Land Rover plans front wheel drive models

British 4X4 legend Land Rover is to launch two-wheel-drive versions of its most popular models, according to industry insiders.

The manufacturer is a favourite with country folk and townies alike, due to its practical yet stylish designs. As such, anticipation for new models is at a high.

The first model with front-wheel-drive is set to be the all new baby Range Rover, which the company are to produce using a £27 million government grant. The baby Range Rover or LRX is to be considerably less fuel consuming than its parent vehicle and is reportedly to be built at the Jaguar Land Rover plant in Halewood, NW England according to Car Magazine.

This exciting news for car buyers was announced by Land Rover managing director Phil Popham, who has assured commentators that the new model will be as similar to the original concept car as possible, saying: ''We are working hard and are confident we can get close to the concept car. We are convinced that the perceived quality and premiumness of the concept make it a Range Rover.''

Indeed, it is not only the Range Rover that could benefit from the new front-wheel-drive technology, with Auto Express reporting that the company could be planning to roll out two-wheel-drive versions of the Freelander.

Traditionalists will be pleased to know that 4x4 versions of all models will still be available for those who still like to take their off-roader away from the tarmac.

It is unclear when the two-wheel-drive LRX will be launched, as the car will have to go through all the necessary testing requirements. Nevertheless, Popham has stated to Car Magazine that should these hurdles be overcome swiftly, ''we will see the car and take orders in 2010.''

 

Liz Booth, Wolverhampton, Vauxhall Corsa

Tom Pitney, Dartford, Peugeot 307