I agree with several others on here. Having long awaited a replacement for the excellent FL2, ideally with the option of a hybrid diesel electric engine, I am very disappointed with this high profile very limited launch of the DS. Entry-level price is somewhat ridiculous for many former FL2 owners who may want to replace their S or popular GS models. The lower SE model is not that well equipped unless you spend (waste?) £000s on add-on extras!

Launching the DS with the existing SD4 engine only, no petrol alternative, no hybrid, and basically no new technology engine, at least until they have supplied enough to the Jaguar division, seems a snub to LR owners and an own goal!

DS so far seems like a modern sleeker version of a Discovery than anything much to do with the Freelander buying market. I'm left feeling confused and let down by LR; a brand I've been loyal to for nearly 20yrs. Maybe it will be best for me to start looking at other brands after all.  Life is not a dress rehearsal!

fisha wrote:

I think that the DS is going to kill evoque sales in an instant.

I agree totally. Ugly things anyway
My 21 year old Classic has better styling  * GONE. GS TD4 Manual MY2013. Orkney Grey with privacy, cold and clearview packs, armrests (a must!) and a spoiler.
* 2011 4.4 TDV8 Full Fat. Amazing piece of kit.
* GONE.2012 RR Sport HSE SDV6 Orkney Grey. Rocket ship. 33mpg.
* Range Rover Classic '93 200Tdi Factory fit
* 1949 80" in family since 1975

Hello Atheistan,

Firstly I totally agree with your last para, JLR is providing real value to the economy through jobs and exports. Long may that continue.

Re: Morgans, sorry, I really didn't intend to denigrate Morgan or upset any Morgan owners on here, I just used a rather wide brush and generalised. I should have said that there are similarities between the classic Morgans and the current Defender for example that neither has airbags nor standard ABS brakes nor stability control. Both cars of course fully comply with current legislation. But EU safety legislation will, I believe, soon not allow such cars to be sold in quantities great than 1,000 total in Europe. That won't bother Morgan too much, but it will mean LR will stop making Defenders here and probably export the tooling and import a few hundreds of Defenders to keep that market ticking over. That's why I was thinking we may have rather a long wait to see any new Defender concept and was hoping LR would give us at least a glimpse of what to expect to help ease the wait and decision making?

Incidentally Morgans have another similarity with the new DS .... both are somewhat overpriced, but what else do we expect if they can sell every car they make?

By the way, I grew up with one of the original Morgan Lawrencetune Super Sports in the garage (3FLH, now in America), knew Peter Morgan, have visited the factory on several occasions over the years, and driven and enjoyed very many of them. On the right day and with the right road they are great fun, shortcomings (character) notwithstanding. As to quality I did my apprenticeship and then worked with Mulliner Park Ward, the Coachbuilders to Rolls Royce and we could have a long discussion about what constitutes superb build quality but lets leave that for another day

All the best, Dennis

PS: here is a link to the EU Approval regs .... http://www.dft.gov.uk/vca/vehicletype/ec-small-series-ecssta.asp

Quote:

DS so far seems like a modern sleeker version of a Discovery

DennisV
Can't say too much as I will be reprimanded by the "Mod's" for taking this DS thread "off topic" but here's just to say you didn't upset me at all. And I envy your own contact history with Peter Morgan and the factory.

Re price tags:
What price fun theses days? If the vehicle you (anyone) chooses and buzzes their mojo then for that FL2, Evoque, Defender, RRS, a Discovery or FFRR you certainly paid the right price - in time, money, and sometimes frustration.

I have to say that whenever I drive my dear lady's FL2, on the whole, I find that time enjoyable - despite some on/off irritating trim rattles. Which incidentally are far far less than my long departed TVR "will it won't it" trim drop off in the next mile or so of every journey.

Those that have stated their liking for the new DS I wish them a long and fun time. And those that have raised interesting comments on why they won't be migrating to the DS I hope that they will still find, at the right moment, a product within the JLR group a model that does .

I can't believe the negativity I read on here about the new DS! LR have to move with the times. If they keep relying in the past, then they will be left behind.

I remember when the Freelander 2 came out, and people were saying that it was no longer a Freelander as it was too big, and all sorts of negative comments.

Comments coming from people who now own Freelander 2's!

One thing I can say 100%, is that the new Defender is NOT a true replacement for the Freelander. It is a different model all together.

I think you may see the smaller Disco Sport with conventional 5 seats appear in the next few years which will bridge the gap between the FL2 and DS. Freelander 2 HSE Lux 2013MY - Barolo Black with Ivory Leather. Alpine DVD - Privacy -Evoque 20" Dynamic Wheels and more to come.........

+1 Mav  2012 DISCOVERY 4 GS AUTO ORKNEY GREY
2012 FREELANDER 2 SD4 GS AUTO BALTIC BLUE - GONE
2011 FREELANDER 2 TD4 GS MANUAL BALI BLUE - GONE

its a change, people don't like change, then the appearance will grow on them, just like the facelift FL2, i didn't like it, but in time its looks grew on me Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

I don't mind the look of the DS , well apart from the seat colours . But the shape is ok , but in saying that range rovers are all starting to look the same (apart from the evoque ) a RS past me the other day and for a brief second I thought it was a DS . Do it now ! Your a long time dead !!

Mav71 wrote:

I can't believe the negativity I read on here about the new DS! LR have to move with the times. If they keep relying in the past, then they will be left behind.

verydisco wrote:

The news Freelander 3, oops I mean Discovery Sport is ready here in G4 specs already !

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10...mp;theater

I don't like the DS at all! But the G4 does look better still needs an A Bar, some spots and lamp guards! Like previous G4's have been in the past!




I wonder when the new engines are out if JLR will have a manual option still available and not the old 190 SD4 manual

So what percentage of the vehicle has actual disco parts?

Is it worthy of the sport badge? The old L320 aka RRS got slated for not being sporty and it was launched with 4.2! MY14 Kahn Converted Dynamic - Fuji White Ebony/Pimento Interior
MY15 Xenon Headlight Conversion

MY17 RRS SVR - Estoril Blue Cirrus/Ebony 🪣💺’s

Is there any news of Land Rover producing an actual off road vehicle? I think that G4 DS could handle a well maintained dirt road....maybe. The off road pedigree is becoming a dim memory.

There are very few 'off roads' left, there is no market for LR in that area.
They have and will continue to enjoy the 'lifestyle' market with what they are offering , maybe the defender replacement will be more off road biased bit I imagine that this too will be more comfortable than utilitarian.

What do you want a 4x4 to do that the DS won't do? I know you have far more 'off road' than we do.

The off road market is booming out here. Every 2nd car is a Jap model tarted up to G4 spec. I can drive a month without seeing the likes of an Audi Q5 or BMW X3 which seems to be the market Land Rover is in. There are literally dozens of really tough tracks still within 2 hours of Sydney in every direction except out to sea. It's a shame to see a non Jap brand turning soft.