The LR2 is a ground-up new model from Land Rover, and it's a technological tour-de-force. It's the smallest and least expensive Land Rover, offering the most bang for the buck. It has a sensational new inline six-cylinder engine built by Volvo, and a smooth six-speed automatic transmission with obedient manual mode. The ride is beyond reproach in all conditions, the cornering is superior for an SUV, the brakes are huge, and the off-road capability is typically Land Rover. The safety structure breaks new ground, with ultra-high-strength steel, crumple zones, seven airbags and electronic safeguards galore.
NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Sam Moses filed this report from Santa Barbara, California.
Model Line Overview
Model lineup:
Land Rover LR2 ($33,985)
Engines:
230-hp 3.2-liter I6
Transmissions:
N/A
Safety equipment (standard):
ABS/EBA/EBD, Directional Stability Control (DSC), Active Roll Mitigation (ARM), Terrain Response, Hill Descent Control (HDC), Gradient Release Control (GRC), frontal airbags, side-impact bags in front, airbag curtains, driver's knees airbags
Safety equipment (optional):
bi-xenon adaptive headlamps
Basic warranty:
4 years/50,000 miles
Assembled in:
Liverpool, England
Specifications As Tested
Model tested (MSRP):
Land Rover LR2 ($33,985)
Standard equipment:
leather seats, air conditioning, power doors, power windows, remote entry, keyless starter button, panoramic dual panel sunroof, front and rear foglamps, power headlamp washers, rain-sensing wipers, rear park distance control, 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control with pollen filter and humidity sensor
Options as tested (MSRP):
N/A
Destination charge:
($715)
Gas guzzler tax:
N/A
Price as tested (MSRP):
$34,700
Layout:
4-wheel drive
Engine:
3.2-liter 24-valve I6
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
230 @ 6300
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
234 @ 3200
Transmission:
6-speed automatic
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
N/A
Wheelbase:
104.7 in.
Length/width/height:
177.1/85.7/68.5 in.
Track, f/r:
N/A
Turning circle:
37.1 ft.
Seating capacity:
5
Head/hip/leg room, f:
40.2/NA/41.9 in.
Head/hip/leg room, m:
N/A
Head/hip/leg room, r:
39.4/NA/36.4 in.
Cargo volume:
58.9 cu. ft.
Payload:
N/A
Towing capacity:
3500 Lbs.
Suspension, f:
independent, MacPherson struts
Suspension, r:
independent, multi-link
Ground clearance:
8.3 in.
Curb weight:
4255 lbs.
Tires:
235/60R18
Brakes, f/r:
disc/disc with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist
Fuel capacity:
18.5 gal.
Unless otherwise indicated, specifications refer to test vehicle.
All prices are manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) effective as of .
Prices do not include manufacturer's destination and delivery charges.
N/A: Information not available or not applicable.
Manufacturer Info Sources:
800-FINE-4WD -
www.landroverusa.com
