2008 LR2 SE

Luxury sports utility vehicle Land Rover has always been thought of by many as priced way beyond their budget. The price range of their LR3s are $40,000-$50,000, Range Rover Sport is over $50,000-$70,000, and the Range Rover Sport is over $70,000-$90,000.

But hope is still in the air as Land Rover has just introduced the all-new 2008 model LR2 SE with a price range that begins at a relatively affordable price of $34,700. It doesn’t have all the extra features and goodies that the other models have but it is not really stripped off other Land Rover accessories.

They even had it tested and it more than upheld the reputation of the Land Rover has as a producer of luxurious sports utility vehicles that are capable of trudging through rocks, ford streams, off road routes, and pavements as well.

This new compact, five-passenger LR2 model will be replacing the Freelander in the line-up of the British-based SUV manufacturer under the ownership of Ford Motor Co. This is the best choice for those wanting to experience the performance branded by Land Rover but at the same time not wanting to take out too much cash from savings.

What’s good about it is that it handles like a passenger car because of its design which is under the Ford car platform. The LR2’s body rides smoothly both on straight rows and mountain twisters and its strength is much more evident on off-road trails.

Another plus point is that passengers could comfortably relax inside while it passes through off-road courses.

It was also great in off-pavements as it showed stability and was sure-footed. The engineers behind the LR2 did great as its four-wheel traction control, continuously varying front/rear torque split system and the Terrain Response system allow the driver to choose settings for grass, gravel, mud, ruts, snow, and other off-road conditions. It could also tread through stream almost 20 inches deep but still not experiencing any problems.

The exterior is also as good as its engine performance as it has the traditional Land Rover styling cues. It sports a 3.2-liter in-line 6-rated at 230 horsepower and its acceleration speed from 0-60mph takes about 8.5 seconds.

The standard features and other Land Rover parts are still present like the nine-speaker Alpine sound system, a six-disc CD changer, steering wheel-mounted controls, push-button engine start, leather-wrapped steering wheels, trip computer, power sunroof and a second fixed-position sunroof, and quality Land Rover exhaust for emission control.

Its safety package includes air bags all-around, rear park distance monitor, front/rear fog lamps, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.