2008 Land Rover LR2 Debut: Far From Freelander

By: F. Carlton Peeples

The first of the 2008's has hit the streets and I'm glad to say we got to them before the pickings got slim. The al-new Land Rover LR2 was a special treat and garnered every bit of attention as Land Rover's more popular models, the LR3 and flagship Range Rover.

Let me say if you're looking for an entry-level, not-so-bulky, SUV that's still very much luxed-out and amenity laden then you've come to the right place... provided you're ready and willing to shell out forty-grand for safety and security, comfort and convenience and some incredible performance. Oh yeah and the name LAND ROVER beaming from your hood doesn't hurt either!

LR2, for those who may not truly remember, comes on the heels of Land Rover trashing the not-so-well received Freelander, several years back. The problem with the Freelander? Well aesthetically there wasn't much difference between it and the Ford Escape, showing it obvious genetics. Several of its interior qualities had been seen and done, quite successfully I might add, on latter model Escapes including a reconfigured body, more rigid suspension and enough leather and amenities to jazz up the once unrespectable mini-SUV (yeah we're still talkin bout the Escape). So truly the only thing you'd shell out the money for is the use of a Land Rover name badge back then.

But now that it's back, ala LR2, witha much more exotic look. Something we've come to expect from the Land Rover family and believe me they did not disappoint. From the outside in, its clear to see the hood has been elongated allowing for a slightly more relaxed front windshield. To ease the transistion along its monocoque construction and double-sided and zinc-coated outer body panels are subtle design features that give it some serious ceredibility on the road. For instance beveled rear an front bi-xenon lamps are situated in a wrap-around position. Also, situated just shy of the fore-wheel wells are handsomely carved air scoops. Coupled with the glowing orange Tambora Flame body, ther was no shortage of turning heads and compliments.

Under-hood and under-belly, is a 3.2L aluminum alloy inline six-cylinder engine mated to a permanent intelligent all-wheel drive system, Haldex Coupling group with specific Land Rover tuning allowing front-to-rear torque continually vary torque split. The six-speed electronically controlled automatic with CommandShift normal, sport and manual shift modes is also very apt off-road as well as on.

Gorgeous Continental tires adorn 18-inch aluminum alloys on the ground but unfortunately LR2 is negligent in providing a full-size spare. However, a temporary resource is aptly hidden beneath the bed liner.

The LR2 comes with all the amenities on would expect from a family of luxury trucks. Including swaths of rich leather, dark eucalyptus wood trim, beveled dash and center panels highlighted with metallic accents. Also included are heavy-duty rubber floor mats with the world famous Land Rover emblem embossed on them.

Dual-climate control, tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio and cruise controls makes everything feel alright. Especially with the heated/cooled front passenger seats and a 320-watt, 9-speaker Alpine audion system that's so clear and loud... I couldn't do anything but act like I was 21 again.

Specs at a glance:
Model: 2008 Land Rover LR2
Engine: 3.2-Liter Aluminum Alloy Inline 6-cylinder
Trans: 6-speed w/CommandShift normal, sport and manual modes
Color/Trim: Tambora Flame/ Black Leather interior
EPA: 16/23 mpg City/Highway
Annual Fuel Cost: $2,210.00 - Premium petrol
Price as tested: $39,950