road gradeability and control.
EXTRAORDINARY COMPOSURE, AGILITY AND BALANCE
TDV8 derivatives share the acclaimed independent, double wishbone airsprung suspension system of other Range Rover Sport models and are available with either 19 alloy wheels with 255/50 tyres or 20 alloys with 275/40 tyres.
As Range Rover Sport's chassis was designed from the outset to accommodate the TDV8 engine, it's no surprise that the new derivative's on-road agility and balance match the remarkable standards set by its V8 supercharged sibling.
And like the V8 supercharged derivative, Range Rover Sport's highly effective Dynamic Response system is standard equipment on the TDV8. The system's electronically controlled hydraulic actuators continually adjust Range Rover Sport's roll stiffness in response to cornering forces, providing outstanding body control without the ride penalties associated with conventional roll bars.
The TDV8 shares its braking system with the Range Rover Sport Supercharged too, with four-piston Brembo front brake callipers and 360 mm front discs helping to achieve consistently excellent stopping power.
UNRIVALLED BREADTH OF CAPABILITY
In addition to the TDV8's impressive on-road behaviour, its off-road performance is class-leading.
Land Rover's patented Terrain Response™ system, standard on Range Rover Sport, has been specifically tuned for the TDV8. The way the vehicle's engine and chassis systems should react for optimum control on surfaces such as snow or grass is very different from the way they should react when - for example - crawling over rocky ground. Selecting the appropriate Terrain Response setting adjusts the responses of features from suspension ride height and axle articulation to gearchange and traction-control maps. This helps optimise the vehicle's behaviour to suit the prevailing ground, leaving the driver free to concentrate on the route ahead. Terrain Response's five settings cover 'general driving', 'grass, gravel, snow', 'mud and ruts', 'sand' and 'rock crawl' conditions, a range that underpins Range Rover Sport's exceptional breadth of capability.
Dynamic Response also helps Range Rover Sport perform better off-road. While conventional roll bars are great for roll control on smooth tarmac, they work by increasing the force needed to move individual wheels up and down, potentially a real disadvantage off-road. Dynamic Response automatically reduces roll stiffness when driving off-road to improve the suppleness with which individual wheels can move, making progress over rough ground even easier. In conjunction with electronic cross-linking of the vehicle's air suspension units, this allows Range Rover Sport to achieve excellent cross-axle articulation, helping to keep all wheels on the ground when negotiating challenging off-road obstacles.
|
| Freelander 2 draws the crowds at London show |
Land Rover's all new Freelander 2 has emerged as one of the stars of the British International Motor Show. Visitors have flocked to the Land Rover stand to get their first views of the exciting new compact 4x4, which made its world debut at the show at London's ExCeL exhibition centre.
The Freelander 2 is new from the ground up, with outstanding on-road performance as well as the class-leading off-road ability expected of a true Land Rover. A dynamic design, purposeful stance, smart and spacious interior and an abundance of advanced technologies complete the package.
Andy Griffiths, Land Rover's UK Marketing Director, said, We've been delighted with the level of interest shown in the new Freelander 2. Not only have visitors been making a bee-line to our stand to see the car in the metal for the first time but we've had thousands of people asking for more details about it. We're confident many of those inquiries will turn into sales. It's been a really successful show for us.
Prices for the Freelander 2 will start at approximately £22,000 and rise to over £30,000. Land Rover dealers are taking orders for the new vehicles now and more specification information such as available colours and 360 degree design tours are available online.
As well as unveiling the all new Freelander 2 at ExCeL, Land Rover launched its industry leading CO2 Offset Programme to help balance emissions from its manufacturing operations and customer vehicles. The pilot programme, to be run by Climate Care, will fund schemes for alternative forms of energy, such as wind and solar power, energy efficiency and technology change. The programme will run from September to the end of 2008, during which time it's estimated two million tonnes of CO2 will be offset.
