Well that has got some responses going. Clearly different countries have different conditions to offer the off-roader. I certainly don't agree with SCSL about the Landrover line up. Here you will see top level Range Rovers climbing mountain trails, with radiator blinds on going through 4' of water near the tip of Cape York, 500 miles from the nearest major town or driving at 70 mph along miles of beach on Fraser Island. Discovery 3s will be there too along with the Defenders. However we do lament the small fuel tanks - I am afraid that 800km out of a tank is not far enough and often additional fuel has to be carried in the back.
I agree that most 4wd vehicles do not get used off road much and indeed one of our best selling All wheel Drive vehicles - the Ford Territory sells as many cars in its 2wd version - a sad indication of where we are heading. As far as Freelander size vehicles are concerned there is only one sold that has full 4wd capability and that is the Suzuki range. I love my Freelander - it is easy to drive, I have found it very reliable,it is cheap to maintain and run, has been good on tyres and brakes unlike the experiences of others.
If I had designed the car I would have put in a 2 speed box between the gearbox and IRD and would have fitted a Discovery center diff (and diff lock) out of the transfer case into the Freelander to replace the viscous coupling. Not much money but a better car. As I said I hope Landrover will do this for the next model.
|
