The Land Rover Discovery 3 has been named the best 4×4 in terms of practicality after a test from a magazine.
According to the Planet 4×4 survey, the Discovery 3 scored some 93 points out of a possible 100, ranking higher than the Audi Q7, Nissan Pathfinder and Mercedes GL.
Motorists can get their hands on the seven-seater from £29,815, picking up a car dubbed "a great achievement" by Land Rover UK managing director John Edwards.
He added: "[It] has proved time and time again it is three cars in one. It has now won nearly 100 awards since launch in 2004, making it one of the most decorated SUVs ever."
Land Rover’s owner Ford is expecting to sell the automaker within the next two months.
The automobile manufacturer commented that it is likely that the company will be sold alongside its sister brand Jaguar.
A hot August in terms of sales for Land Rover has put the firm on track to reach its third successive record year.
Over the course of the month, the manufacturer sold more than 15,000 vehicles – 13 per cent more than in 2006 – catapulting the company to its strongest position in its history.
Freelander 2′s launch, in addition to the popularity of the Range Rover, has helped the company achieve this, while the introduction of the environmentally-friendly V8 diesel engine may also be a factor.
"To achieve this level of growth in both new and established markets against a background of intense competition is testament to the strength, desirability and relevance of the Land Rover brand and the truly impressive model line up," said managing director Phil Popham.
The headquarters of the company can be found in Gaydon, Warwickshire.
A new premium pack has been made available for Land Rover’s best-selling model.
The Freelander 2 has sold 10,983 units in the UK so far this year and drivers can pick up interior and exterior enhancements for the car.
A distinctive rear spoiler, body-coloured lower sections of the bumpers and doorsills and stylish tungsten coloured door handles have been released for the vehicle, in addition to a new sliding cover for the storage box.
These extra features may see people become more endeared towards picking up a Freelander 2, especially as it has received numerous awards in the motoring press, the company stated.
"The premium pack on the Freelander 2 offers subtle changes for those seeking an even more premium look to their vehicle, which we believe will give it even wider customer appeal," said John Edwards, managing director of Land Rover.
Land Rover is a subsidiary of Ford Premier Automotive Group and was established in 1948.
The new version of Land Rover’s Freelander 2 has become Britain’s compact 4×4 of choice, the manufacturer has claimed, with sales of the model up 20 per cent in 2007 compared to the same time last year.
Some 7,532 units have been sold so far this year, placing the Freelander 2 at the fore of the compact 4×4 market, ahead of rivals including the BMW X3 and the Honda CR-V.
Diesel models have accounted for 95 per cent of all sales of the Freelander 2, Land Rover revealed, offering potential fuel economy figures of 37.7mpg.
Land Rover UK managing director John Edwards said: "The all-new Freelander 2 is now firmly established as the premium compact 4×4 of choice in the UK. This is a testament to its great design, high levels of quality and improved fuel economy.
"The Freelander 2 is the foundation of our business in the UK and will help us to deliver our best ever sales result in the UK this year."
Land Rover has achieved sales of over 24,000 units this year, helped partly by a 13 per cent increase in Range Rover sales.
The Discovery 3 and the Range Rover Sport are currently achieving twice the sales of their nearest rivals, while the Defender 07MY saw its best UK May sales result ever this year.
The new Freelander 2 diesel automatic will be showcased at Land Rover dealerships on April 28th and 29th, it has been announced.
Customers interested in the new 4×4 will be able to test its features, including the six-speed manual transmission and manual sequential gear change system.
An all-new 2.2-litre, four-cylinder engine will power the model, offering a combined average fuel consumption of 33.2mpg.
Those Land Rover enthusiasts with an interest in the more adventurous side of life will also be able to enter a prize draw to win a trip to Australia or an off-road driving session.
Andy Griffiths, marketing director for Land Rover UK, said: "Since the launch of the Freelander 2 petrol and diesel manual models at the end of last year, demand has been really encouraging.
"The launch of the new diesel automatic now completes the range and offers our customers more choice."
Land Rover’s Freelander 2 has already garnered awards, being named the Top Gear SUV of the year and the best compact 4×4 at the WhatCar? Awards. It also has a five-star Euro NCap safety rating and is the only compact SUV to have received the top assessment.
Land Rover’s Freelander 2 has been given a five-star European new car assessment programme rating for adult passenger safety.
In the child protection category, the Freelander 2 received a four-star rating. The combination of these assessments gave the vehicle the highest points of any model in its category, making it the best in class for occupant safety.
Jonathan Mabey, Land Rover’s vehicle safety manager, said: "Safety is of paramount importance for Land Rover and for Freelander 2 to be the only compact SUV to be awarded the maximum star rating is a fantastic achievement."
There are a number of safety features in the Freelander 2, including advanced stability and traction aids and a new ‘gradient release’ system, which offers motorists greater control when driving on steep hills.
Electronic brakeforce distribution, emergency brake assist and corner brake control all help avoid accidents, according to Land Rover, while the Freelander 2′s driving position offers improved visibility.
Front and rear crumple zones are built into the vehicle to absorb as much energy as possible in the event of a collision.
The sides of the 4×4 are reinforced with ultra-high strength steel door beams, while on the inside there are front seatbelts with dual pre-tensioners and seven airbags.
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