Land Rover picks up two awards from Auto Express; Freelander wins Best Compact SUV, Discovery wins Best Premium SUV

The Freelander 2 was up against the VW Tiguan, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Ford Kuga in the highly regarded, and probably most important for sales, Best Compact SUV class. The Discovery 3 trounced the BMW X5, Audi Q7 and Mercedes M-Class for Best Premium SUV.

Auto Express road test editor, Chris Thorp, said: “Here is the proof that when it comes to building compact sports utility vehicles, Land Rover cannot be matched. Not only is the Freelander 2 as capable on the road as it is off it, the upmarket 4×4 is as refined as some of the best limousines. Generously equipped and tastefully appointed, the car offers an unrivalled blend of versatility and drivability.”

The Land Rover, Freelander 2 has just won the 2007 Fleet News Awards for ‘Best Small SUV. Also nominated in the same category were the BMW X3, Hyundai Santa Fe and the Toyota Rav 4.

Land Rover was also nominated in two other categories: ‘Best Luxury car’ for the Range Rover and ‘Best Large SUV’ for both the Discovery 3 and Range Rover Sport.

The panel of judges included fleet managers, residual value experts, and consultants and suppliers.

The judges said “The winner has to offer an alternative to an equivalent upper-medium car, with higher fuel costs offset with strong residual values. The Freelander 2 had strong competition but one thing stood out – it defines the sector.”

Range Rover has been honoured in this year’s Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards ceremony held in Dearborn, Michigan.

R L Polk & Co gives these awards (which apply to the US market) in recognition of “superior owner loyalty performance”, based on whether a household which buys a new vehicle subsequently purchases or leases another one of the same make. This year, as in 2005 and 2006, the Range Rover scored top marks in the Prestige SUV class.

“We are elated that our customers are loyal to the Range Rover,” says Kevin Donovan, Market Manager for Land Rover North America. “To lead the Prestige SUV segment for three consecutive years reflects our customers’ passion for the unique driving experience provided by this award winning vehicle.”

Land Rover has scooped two accolades for Best Small 4×4 and Best Large 4×4 in the annual BusinessCar awards, voted for by readers of BusinessCar magazine.

The all-new Freelander 2 fought off competition in one of the most hotly contested sectors to win the ‘Small 4×4’ award – an impressive eighth consecutive win for Freelander in this category since 2000. The Discovery 3 was recognised as winner of the ‘Large 4×4’ category, making this its 95th global award since launch in 2004.

Land Rover corporate operations manager, Jon Wackett commented: “Receiving both these awards from BusinessCar magazine is a fantastic endorsement of the all-round capability that Land Rover vehicles offer to the business and fleet industry. We are delighted with the result.”

According to Planet 4×4 magazine, the Land Rover Discovery 3, Range Rover and Range Rover Sport are the best performing off-roaders. The Range Rover TDV8, Discovery 3 TDV6 and Range Rover Sport Supercharged claimed all three top spots respectively while taking the top prize in six of the 14 categories. These included Best Off-Roader for the TDV8 Range Rover, Large Off-Roader for the TDV6 Discovery 3, Large SUV for the Range Rover Sport Supercharged and Manufacturer Of 2006.

Land Rover is enjoying success in the new car market as well, with sales figures for November showing that the Discovery 3’s sales are up nearly 5% on November 2005, and that sales of the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport in the first 11 months of the year were 12% and 66% ahead of the same period last year.

Automotive Lease Guide has announced their annual Residual Value Awards, which honor those vehicles in each automotive segment predicted to retain the highest percentage of their original price. This year’s awards are based on 2006 model year vehicles. The awards are derived after careful study of segment competition, historical vehicle performance and industry trends.

ALG has awarded the CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) award to Land Rover North America, Inc. for the Range Rover Sport.