Land Rover wins double Auto Express 2010 New Car Awards
Land Rover's award-winning Freelander 2 and Discovery 4 models have reigned supreme once again at the prestigious Auto Express 2010 New Car Awards, with the Freelander 2 winning Best Compact SUV and the Discovery 4 scooping Best Large SUV.
The Freelander 2 fought off strong competition from the likes of the Audi Q5 while the Discovery 4 triumphed over the BMW X5.
Auto Express Road Test editor, Ross Pinnock, said of the Freelander 2: "Can anything stop the rugged Freelander 2? For the third year on the trot, the British-built machine has steamrollered the opposition to secure the compact SUV honours. Premium looks, refined driving dynamics and unbeatable off-road credentials have all helped the Land Rover maintain its grip on the top spot. If you’re looking for the best compact 4x4 by far, then your search ends right here."
Of the Discovery 4, Pinnock continued: "Blending seven-seat practicality, luxury car desirability and unstoppable off-road ability, the big British 4x4 truly is a family car for all seasons. This year, the all-wheel drive machine’s margin of victory was greater than ever, thanks to a mid-life refresh that dealt with its predecessor's few weaknesses."
Land Rover UK's managing director, John Edwards, said: "It’s always fantastic to receive positive recognition from the industry for our ever-improving product line-up. However, to win important awards like these, several years running, in what is a highly competitive marketplace, really is testament to the desirability, capability and practicality of our product offering and is something of which we are tremendously proud."
The Freelander 2 is Land Rover's best seller in the UK with sales so far this year up 63 per cent versus the same period in 2009.
For 2011, Land Rover will offer customers more choice with the Freelander 2 model range. On sale in the UK from the end of September 2010, the line-up will benefit from a new 2.2-litre diesel engine available with either 150PS or 190PS outputs, a new look exterior plus interior alterations including new instrument dials and a new Premium Pack option. As an addition, Land Rover will also offer a 2WD derivative which will be available in the UK from January 2011. Prices for the 4WD 2011 Freelander 2 will start from £21,695. Prices for the 2WD version will be announced later this year.
Discovery 4 - the fourth generation of Land Rover's supremely versatile seven-seat vehicle - was introduced last September. Demand has been high for the latest iteration with sales in the UK so far this year up 73 per cent on the same period last year. It features a powerful and highly efficient new TDV6 diesel engine, fresh exterior identity and more premium cabin. The class-leading breadth of capability has been extended even further with dynamic improvements for both road and off-road driving. Prices start from £35,995.
For more information or to book a test drive, visit your local Land Rover dealership or log onto landrover.co.uk.