Visitors to the motor show were able to experience Land Rover's current range of products for themselves by visiting the Land Rover Terrapod off-road course, situated outside the south hall of ExCeL. |
| The all-new Freelander 2 |
The all-new Land Rover Freelander 2 redefines the compact premium 4x4 class. New from the ground up, Freelander 2 delivers outstanding on-road performance as well as the class-leading off-road ability of a true Land Rover. A dynamic design, purposeful stance, smart and spacious interior, and an abundance of advanced technologies complete the package.
No other compact 4x4 has anything like its total breadth of capability, says Phil Popham, Land Rover's managing director. The Freelander 2 sets new standards in the sector, combining the advantages of a premium car - such as polished ride, accomplished performance, attractive cabin and ease-of-use - with the attributes of a robust 4x4, including go-anywhere ability, toughness, panoramic seating, cabin versatility and spaciousness. We believe that no other compact 4x4 gets closer to blending these best-of-both-worlds abilities.
The original Freelander (launched in 1997) is seen by many as having created a whole new class of vehicle: the compact premium 4x4. It was the top-selling 4x4 in Europe for five years and remained the UK's best-selling 4x4 from launch until the end of 2005. The all-new Freelander 2 is improved in every way: better performance, more economical, more refined, higher quality and substantially roomier. It is more capable both off-road and on-road, with transformed handling, ride and comfort.
Freelander 2 is Land Rover's fourth all-new vehicle in just over four years, and follows the new Range Rover (2002), Discovery 3 (2004) and Range Rover Sport (2005). Their highly successful introductions contributed to record Land Rover sales worldwide in 2005. Technical highlights of the Freelander 2 include two brand-new engines: a 3.2-litre straight-six petrol and a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel. Both feature advanced technologies to deliver outstanding combinations of performance and economy.
The 233 PS (171 kW) i6 petrol engine provides a top speed of 124 mph (200 km/h) and 0-60 mph acceleration in 8.4 seconds (0-100 km/h in 8.9 seconds). Combined fuel economy is 25.2 mpg (11.2 litres/100 km). The engine is matched to a new six-speed automatic transmission, with Land Rover's CommandShift™ offering manual sequential gear changes when required. There is also a driver-selectable sport mode, for livelier performance.
Straight-six engine configurations are ideal for delivering engine smoothness, and the very compact new unit in Freelander 2 is small enough to mount transversely, a first in the compact 4x4 sector and one of the vehicle's many innovations. The benefits of transverse fitment include improved interior package and safety performance.
The diesel engine chosen for Freelander 2 is an all-new 2.2-litre four-cylinder. The 160 PS (118 kW) unit delivers peak torque of 400 Nm (295 lb ft), with over 200 Nm (148 lb ft) of torque from 1000 rpm all the way to 4500 rpm. The engine is easy and responsive to drive, as well as highly refined and economical, with a combined average fuel consumption of 37.7 mpg (7.5 l/100 km). An optional catalysed Diesel Particulate Filter (cDPF) is also available for even cleaner performance. Two transmissions are offered: a new six-speed manual gearbox and the same six-speed automatic used on the petrol engine (diesel auto available from spring 2007).
The interior package of Freelander 2 is a major improvement over the outgoing vehicle. Although only 50 mm longer, the Freelander 2 has more generous head, shoulder and legroom, in both the front and rear. Large glass areas emphasise the spacious feel and complement the elevated 'command driving' position - a Land Rover hallmark - and 'stadium seating', where rear passengers sit slightly higher than front occupants, for a clearer view of the world outside. Boot space is also among the best in class and 38 per cent larger than that of the outgoing Freelander (with rear seats up - 755 litres vs 546 litres).
The exterior and interior design of Freelander 2 is completely fresh, integrating the company's unique design language with a form that is instantly recognisable as the latest Land Rover.
We purposely kept strong cues from the original Freelander, such as the clamshell bonnet, stepped roof and the basic form, says Land Rover design director Geoff Upex. But the overall look is new and much more contemporary. The design is chiselled, geometric and simple - it looks like it's hewn from the solid. We have kept a close design relationship with the new Discovery 3 and Range Rover Sport, but interpreted the design language to suit the requirements of customers for a more compact 4x4.
