Land Rover's smallest truck, the LR2, is new for the 2008 model year. It's a recreation of the discontinued Freelander, and from everything we've seen, it should be successful.
The LR2 includes as standard a power sunroof over the front seats, and a second fixed sunroof, what Land Rover calls an Alpine roof, over the rear seats.
We were more impressed with the LR2's dashboard than with past Land Rover models we've seen. The company has reduced the broad expanses of black plastic, that detracted from the luxury feel of the cars.
We would have liked better integration between the cabin gadgets. The LCD only shows navigation, while the radio display shows audio and cell phone information.
The points-of-interest database wasn't quite as extensive as we would have liked, but it's not bad. It includes useful travel destinations, but no retail stores, which would be helpful for running errands.
In a departure from other Land Rover models we've seen, the stereo, which sounds very good, plays MP3 and WMA CDs. The display also shows track information.
Land Rover also includes a well-placed auxiliary input jack for MP3 players. It's at the rear of the center console, which keeps cables from dangling into the driver's footwell.
The LR2 wouldn't be a true Land Rover without some off-road credibility. It comes with Land Rover's Terrain Response System, which makes it easy to fine-tine the car for different surfaces.
