Well, yesterday I picked up my new 13MY GS Premium Edition at Guy Salmon, and now, 24 hours and 300ish miles later, I can say I'm absolutely delighted.

As everyone knows, the cabin has been upgraded and it looks and feels so much better. I'm particularly taken with the iPhone integration, allowing me (or more accurately my teenage daughters) to stream their mp3s via Bluetooth. The phone integration is great too.

The real difference is the drive. This is my 3rd FL2. The first was a GS, and the second an 'S'. Both were similar. They were good on the road and great off road, but the new 13MY is much smoother. The clutch seems softer with a more precise bite, and the acceleration is smooth.

What's really nice is the extra kit. For the price of a GS (actually less 9% due to LR/Dealer contribution) I got the leather heated seats, Fr & RR fog lights, Metallic paint, Fr & RR armrests, cold climate pack, Clearview pack, Exterior design pack with body coloured handles, mirrors etc, Halogen lights with signature LEDs, and 18 inch 'Sparkle' alloys usually on the HSE. The dealer says it's a package exclusive to them (I've no idea) but it's clearly a popular offer. There were 2 more people collecting at the same time as me yesterday.

I'll try to post some pics.

EDIT: Forgot to say, one of the nice things was I only picked up the phone to the dealer, entirely on spec and with no great plan either way, 9 days ago. The new car was chosen, ordered and delivered in that time.

That's a nice car - I saw it in the showroom at Guy Salmon (presumably Coventry is your local) and nearly ordered one myself. In the end I went for a HSE, but it is a lovely car. Shame it doesn't have Nav, as that was really the only thing that held it back for me. MY2013 SD4 Auto HSE in Santorini Black, Rear Spoiler, Privacy Glass, and Union Jack valve caps.

Previously MY2010 TD4e XS in Lago Grey, Full leather pack

good post Boycey, sounds like there are definite improvements on the new model.

my 09 HSE is coming up to 4 years old and thinking a bit about changing it, but it's only done 22K miles and I wouldn't change it for a new one the exact same, if you know what I mean.

but it sounds as if the new model is a better drive ?

Iain

I picked up my new MY13 on Wednesday and my impressions so far are that it's a much tighter car, with better quality finishes throughout and it feels much more luxurious. The ride is a little harder, but that is perhaps down to the 18" wheels instead of the 17" wheels i had before.

The auto gearbox is a dream, and a delight after driving a manual for the last three years. MY2013 SD4 Auto HSE in Santorini Black, Rear Spoiler, Privacy Glass, and Union Jack valve caps.

Previously MY2010 TD4e XS in Lago Grey, Full leather pack

Thanks, Iain.

I would agree with Paul. I was very surprised at how much better engineered the car feels. Paul's use of the word 'tighter' has it spot on. Acceleration is definitely smoother. The car seems quieter but that can be difficult to be objective about.

Overall I feel it's a real step up.

Forgot to say: LOVE the electronic handbrake. I know that won't be popular with the purists but what's not to like? You can just forget all about it. It comes on when you stop and goes off when you move. Seems progress to me.

I noticed the FL2 being 'tighter' when I had my 2011 year model after having a 2008 model. Currently have a 2013 courtesy car and love the upgrades - especially the heating steering wheel

Sounds great! looking forward to seeing some pictures.

Only had mine two days, but I have to agree, the MY13 is a significant step foreword when compared to a MY09. ---
clivea
Got - MY13 SD4 HSE Lux Firenze Red
Gone - MY09 TD4.e XS Santorini Black

And have the wing mirrors been changed in design? Wind noise seems as lot less ---
clivea
Got - MY13 SD4 HSE Lux Firenze Red
Gone - MY09 TD4.e XS Santorini Black