Mont-Tremblant, Québec -- Land Rover/Range Rover sales are up 20% globally, year to date. The key to any successful car company is product, this is no secret. With new and innovative vehicles like the
Range Rover Evoque or highly revamped existing models like the new
Range Rover, it's no mystery as to why the brand is doing well.
The revised 2013 Land Rover LR2 addresses shortcomings present in the first LR2 launched as a 2008 model in North America. The previous entry-level Landy cabin's fussiness was pushed aside and a new, modern and efficient engine has replaced the old, and the exterior shell got a quick once-over. Is it enough?
Jaguar/Land Rover have kept the 2013 LR2 current. With the right ingredients and wise spending, they've managed to accomplish exactly that.
Although, on looks alone few could distinguish a 2008 from a 2013, driving it will show differences. If the drive takes place off-road, many competitors may fall out of favour or fall behind altogether. By driving the 2013 Land Rover LR2 as much as I did, I've rediscovered a player capable of going 10 rounds.
2.0L turbo
This is, in my book, the most noteworthy change made to the 2013 Land Rover LR2: Gone is the Volvo-derived 3.2L I6 and in is the Evoque's delightful 2.0T. With 240 hp and 250 lb-ft or torque, the 2.0T is not only more powerful, but more efficient and loads more fun to push hard.
Mated to the Aisin 6-speed autobox, the mill is spiritedly quick, displaying little to no lag, depending on engine speed. The ‘box is quick to play along; however, on some of our great, local country roads, I would have liked some wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
This powertrain combination renders the 2013 Land Rover LR2 far more pertinent on multiple levels. Somehow, the promise of small displacement efficiency and turbocharged performance makes the whole product loads more interesting.
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| With 240 hp and 250 lb-ft or torque, the 2.0T is not only more powerful, but more efficient and loads more fun to push hard. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre) |
It is, after all, a Landy
Although we spent a fair amount of time rediscovering how competent the 2013 Land Rover LR2 is on the road (which it really is), the fine people from Land Rover did take us on a number of trails less travelled.
Although every bit as comfortable as any other compact SUV on the road, the LR2 shines as bright as the Eddystone Lighthouse did in its heyday when removed from tarmac. To be quite honest, the 2013 Land Rover LR2 doesn't look like a hardcore off-road machine, but it can be.
Some of the terrain traversed in the LR2 seemed to be above the vehicle's perceived capabilities, but never did it falter even when some of the deep, muddy ruts seemed to pose a mild challenge for the leading
Land Rover LR4. With Rover's watertight Terrain Response system set to Mud and Ruts, there was no stopping its AWD mechanicals and Haldex rear differential.
Truly, and much like the Evoque, looks are clearly nothing when it comes to judging a Land or Range Rover's depth of abilities.
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| With Rover's watertight Terrain Response system set to Mud and Ruts, there was no stopping its AWD mechanicals and Haldex rear differential. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre) |
The Oil of Olay effect
The seven signs of aging (don't ask me what they are) were mostly addressed on the 2013 Land Rover LR2. Mandatory LEDs in the headlights were added for a touch of cool class, and the taillights were also revised. As well, updated wheels were thrown into the mix as an added ”new” bonus. That essentially sums up the outside.
The interior was tackled with the same light-and-easy approach. Land Rover simplified the LR2's cabin by reducing the switch count. Essentially, they've classed up their entry-level player by giving it a more business-like environment -- like a Range Rover.
I'm not sure if the new aesthetics are enough to make a marked difference in the 2013 Land Rover's take rate; however, the addition of new hi-tech options might reel in those who are not fully set on the LR2.
The new centre console with a 7” colour touchscreen and the optional satellite navigation system are always winners in the high-end luxury game. The kicker for me is the Meridian audio system which simply belches out flawless sound. As well, the new instrument cluster with a 5” screen centre display is as attractive as it is functional.
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| The addition of new hi-tech options might reel in those who are not fully set on the LR2. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre) |
In related news
There are a few other noteworthy changes made to the 2013 Land Rover LR2: One has to do with the improved chassis bracing and structure reinforcements which not only affect NVH highly, but serve to stiffen up the vehicle's structure. This Land Rover displayed no -- I repeat,
no -- rattles. True story.
Also, the LR2 now features Land Rover's Intelligent Power System Management (IPSM). This Smart Regenerative Charging system means the alternator only charges the battery while the vehicle is decelerating, recovering kinetic energy. Nice touch.
The 2013 Land Rover LR2 offers comfort, class and on- and off-road performance like few others in its class. As quality continues to improve (which involves reliability), Land Rover products are becoming even more alluring. Few would
not want to own one of these robust and luxurious vehicles.
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