Off-road prowess and urban cool make LRX a hit with Independent readers
More photos:Wednesday December 19 2007
LAND Rover can begin making its new LRX for delivery next year, if reaction to our story and pictures in yesterday's Farming Independent is anything to go by.
We've had many positive calls about it from people who feel its mix of urban and sturdy 4x4 technology is a combination they'd like. It is of course early days, but there were only a few negative sentiments.
The LRX is the first of a modern new line of Land Rovers that are less overtly 4x4, but retain that off-road prowess.
The car, based on the Freelander 2, will be officially unveiled at next month's Detroit Motor Show.
It is 10mm shorter and 250mm lower than the Freelander, but its engines will be the same. In other words there will be a 2.2-litre D4 diesel and a 3.2-litre petrol. Thus, the big, big seller will be a diesel. The company has, however, plans for a hybrid at some future stage. The LRXS also shares the Freelander's chassis and suspension.
These three images have been released to see how the public reacted, but insiders have been saying this will be more or less what you see when it comes off the production lines next year.
Although it appears a radical design departure, there are strong reminders of just how much of a Land Rover it is. For example, the grille design, dark pillars, clamshell bonnet, floating roof, etc, are Land Rover trademarks.
Crossman or Colorado: What's your mini money on?
NOW the smart money is on the MINI SUV being called the Crossman.
Up to now, there was the widespread expectation it would be called the Colorado. However, in a recent conversation with Auto Motor and Sport, Mini's CEO said the Colorado is only the working title.
When the next Mini variant hits the roads in 2010, it may carry the name Crossman.
Engine sizes for the Mini SUV are expected to start at 1.4-litre.
There will be a 1.6-litre and there could be a 2-litre.
Production will be outsourced to Magna International. Expect the Crossman -- or whatever they call it eventually -- around 2010. And they are planning to make 80,000 a year.
- Eddie Cunningham
