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Compact Goodness: Land Rover LR2

Six decades after the very first Land Rovers set out across the English countryside, the renowned British car maker has introduced the LR2, a compact sport utility vehicle which successfully blends off-road usability with local practicality and a handsome appearance. Superseding the entry-level Freelander, the LR2 is part of the modern model terminology trend used by Land Rover to describe a few of its vehicles.

An Outside Beast

The LR2 achieves what many other vehicles equipt with standard full time all wheel drive are not able to do, which is to navigate knee-deep streams, cut across stony terrain, and rise steep gradients. Standard hill descent, roll stability, and dynamic stability control characteristics are part of a broader braking and control system which comprises Land Rover's competent Terrain Response System, increasing traction and control for a variety of conditions including grit, muck, grooves, snowfall, gravel, even pasture.

The outside of the LR2 reliably preserves its Land Rover parentage thanks to its eggshell-shaped grillwork, clamshell bonnet, side gills, and abundant wheel curves. Interlocking bi-Xenon pivotal headlamps are a modern-day characteristic configured to adapt to outdoor conditions mechanically. Turn on the wiper blades and the LR2 independently senses moisture, triggering the headlamp wipers for you. Front and rear fog lights are another significant safety features that comes standard on the LR2, while seven airbags protect passengers including a driver-side knee airbag.

Plenty of Horsepower

The LR2's 24-valve 3.2L I6 engine brings forth 230 horsepower and is coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission that boasts manual shift control. Jointly, these features enable the Land Rover to achieve 22 mpg on the highway which equates favorably with similar models from Mercedes, Cadillac, and Audi.

Within, the LR2's cabin is brimming with technical sophistication and luxurious touches. Seating for five, the LR2 provides a number of the same touches available in larger Land Rovers. The 14-speaker Alpine surround sound audio frequency system is a passenger delight, as is the front double panel sunroof with inbuilt screens and rear skylight. Interior trim appointments include perforated leather seating surfaces with twin-stitched side bolsters and dark eucalyptus tree trim.

Confined Cargo Room

The cargo area behind the back seat is rather confined while the standard sunroof/skylight placement negates a luggage rack option. One alternative to enlarge carrying capacity is to select the towing bundle, as it is quite suitable towing a boat or a camper weighing up to 3500 lbs.

When fully outfitted to include assorted option packages such as cold climate (heated front seats, heated windshield, and heated windshield-wiper jets) and engineering (SIRIUS satellite radio, phone integration system, etc.), a fully furnished Land Rover LR2 is priced near $40,000 with taxes, tags and destination charges extra.

If you are seeking a luxurious, but efficient SUV the Land Rover LR2 should be considered when comparing vehicles in this class.



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