The body is a five-door monocoque structure, with a high level of torsional rigidity which benefits refinement, comfort and handling on-road as well as ensuring the vehicle is fit for serious off-roading. The suspension is fully independent and uses the most modern stability control systems, including Roll Stability Control (RSC), a new and sophisticated technology that helps mitigate the risk of roll-over.
Freelander 2 is packed with new technologies to improve both on-road and off-road performance, many new to the class. Land Rover's unique Terrain Response™ is standard on all but the entry-level model, to make off-roading easier. Other interesting technologies include a new full-time intelligent 4x4 system for superior traction and better on-road fuel economy, and the patented Gradient Release Control, which improves driver confidence and control when releasing the brakes on steep and slippery slopes.
Other features and options rare in this class include: keyless starter button, bi-xenon headlamps, adaptive front lighting, rain-sensing wipers and park distance control (front and rear). A two-part panoramic sunroof increases the cabin's airiness: air-conditioning is standard on all models and a full colour touch-screen DVD satellite navigation system is also available. The choice of top-level audio systems includes DAB digital radio and 12-speaker Dolby™ Prologic IIx Surround Sound with fibre-optic interconnects. An auxiliary audio connection (for iPods and MP3 players) is standard on all vehicles.
Designed and engineered by Land Rover at Gaydon, near Warwick, Freelander 2 is built at the Halewood plant in Liverpool, where outstanding build quality has been acknowledged with a J.D. Power European Plant Quality Gold Award in 2005. |
| In search of a legend |
Do you own a unique Defender that has led an interesting life? In a survey being conducted by Land Rover, this is one of the questions being asked of 20,000 Defender owners in the UK.
The iconic Defender has become a long-term favourite with adventurers, explorers, farmers, emergency services, aid organisations and those who need to go anywhere, or carry just about anything. Owners of Defenders are being urged to reveal as much information as possible in 'The Great Defender Survey'.
In doing so, owners will be entered into a prize-draw to win a five-star weekend at Land Rover's home of off-road driving, Eastnor Castle. Two winners and their partners will partake in a variety of off-road driving activities including a drive in one of the first ever Series I Land Rovers from 1948, DEL102, affectionately known as 'Del Boy'.
Named 'the greatest car of all time' by BBC TV's Top Gear, the Defender continues to be the hero in Land Rover's stable of vehicles. |
| Land Rover G4 Challenge |
Brian Reynolds, a railway engineer from Chesterfield in Derbyshire, has beaten two other UK finalists in the Land Rover G4 Challenge 'International Selections' to take his place as the UK representative on the 2006 global competition.
At the end of five gruelling days of international selections at Land Rover's off-road driving home, Eastnor Castle in Herefordshire, Brian was the clear winner in the final trials stage before the G4 ultimate global adventure kicks off in Bangkok on 23 April. The two other competitors - RAF doctor Andy Grieve from Tiverton and tour guide Suzanna Madge from Brighton - made it very difficult for him, and it was only on Friday afternoon, the last day of the selections, that Brian confirmed his place on the 2006 Challenge.
The international selections, which hosted three competitors from each of the 18 nations taking part in this year's G4 Challenge, saw blood, sweat and tears at the freezing cold Eastnor estate with competitors camping throughout the week with frequent surprise middle-of-the-night challenges to test the competitors' character.
Challenge director, Niki Davies, said: This has been an extremely tough week for the competitors, with the temperature gauge seldom rising above zero. We wanted to select the best all-rounder from each country; physical ability is just a part of it - strategic thinking, endurance and team-working skills are all key to success in the G4 Challenge. You really get the measure of someone's spirit when they are awoken from a tent at 4.00am at -3 degrees C to recover a vehicle from a freezing cold lake - followed by 17 hours of competition before returning to camp.
Brian Reynolds added: I am worn out, exhausted and just about ready to drop, but it's the most amazing feeling to have got this far. I tried to qualify for the 2003 Challenge, but didn't make it into the top ten UK competitors, so I went away, assessed the areas where I felt I was weakest and worked extremely hard on my endurance, mountain biking and kayaking skills. It has paid off, and I am ecstatic to be representing my country at last - it was my dream, and it's come true. I can't wait for the actual Challenge in April, and I will be training my heart out from now until then.
