What happened to the FL2 replacement that was being discussed/rumoured some time ago? And no, I am not referring to the DS. 3 x FL1 2 manual + 1 auto
5 x FL2 4 manual + 1 auto
Now Discovery Sport P250 MHEV SE

The L359 replacement, which will be alot smaller (think Mazda CX3), is at least 5 years away and if the news of the delays on Defender are correct (apparently went back to the drawing board) maybe longer. LR are really dragging the chain!!! MY15
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Surround Camera System
InControl Apps soon to be replaced with CarPlay (WIP)
Meridian Premium Surround Sound
Digital Audio Broadcast
Timed Climate
Cruise ECO Data
Follow Me Home Reverse
Extra Features Menu
Picture In Motion
4x4i screen (WIP)
Digital Broadcast TV
Meridian Rear Media with WIFI
Factory Powered Tailgate
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
Reverse Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Electrochromatic Wing Mirrors (WIP)

Quote:

... will be alot smaller (think Mazda CX3)

Oh well I live in hope. Incidentally I am also still waiting for Ford to replace the Capri like they said they would in 1986 (and don't anyone mention the "Probe"). 3 x FL1 2 manual + 1 auto
5 x FL2 4 manual + 1 auto
Now Discovery Sport P250 MHEV SE

Saw a Probe in asda car park a week or so ago - had a chat as you do - Only 8 left on the road now apparently  FL2 Ex D2, D3, RRS, etc. now all gone.

The L359 was specifically designed (size) for the American Market at a time when the American market was primarily important, well Before the Global Financial Crisis since which the car markets segments have change considerably.
The "Freelander" will be used again but not in the L359 size.
LR has, as every other vehicle manufacturer, in registering names for their exclusive use and spent many millions of dollars building brand awareness around these names.
But from what I'm hearing LR don't even have a platform for this vehicle yet and closer to production models are far behind schedule. MY15
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Surround Camera System
InControl Apps soon to be replaced with CarPlay (WIP)
Meridian Premium Surround Sound
Digital Audio Broadcast
Timed Climate
Cruise ECO Data
Follow Me Home Reverse
Extra Features Menu
Picture In Motion
4x4i screen (WIP)
Digital Broadcast TV
Meridian Rear Media with WIFI
Factory Powered Tailgate
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
Reverse Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Electrochromatic Wing Mirrors (WIP)

The L314 was hardly a small vehicle. Makes you realise how big the yanks are  MY14 Kahn Converted Dynamic - Fuji White Ebony/Pimento Interior
MY15 Xenon Headlight Conversion

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

I wouldn't be surprised if the new Defender (or whatever it's going to be called) will be more of a replacement for the FL2, albeit with a better off road capability.

Does anyone remember the Hillman Avenger? Marketed as a sporty and aggressive family saloon, (I remember a policeman saying "I run an Avenger"in a macho sort of way). In the USA the same car was the Plymouth Cricket and sold as a compact small runabout. 3 x FL1 2 manual + 1 auto
5 x FL2 4 manual + 1 auto
Now Discovery Sport P250 MHEV SE

Quote:

Does anyone remember the Hillman Avenger.

Unfortunately yes, had to repair the odd one as a 5 year apprentice in a massive car dealership in Leeds called Appleyards.

I seem to remember that the Plymouth Cricket had a bad reputation for rust in the Canadian market as did the Morris Marina which was marketed over in Canada as the Austin Marina. Classic British cars Eh.
I nearly bought an Avenger once…….. Gone:
2002 FL1 TD4 GS Zambezi Silver
2007 FL2 TD4 GS Izmir Blue

dorsetfreelander wrote:

Does anyone remember the Hillman Avenger? Marketed as a sporty and aggressive family saloon, (I remember a policeman saying "I run an Avenger"in a macho sort of way). In the USA the same car was the Plymouth Cricket and sold as a compact small runabout.

Certainly do, I used to work at a Leeds Based IMI subsidiary that sold heat exchangers to Chrysler. We had Avenger pool cars for us to use. I think eventually the tooling was sold to Iran where it is probably still a top car today  2009 GS Auto Zermatt Silver - Sold June 21 after 10 years of ownership

2016 Subaru Outback SE 2.0 diesel SE Premium Lineartronic Sold 2024 after 8 years and 80k miles . Best Car I ever owned !

2023 Toyota Hilux invincible X 2.8 Auto .

Irans choice of car was the Hillman Hunter. Saw plenty driving through in our transit van as a young man heading to the Himalayas to climb a virgin peak. Had to strip out the gearbox in Mashad and got some damaged parts machined locally. Oh and I remember passing a VODKA Distillery in IRAN then. Afghanistan and Pakistan had no Vodka just loads of drugs and thats what all the turf wars have always been about. FL2 MY10 TD4 GS traded in at 2 years
FL2 MY13 TD4 GS Current

Hey Guys, Don't knock the Hilman Avenger (Estate ) or come to that the Morris Marina. I had both issued to me as company cars In those days I was grateful for anything, but I confess to a nostalgic soft spot for the the Avenger. OK I know - it takes time to develop taste ! !

The Morris Marina. That brings back painful memories.

As a young mechanic at the largest dealer in Yorkshire I was asked to sort out why one was veering to the left when the brakes were applied, this was before the range was released. Took off front wheels to find a disk brake on one side and a drum brake on the other !

Dont ask about the Maxi that would not run on delivery ! No woodruff key in the crank to secure the distributor drive gear that only slipped when turned over by the starter, not by hand. Engine in and out twice before I found it.  FL2 MY10 TD4 GS traded in at 2 years
FL2 MY13 TD4 GS Current