Baby Range Rover (2011) to have 2wd, sub 130g/km CO2

By Tim Pollard

Motor Industry

10 May 2010 14:55

Land Rover today confirmed that next year's new baby Range Rover – the LRX concept car made real – will be the company's first car to offer front-wheel drive.

It's part of the ongoing greening of the Land Rover brand, which risks being left behind by the environmental seachange. Dumping four-wheel drive on entry models will ensure the LRX will emit less than 130g/km of CO2 on the 2.2-litre turbodiesel model.

Front wheel drive Land Rovers! Whatever next?

'It's quite a departure for the company,' admitted a spokeswoman. 'But being able to offer sub 130g/km of CO2 in a vehicle of this type will be a huge advantage for us.'

The LRX, which is likely to be renamed with a proper Land Rover name like other models, will be seen at the 2010 Paris motor show in autumn 2010, before UK sales start in mid 2011. This being a Land Rover, four-wheel drive versions will of course be available.

Originally shown as a Land Rover concept car, Gaydon top brass quickly realised they could position the compact 4x4 as a baby Range Rover – with all the cachet and price possibilities that brings. Word is, the new model could cost £30,000.

By Tim Pollard