Just had a 1/2 day experience at the Luton centre, last time had a Freelander so this time had a go in a discovery. Very nice car but it should be at £50,000. What struck me is that lot of the features could(should) be in the freelander. The lectric handbrake, better, centre armrest and compartment, instruments and controls, fully adjustable seats, strorage compartments etc. I notice they have put these on the Evoque. In september the disco is getting another update, I know the freelander has got new engines but in five years the only body upgrades are new instrument markings and foglight surrounds. I really do believe they have left the freelander to wither, it must be the only car in its calss that has had not had a makeover and upgrade in 6yrs.
On another not i see Audi are offering an inclusive wrranty and servicing pacakge for 5 yrs, cost for an A6 is £1500, the same as 3yrs servicing for a FL2.

Just a couple of points I'd take issue with:

1. Wasn't the current Freelander launched less than 6 years ago? The recent faclift was a little more extensive than you make out, but agree that it should have gone further, especially the inadequate changes at the back.

2. One of the reasons that I bought the Freelander was that it didn't have an electronic handbrake! Blimey, I hate those things with a passion! I hate them even more than push button starts

I suspect LR are holding out for the Freelander 3 which may coincide with my finance agreement ending in 3 years time.

I tell you something though, whatever advantages these other makes can boast over the Freelander, be it build quality, trim materials or reliability etc, they do lack the prestige. In 4x4 world, even BMW etc play second fiddle to the LR badge.

For me though, the fifth gear test against the Nissan X-Trail hit the nail on the head when the guy mentioned that when going off road, you get the sense that because you are in a Land Rover it will get you there, something which the Nissan lacks. Something which also applies to bad weather.

My LR day proved it's abilities and because I have (touch wood) had a reliable car, I would not consider swapping for any of the rivals.  LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey