Go-anywhere monster
I can hear the skeptics question the actual off-road capacities of the little LR2. After all, this vehicle is better suited for the highway than the trail. Well, amazingly, despite being the smallest of the Land Rover family, it proves to be fully prepared for an intense battle with Mother Earth.
The EU-CD chassis, also used by Volvo, allows for a pleasant balance between ride and handling. The LR2 is as smooth on the road as rugged off of it.
Likewise, the intelligent all-wheel drive system was developed by Haldex, a Volvo supplier. It incorporates a center differential with electronic management to anticipate the least bit of wheel slippage and reacts accordingly by providing the appropriate amount of torque at all corners for optimum grip.
But the most impressive aspect of the LR2 is undoubtedly the Terrain Response system, which offers four different traction modes depending on road conditions: General, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud & Ruts, and Sand. This permanent four-wheel drive technology adjusts the vehicle parameters (for example, the traction control system) based on the selected mode. That's why the LR2 was able to win our comparative match despite using low-profile performance tires.
Last but not least, the Hill Descent Control (HDC) system of the LR2 automatically applies the brakes to control speed on steep downhill slopes. Thus, the vehicle never exceeds 8 km/h during descents.
With its fully independent suspension, refined 3.2L L6 (also found in the Volvo S80) and reduced noise levels, the LR2 is also an adept performer on the road. Accelerations are brisk and the ride remains quiet, which creates an overall dynamic driving experience. It has to be said, though, that the brakes were guilty of hesitating a bit during emergency situations.
While reliability is still an issue (due to the Freelander's lackluster record), the 2008 LR2 is a very promising SUV -- one that will likely keep all its promises, actually.
Sleek design
Powerful yet refined engine
Premium off-road capacities
Dashboard ergonomics could be improved
Ill-designed center stack
Unknown reliability
photo:Philippe Champoux, Marc Bouchard
I can hear the skeptics question the actual off-road capacities of the little LR2. After all, this vehicle is better suited for the highway than the trail. Well, amazingly, despite being the smallest of the Land Rover family, it proves to be fully prepared for an intense battle with Mother Earth.
The EU-CD chassis, also used by Volvo, allows for a pleasant balance between ride and handling. The LR2 is as smooth on the road as rugged off of it.
 |
| The AWD system is a highly capable and efficient operator. |
Likewise, the intelligent all-wheel drive system was developed by Haldex, a Volvo supplier. It incorporates a center differential with electronic management to anticipate the least bit of wheel slippage and reacts accordingly by providing the appropriate amount of torque at all corners for optimum grip.
But the most impressive aspect of the LR2 is undoubtedly the Terrain Response system, which offers four different traction modes depending on road conditions: General, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud & Ruts, and Sand. This permanent four-wheel drive technology adjusts the vehicle parameters (for example, the traction control system) based on the selected mode. That's why the LR2 was able to win our comparative match despite using low-profile performance tires.
Last but not least, the Hill Descent Control (HDC) system of the LR2 automatically applies the brakes to control speed on steep downhill slopes. Thus, the vehicle never exceeds 8 km/h during descents.
With its fully independent suspension, refined 3.2L L6 (also found in the Volvo S80) and reduced noise levels, the LR2 is also an adept performer on the road. Accelerations are brisk and the ride remains quiet, which creates an overall dynamic driving experience. It has to be said, though, that the brakes were guilty of hesitating a bit during emergency situations.
While reliability is still an issue (due to the Freelander's lackluster record), the 2008 LR2 is a very promising SUV -- one that will likely keep all its promises, actually.
 |
Powerful yet refined engine
Premium off-road capacities
 |
Dashboard ergonomics could be improved
Ill-designed center stack
 |
Unknown reliability
photo:Philippe Champoux, Marc Bouchard
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