Land Rover Downsizes

Land Rover's new LRX concept is a glimpse into the company's downsized, greener future. The new Freelander-based SUV that Land Rover is planning will go head-to-head with the likes of the BMW X1 and Mercedes GLK as spiralling oil prices and environmental concerns means that smaller SUVs will be the big sellers in the future. In fact, the LRX is almost 15cm shorter than the Freelander on which it’s based and some 20cm lower, which

makes it closer in size to a car than a SUV.Apart from its size, the other surprising characteristic of the LRX is its three-door body. Land Rover calls it a cross-coupé but it’s unknown if this body style, as cool looking as it is, will sell as well as a five-door version. Land Rover will no doubt be listening closely to the public’s reaction at the Detroit motor show where the concept was officially unveiled. Otherwise, though, all the standard Land Rover design cues are there – the ‘pillar-less’ glazing, clamshell bonnet, two-bar grille graphic and split tailgate.The interior is pure show-car, with plinth-mounted seats visible structures, glowing carpet, ‘floating’ LCD graphics, variable ambient lighting (red in ‘Sport’ mode, green in ‘Eco’ mode), removable iPod speaker systems, rear fridge and a padded tailgate for more comfortable picnics. The side windows are made from UV-proof polycarbonate and much of the interior is made from sustainable sources and recycled materials.Under the bonnet will be a globally-certified 2.0-litre, turbo-diesel hybrid engine, capable of running on bio-diesel (of course) with emissions as low as 120g/km. With re-captured energy stored in lightweight Lithium Ion batteries, electric drive would be channelled to the rear axle which means the LRX could be driven on pure electric power at low speeds, while also enhancing the LRX’s 4x4 ability in tough conditions by offering maximum torque from zero RPM (useful in packed snow or when towing). The rear axle is also shaft-driven, however, because anything less wouldn’t be Land Rover. Naturally, Land Rover’s Terrain Response system will be standard albeit with a new ‘Eco’ and ‘Sports’ modes, indicating the LRX will be the sharpest-handling Land Rover yet.