The Land Rover G4 Challenge 2006 takes place over four weeks from 23 April, incorporating 4x4 driving and multi-sport challenges in Thailand, Laos, Brazil and Bolivia.
|
| Land Rover Discovery 3 named best large 4x4 |
he Land Rover Discovery 3 TDV6 was named the Best Large 4x4 for the second year running at the What Car? Car of the Year awards ceremony in London last night.
What Car? group editor, Steve Fowler, said: One year on, the Land Rover Discovery 3 TDV6 - our 2005 Car of the Year - remains a brilliant achievement and the best large 4x4 around.
He added: Making 4x4s isn't a fashionable new departure for Land Rover - it's what they do. None of the Discovery's key rivals can match its no-nonsense image or ability in the rough, yet it's also as classy and refined as an executive saloon and as practical as an MPV.
This latest award is the Discovery 3's 67th, with honours coming in from all over the world including key developing markets for Land Rover such as Russia and China. The What Car? Best Large 4x4 award 2006 was hotly contested, with new entrants to the market - including the Mercedes ML - failing to beat the all-round capability of the Discovery 3.
Land Rover's managing director, Matthew Taylor, said: It is extremely satisfying to return one year after picking up the main Car of the Year award to collect yet another gong for the Discovery 3, especially given the level of competition in this sector in 2006. What Car? is the voice of the British consumer and we are
delighted to have their endorsement once again, and with over 60,000 Discovery 3s sold around the world, it looks like the buying public is taking notice.
Priced from £26,995 to £48,495, on-the-road, the Discovery 3 is on sale now at Land Rover dealerships throughout the UK.
|
| Land Rover G4 challenge |
Counting down to one of the world's toughest driving and multi-sport adventure challenges, Scotsman and 2003 Land Rover G4 Challenge veteran, Tim Pickering, last week visited the Land Rover Experience in Dunkeld, Perthshire to administer some gruelling training on the three 2006 UK finalists.
Putting the British finalists through their paces ahead of the competition's next stage - the International Selections - Tim delivered an exhausting reminder of what's in store for railway engineer Brian Reynolds, RAF doctor Andy Grieve and overseas tour director Susanna Madge - the UK's first female finalist.
To recap on their journey to date, all three originally entered online with thousands of other UK hopefuls, from which 50 were invited to compete in the UK National Selections event.
One of the three, Brian Reynolds, recalls: We were given only a series of map co-ordinates and a start time, so the first challenge for those competing in the UK National Selections was to actually locate the venue where the weekend's activities would be taking place.
Having correctly interpreted the map co-ordinates to lead them to the Home of the Legend in the West Midlands, Brian and his fellow competitors battled it through the first day's physically and mentally demanding tasks which included off-road driving and team based multi-sport challenges.
At the end of the first day the field of 48 was unceremoniously cut to 24. For those remaining the reward was a new range of 4x4 driving, navigation and initiative assessments followed by a night challenge (4.30am), which involved the recovery of a strategically placed Land Rover Defender in a freezing lake.
Following an exhausting first day and very little sleep, the second day's activities began with kayaking through icy water followed by climbing, abseiling and a technical mountain biking course that resulted in three UK finalists being selected for the International Selections stage, which takes place over five days at the Land Rover Experience Centre at Eastnor Castle, Herefordshire from 29 January.
Looking forward to the International Selections phase of the G4 Challenge, the three UK finalists know that just one will go forward to represent the UK in the Challenge itself. Starting amid the bustle of Bangkok on 23 April, the Challenge will then travel through the jungles of Laos, followed by a special stage on the beach in Rio de Janeiro and a climb through the mountains of Bolivia.
But before the UK finalists got too carried away with the dream of the travel adventure of a lifetime, Tim Pickering reminded them of the hard work ahead of them by building their confidence in vital off-road driving activities involving deep water obstacles, mud, ruts and heart stopping inclines using Land Rover's full range of 4x4 vehicles - including the new Range Rover Sport and Discovery 3.
