I was at the Audi dealer over the weekend and the more and more I looked at the Q5 the more and more it looked like it had eaten too many pies, the shape looks very bulbous and that bonnet is very very long. Lovely interior but the bulbous shape has started to niggle me.

So I nipped next door to BMW and had a look at the X3. I was very surprised by it, nice shape, size wise it is equivalent to the previous generation X5, boot is huge and the interior is fantastic. As everyone knows BMW's come in poverty spec and have to have many options ticked but having done this it is still coming out cheaper than the FL2. It has an 8 speed auto, mpg is about 25% better than the FL2, huge panoramic sunroof with electric sunshade (makes the FL2's nets look pathetic), heated front and back seats, adaptive xenons, ambient lighting (used to love this in my old beemers) and even the option of a head up display. As an added bonus it is receiving some updates for the MY14 which I am yet to find out about.

I know when the snow falls I will probably be overtook by a FL2 but for me the current generation is past its sell by date.

those nets looked pathetic in 2008 when I test drove my first fl2, after owning vw's and audis the whole LR interior lacked quality and design, but still bought one and a good car it was too At work
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"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

I had an Audi A4 before my FL2. Only had it a year, it was the most boring thing to drive. Got rid of it and don't regret it one bit. Love my FL2 and will happily have another.

In the process of getting rid of SWMBOs Audi, and we have both agreed that it won't be replaced by another Audi.

If you really believe that the FL2 is really dated and not as good as other cars in its class, buy an X3. Good luck with your choice.

This is a prime example of what happens when you take your eyes of the ball, the Fl2 replacement should've been out this year, too much focus on the style end of the brand and not enough on the everyday bread and butter.

Good luck with next car  21MY Defender 90 S 3.0 D200