All,

Whilst it has been all on tarmac since Saturday, I have to admit/concede that I should have bought this version last September when it launched, rather than "plug the gap" with the outgoing model.

Don't get me wrong - nothing wrong with the MY2012 HSE, but the key improvements for me over this variant are as follows:

1) Quieter cabin. Not sure how, but they appear to have improved the soundproofing as an identical engine is less raucous than its predecessor.

2) Smoother gear change. Even my 12 year old son commented tonight that it felt a lot smoother, even when gunning it up the Southam bypass.

3) Telematics/Sat Nav. A MASSIVE improvement, and long overdue. The system is a whole lot more intuitive, easier to use, and gives a ton more information without having to take your eyes off the central dashboard display.

4) Meridian Audio System (825w). I know this has had its critics on here recently, however I find it a better system overall than the Alpine offering. I have tested it with DAB and iPod inputs, with a variety of sound sources ranging from Stereo, MP3, AAC, MP4 and depending on your original recording source, it copes far better than the Alpine, which got confused and just played a Stereo signal, irrespective of the input source. This resulted in severe bass 'dropout', whereas the Meridian system processed the signal in Tri-field, 6:1 ProLogic, and DTS without drama.

5) Headlights/Tail Lamps. Whilst I had the luxury of Xenons in the MY2012, the whole lighting system front and rear is amazing. The rear LED's look the part, and the front Xenons not only look up-to-date, but provide more than sufficient light output.

6) Dashboard. Much less clutter, more intuitively laid out, neat and tidy. Whilst I miss the Terrain Response Dial, I do like the analogue clock, and the general aesthetics of the centre console.

Overall, a much improved car.....I think that I will be keeping this one for a few years.....might even try and pick up a used X-Type for business use (they're cheap enough) and keep this one for personal fun.  Foraging near Gaydon....
——————————————
MY13 HSE Lux SD4, Baltic Blue - current, 30,000> miles without fault
MY12 HSE 2.2 SD4, Sumatra Black - gone after 10 months/43,000 fault-free miles

Last edited by Badger1970 on 22nd Aug 2013 7:58 pm. Edited 2 times in total

Look forward to seeing it soon

I'm looking to upgrade mine next year. Although I feel that mine is a little dated, I still really enjoy the car. Baltic blue is a really nice colour, it's on my options list for when I change.

Looking forward to seeing some pictures.

chrisr1806 wrote:

Looking forward to seeing some pictures.

So jealous!

I still haven't made my mind up about the wheels, prefer the ones on my car. I think I will choose Baltic Blue next time.

Does the new one have privacy film instead of glass?

I had a MY13 HSE loan car the other week and it brought back the love

Not sure enough to buy one with the new looming whenever that might be but I really enjoyed the car  Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

chrisr1806 wrote:

Does the new one have privacy film instead of glass?

I only just noticed it. Shame really because the factory glass looks better IMO. Enjoy the car, Baltic blue is a great colour.

It doesn't look any different to me! Black is black it might look lighter than normal because the sun is directly flooding the front windscreen, but its the same tint level as the OEM. Foraging near Gaydon....
——————————————
MY13 HSE Lux SD4, Baltic Blue - current, 30,000> miles without fault
MY12 HSE 2.2 SD4, Sumatra Black - gone after 10 months/43,000 fault-free miles

i had tints done on my first one, the only difference really is the fact you see the aerial wires and you don't on factory tints

if they are done well makes no difference Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

It's a nice looking car, the 19 wheels suit the Fl2. I agree that 13MY is a massive step forward over previous years. 21MY Defender 90 S 3.0 D200