Vehicle: 2009 Land Rover LR2 HSE with Lighting Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$47970

Performance: In the middle of our “premium compact SUV reniassance”, we are here to review a vehicle that lays claim to the start of the whole premium compact SUV craze. That is the Land Rover LR2, the updated version to the original Freelander which began selling on our shore back in 2002.

The LR2 is only powered by a sole motivator is a Volvo-sourced 3.2 liter straight-6 DOHC 24-valve engine with variable valve timing technology. Although this engine has 230hp and 234 lb/ft of torque, it has to move LR2’s 4255 lb of British leather-lined luxury. While it isn’t exactly sluggish, it isn’t breathtaking neither. What this straight-6 really shines is the refinement department. As its as smooth and refined as BMW’s legendary normally aspirated in-line 6 quality, its also willing to rev. What it really needs is extra 30-40 ponies to move this heavy piece of metal off-the-line. Even though 234 lb/ft of torque at 3200rpm is decent, it just feels adequate if not underpowered, for most daily driving. 6-speed manumatic is the only gearbox mated with this engine. The shifts are smooth and coordinated. Consider the adequate performance this straight-6 offers, the manumatic mode is certainly encouraging to use as it better use the engine’s power. Thankfully, the lower gear’s ratios are low enough to move it off-the-line without too much hassle. The top gear ratios also don’t feel to lagging to make LR2 a buzzy and noisy ride at high speed. Despite that, this engine is much improved over Freelander’s lackluster 2.5 liter V6.

Handling: What Land Rover really shines is the off-road prowess their vehicles perform in the rocks. But what sets LR2 apart is its equally at home on the road as its in the rocks. LR2 is the most capable on-road vehicle Land Rover has come out with. It all begins with a stiff and solid chassis, for all the suspension components to hang their hats. Without all these solid fundamantal, it wouldn’t make a proper Land Rover a true off-road vehicle. The “hill descent control” works exceptionally well when driven downhill. On the other hand, its handling capabilities are a delightful surprise. The steering provides excellent feel and feedback, without any precision on-road. Both understeer and body rolls are expected. Its DSC, or Dynamic Stabiliity Control, has worked exceptionally well to save driver from the worse. It works hand-in-hand with the 4WD system and Cornering Brake Control for fool-proof active safety in both good and bad weathers. Dynamically speaking, LR2 is a delighful package.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, LR2’s braking performance has performed decently. Given LR2’s hefty weight, the stopping distance is short while brake feel is sure-footness. ABS only acts up necessarily without any unwanted intervention.

Interior: What really seperates LR2 apart from its predecessor is the use of materials and fit-and-finish inside the cabin. Gone is the cheap and nasty plastic materials, in with all the classy materials that are on par with its Land Rover name. The rest of the interior has been decently layout. With clear and analog instrumentation gauges, effective auto climate control and superb Connolly leather seats. These leather seats are really supportive at all the right places, with quality of materials only from Connolly. However, there is one major pet peeve. Its the placement of the power window panel on driver’s seat. Instead of ergonomically placed in the door panel, Land Rover decided to place it on top of door panel. A weird British ergonomic thought, I guess.

At the back of the LR2, it got a proper wash/wiper. It also have a low lift floor for easy loading for luggages. With fold down rear seats, you can put absolutely everything including a refrigator into the back of LR2.

Conclusion: The LR2 is a giant leap forward over its predecessor in every conceptable area. It really brings Land Rover into a competitive territory against all the newly arrived compact premium SUV on the market. What really seperates LR2 from the rest is the off-road prowess and British accent, which are something you won’t find in any of its rivals.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2009 Land Rover LR2
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Performance: 2.25/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 3.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 3/5

Overall rating: 3/5