Two words

LOW RANGE

Lee Howe wrote:

Why do people want or what is the benefit of a split tailgate?

Thanks Dommel,
I can see that it could be worth having if you had dogs. Couldnt think of any advantage to having it before.

Personally Id still leave it as it is

Another reason could be to hold cold out of the car.
My previous cas was a MINI Clubman, with the two van doors. Opening just one door was sometimes just enough to pick up stuff. In the winter was there a real difference in cold air when opening one vs two doors.

A slightly bigger boot (depth-wise)

Lower CO2 more mpg

More storage holes for coins etc ala Tiguan roof console..

A proper storage facility near the hand brake

A reduction in washer fluid use (make the headlight washers isolata-ble...

Electronic handbrake and ABS-monitored tyre pressures

Parking sensors across the range

Std removable tow-hook. 2012 SD4 S

3.0 x 6 cylinder diesel - I want a smoother, quieter, more powerful engine.
More 'discovery' looking. Square off the front and rear.
TomTom navigation.
Sliding rear seats, thereby increasing legroom or boot space.
Level dashboard so you can put things on top without them sliding off.
Drawers under seats for more storage
ZF Auto box. Smoother and faster changes (Coming) 2016 RR Evoque td4 180 HSE Dynamc
(Going) 2013 TD4 GS Auto - Santorini Black with black leather. Cold Climate, UK Lighting & Armrest Packs. Privacy Glass. LR Rubber Mats. Full size spare.
60 000 miles averaging 35mpg

(Gone) 2010 TD4 Manual GS - Stornoway Grey. Sold at 3yrs old & 64k miles. Final average consumption 39.2mpg.

A few contributors need to review the current start point which is 13MY spec. I've had mine a month and a few of the interior wishes, electronic parking brake, 4x4 display, rear camera, etc. are already in place.
HID lights are a cost option (on XS and above) and they are better than the 09MY of my previous model that had halogen main beam (and flash) lamps. The focus of the units has been improved for long range and slightly better adjusted spread to road width. They are s much better they should be standard because the option price is outragous at 900+ GBP
I would also like:
* Low range or lower 1st gear would do
* Deeper boot (but I think this is on the cards for the 5-seat version as a 7-seater is being considered)
* Increased ground clearance - are we too small to get air suspension? any increase in static ground clearance would increase fuel consumption and CO2
* I like the suggestions of flat dash and/or more storage (LR is not as clever as some)
* Locking rear diff would be a bonus - perhaps an option as the TR and traction control is already clever and if there is no grip at the tyre surface, you can lock up all you like! Gone... 2013 XS TD4 Manual Firenze Red
Gone... 2008 (09MY) XS Td4 Manual Stornaway Grey
Prior... 2003 G4 Discovery 2, 1998 Disco 1 and 1997 Disco 1 Company car before that
Also gone in Nov'13, after 7.5 yrs, to new owners with time for more TLC - 1980 Series III 88
Current 2015 Discovery Sport HSE 2.0

The 4x4 info screen people refer to is the one on Discovery, Sport and RR which shows more information than you'll find in a MY13 Freelander such as Gear Range, Selected gear, steering position, suspension activity etc.

1st gear is already pretty low but I suppose could go lower.

Locking rear diff would not work with the current generation Haldex and would require a redesign. Locking rear diffs are only optional extras on Discovery, Sport and RR and even that might change before too long.

New engines may be in the pipeline once the LR engine plant comes on line in late 2014.

As for future design of Freelander and Discovery,I guess we'll just have to wait and see what appears but it might not be what we're currently expecting/thinking.

Is the new engine plant the factory currently getting built at Wolverhampton?

yes

I should know whats goingbinnit really as the company I work for are doing the roof & wall cladding on the project.

Im not working on the Wolverhampton contract, Im working on anothe Landrover building at Solihull.