Developing a base of core G4 skills, Tim Pickering also challenged the finalists to locate various kayaking, mountain biking and abseiling activities, using the latest GPS positioning equipment.
Exhausted from the final training day's activities competitors finished with a tough kayaking challenge, during which RAF Doctor Andy Grieve experienced the exhilarating nature of G4 as he spectacularly capsized in the icy-lake.
Tim concluded, saying: If our UK finalists think this is tough, they should wait until the actual challenge - four weeks non-stop, very little sleep, unbelievably demanding physical and mental challenges, no bed, questionable food, language barriers, and the adventure of a lifetime. I wish them all good luck - they're going to need it, together with abundant skill and stamina.
|
| Land Rover sets global sales record in 2005 |
Land Rover has achieved its best sales performance in the company's history. In the record year of 2005, the 4x4 manufacturer sold 185,120 vehicles around the world, an increase of 14% on the previous year.
The USA saw sales surge by 30% and for the UK it was another record year, marking six years of continual growth. Emerging markets like China and Russia witnessed sales increases of 105% and 67% respectively.
In the UK, December's cold snap sent buyers into the 4x4 specialist's showrooms, giving an end of year boost which took sales to 48,777 - 3% higher than the previous year and the company's fifth record year in a row.
Andy Griffiths, Land Rover's UK Marketing Director, said, Drivers are obviously looking for the sure-footedness and versatility a Land Rover offers when the going gets tough. Our unique Terrain Response system, which has a specific setting for snow and ice, will help drivers deal with sub-zero conditions. With more wintry weather to come we expect to see many more people choose a Land Rover.
The sales growth has been driven by an exceptionally strong model line up. Range Rover Sport, the company's fifth nameplate, experienced a sensational debut with 30,356 models sold worldwide in six months. Discovery 3/LR3, which has collected 54 awards, saw sales climb steadily throughout the year to 53,558. In the US, a record year ended on a record high, with Land Rover's best December sales performance.
Matthew Taylor, Land Rover's Managing Director, said, This fantastic achievement is a reflection of a strong, new model line up and is a reward for significant investment and hard work. We said 2005 would be the year of opportunity and the United States would be an increasingly important market for Land Rover. We set out to seize success and grabbed it with both hands. We now need to maintain that momentum. |
| Range Rover Sport named SUV of the year |
Land Rover's Range Rover Sport has been crowned 'SUV of the Year' by BBC Top Gear at the magazine's annual awards celebration hosted by Jeremy Clarkson.
On sale since May this year, the Range Rover Sport is enjoying a very successful start, with over 20,000 sales around the world and 11 awards to its name. This latest honour comes on the back of rigorous road tests and challenges set for the vehicle by the Top Gear team - from out-manoeuvring a high-performance military tank with laser-locking devices on the TV show, to conquering Dubai's 'Big Red' sand dune in the magazine.
Top Gear editor, Michael Harvey, said: The Supercharged 390bhp Range Rover Sport is the only choice for Top Gear magazine's SUV of 2005. BMW and Porsche make world-beatingly-great sports cars, one or two of which look a bit like SUVs. Land Rover has only ever made great SUVs, one of which now goes a lot like a BMW or a Porsche.
Jaguar and Land Rover chief engineer for vehicle integrity, Mike Cross, was also named a Top Gear 'Man of the Year for 2005' in the magazine, which goes on sale today. Michael Harvey said of Mike Cross: Cross is as important to new Jaguars and Land Rovers as their design teams, and he has instigated a paradigm shift at Land Rover with the Discovery 3 and Range Rover Sport.
Land Rover's managing director, Matthew Taylor, said: These accolades represent a fantastic endorsement of all the investment and hard work that is going into re-vitalising the Land Rover range, and from without question the world's most influential group of motoring journalists, it is praise indeed. The Range Rover Sport is only our fifth model-line ever, and the first all-new addition to the Land Rover range since 1997, so is a very big deal to us and we are delighted to receive such significant recognition for it. |
|
