rchrdleigh wrote:

jutrem wrote:

The good new is at least the Evoque is based on the Freelander 2.

Actually it isn't. Evoque has a different chassis and gearbox, some modifications to the engine to make it quieter and more fuel efficient. At most only about 30% of an Evoque comes from the Freelander. Maybe the next Freelander will be based on the Evoque chassis?

Said "based" on the Freelander 2 , not identical to it. Of course there major style, chassis and interior differences. The Evoque (US version) also has 4 cylinder Ford eco-boost engine not a Volvo i6, and many other differences a well

rchrdleigh wrote:

Maybe the next Freelander will be based on the Evoque chassis?

jutrem wrote:

Said "based" on the Freelander 2 , not identical to it. Of course there major style, chassis and interior differences. The Evoque (US version) also has 4 cylinder Ford eco-boost engine not a Volvo i6, and may other differences a well

I still think it's a great shame LR shelved this, the Ventura. A seven seat FL (FL2.5?) which was due 2012....this was the car I really wanted. Space, style and economy....a damned shame!


 FL2 GS Auto '58reg

Agree it would have ticked all my boxes as well

sweetfreedom wrote:

I still think it's a great shame LR shelved this, the Ventura. A seven seat FL (FL2.5?) which was due 2012....this was the car I really wanted. Space, style and economy....a damned shame!

Like everything but the side vents in the "Ventura" mockup. A seven seat option would be great on the Freelander 3.

sweetfreedom wrote:

I still think it's a great shame LR shelved this, the Ventura. A seven seat FL (FL2.5?) which was due 2012....this was the car I really wanted. Space, style and economy....a damned shame!

That looks like those funsters at Auto Express have been at the mushroom tea again!

The sequence is usually:

1. Make up a PhotoShop image around a couple of existing / about the be launched models (in this case the FL2 and Evoque).

2. Invent some impressive sounding quotations from "Factory Insiders".

3. Say that the project has been "shelved" just before it's about to be completely de-bunked!

It's worked for them for years, why stop now?

Personally, I'm struggling to see a position for an updated Freelander 2 (FL3) at all. The Evoque has brought Range Rover and it's luxuries toward the masses, whilst the proposed Defender range will entrench Land Rover as the genuine offroad option with updated levels of comfort and practicality. I therefore don't see how the Freelander fits in, as it's neither a luxury SUV (when compared to the Evoque or Range Rover Sport) nor is it a genuine off-roader like the Defender or the Discovery. The FL2 is a great vehicle. I love the comfort of the drive and it's pretty handy offroad, but strategically, it's positioned in the middle and we all know what "neither here nor there" means. There might be one last crack at the FL2 before the Defender's hit the decks in 2015(?). My call - the FL3 would be a lower priced, more offroad (LR) Vehicle (eg: adjustable air suspension, low range) to fill the void until the Defenders arrive, rather than luxury enhancements which would pit it against the Evoque.
Just my thoughts . . . . .

Hi all,
interesting discussion! I'm just glad to see I'm not the only one feeling somewhat underwhelmed after driving the Evoque. Tested the SD4 5-door Prestige. Interior was very refined and full of high quality materials, as expected from RR. But that's where it ended for me. The (very) low position of the seats, high doors, and snug set up made me feel way too boxed in, claustrophobic almost. On top of that, our 6-year old son on his booster seat had difficulty peering over the window sill, and the boot has very little space. All in all, definitely not a family car. In addition, I found the ride much firmer than expected, and the engine somewhat refined, but definitely not quiet.
Upon bringing it back to our dealer (in Geneva, Switzerland), they asked me how I liked the Evoque experience, fully expecting a positive answer (and signature on the waiting contract). When I replied cautiously negative, I was almost kicked out of the showroom.
Felt good hopping back in our 2008 FL2 SE again! So the hunt is back on for a replacement, as our FL2 has already clocked 79000km. Now seriously looking at the Disco4, but have also tested the all new Grand Cherokee 3.0 CRD Overland .... and that is a serious contender right now!

Just to add to my previous post .... I do understand there's an eager market for the RRE, as reflected in the pre-sale orders in Switzerland and elsewhere. Here it was very clear which constituency this car is aimed at: young professionals (singles and couples), with no children, and $$$ to burn. If the RRE would have popped up 20 years ago, I would have stood in line as well ...

Marcus wrote:

Now seriously looking at the Disco4, but have also tested the all new Grand Cherokee 3.0 CRD Overland .... and that is a serious contender right now!

Tigger wrote:

sweetfreedom wrote:

I still think it's a great shame LR shelved this, the Ventura. A seven seat FL (FL2.5?) which was due 2012....this was the car I really wanted. Space, style and economy....a damned shame!

That looks like those funsters at Auto Express have been at the mushroom tea again!

The sequence is usually:

1. Make up a PhotoShop image around a couple of existing / about the be launched models (in this case the FL2 and Evoque).

2. Invent some impressive sounding quotations from "Factory Insiders".

3. Say that the project has been "shelved" just before it's about to be completely de-bunked!

It's worked for them for years, why stop now?

Funnily enough not the case this time....though sometimes what you say is correct

Was an official LR project named "Project L486"

Basically a seven seat LWB FL2 (FL2.5?). What is interesting is these pics are from 2008 when the story surfaced so the Evoque-ish front end was pre-Evoque.

Project was shelved quite recently to make way for increased Evoque production due to increased demand.... !

Of all the LR stuff anticipated this was the one we wanted........... FL2 GS Auto '58reg

Can't really see why LR even considered the 7 seat version tbh. Yes it does look good but surely if your want a 7 seated LR then that's what the Discovery is for. Making the FL2.5 will just saturate the market or lose Discovery sales? (Past) Freelander 2 HSE 2010 MY In Rimini Red.
(Past) RR Evoque Dynamic Lux Si4 In Firenze Red.
(Past) RR Evouque Pure Tech in Barollo Black with bespoke Firenze Red colour coding.
(Present) Freelander Metropolis 2015 MY In Santorini Black with Ivory Premium Leather.

Executive Valeter wrote:

Can't really see why LR even considered the 7 seat version tbh. Yes it does look good but surely if your want a 7 seated LR then that's what the Discovery is for. Making the FL2.5 will just saturate the market or lose Discovery sales?

sweetfreedom wrote:

Executive Valeter wrote:

Can't really see why LR even considered the 7 seat version tbh. Yes it does look good but surely if your want a 7 seated LR then that's what the Discovery is for. Making the FL2.5 will just saturate the market or lose Discovery sales?

Why? In a word: 'economy'

People need economy these days and the Disco is too thirsty for many. Also LR still have nothing to compete with other marques frugal 7 seat crossovers...

LR seem to be getting themselves in a pickle with model proliferation, and maybe this was a step too far. But my dealer was adament that this model was green-lit only to be stopped at the eleventh hour for increased Evoque production.

Jeep have also tried the 'two entirely seperate ranges' but it didn't work for them and they have ditched several models in the UK and now doing vastly better I hear. Not saying LR is going that way but no doubt they are concerned about overlap and losing sales of the dearer vehicles.