Over the weekend, I got a chance to drive the 2013 Land Rover LR2 and took it to the wonderful city of Ras Al Khaimah. At first glance, the car looked very good with beautiful styling, typical of a Land Rover. The first impression when entering the car was surprise! It was a top-of-the-line model of the LR2, equipped with everything one can expect from such a model. The color coordination of the interior resembled typical aftermarket upholstery with a black and red combination. Nevertheless, the quality was top class, as expected of the English manufacturer.

Drive

The 2013 Land Rover LR2 is powered by a four-cylinder 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, producing 240 horsepower at 5500 RPM and 339 Nm of torque at 3200 RPM. The power is available when needed but comes with a short delay due to turbo lag. After the turbo kicks in, the car can really take off and show its true potential. The 2.0 T is an update from the previous 3.2-liter naturally aspirated engine from the earlier LR2, also known as the Freelander. The car handles beautifully; this was evident when I had to dodge one of the many goats wandering around the streets of RAK. The car responded perfectly, demonstrating expected body roll for an SUV.

The ride quality is impressive, thanks to the 18-inch wheels and suspension system, providing a very smooth experience. The rugged, pothole-filled roads of RAK tested the suspension well, and the LR2 shrugged off any road damage effortlessly. I ventured into the mountains of RAK to test the special terrain program system fitted into the Land Rover. Selecting the gravel and grass setting while driving on a gravel road felt significantly different with the system on compared to when it was off. When no preset is selected, the car struggles to move and crawls up slopes. A noteworthy feature is the dashboard screen indicator displaying the direction the wheels are pointing, which helps coordinate movement.

Interior

2013 Land Rover LR2 Interior

Despite the amazing interior color scheme, I found the legroom in the driver’s seat lacking for a person my size (1.85M). The seat was pushed back as far as possible, yet my knees still touched the steering column. Regarding equipment, the LR2 boasts features typical of a British luxury vehicle, including keyless start and a dual-zone moon roof. Bluetooth connectivity is user-friendly, allowing quick connection of your Bluetooth-enabled phone within 10 seconds.

The dual-zone air conditioning system is quite effective for this region; however, it lacks a simple constant setting. This results in it getting too cold, necessitating frequent adjustments. The navigation system is complicated, as it requires browsing through a comprehensive list for a specific location rather than allowing direct searches within a city, which can be time-consuming. Additionally, I encountered an issue with the on-board computer system: when the fuel gauge was in the red zone, the trip computer indicated I had 26 KM left before empty. After refueling, while the gauge level increased, the trip computer still read 26 KM till empty, continuing to emit warning signals. This might be a rare glitch, but it raises concerns about potential computer-related issues in the future.

Fuel economy is another aspect where the LR2 falls short. During highway travel to and from RAK at a speed of 120 KM/H, the average fuel consumption was 13.7 L/100 KM. In the city, the average consumption calculated by the trip computer was 21.4 L/100 KM. Furthermore, the LR2's fuel tank capacity is significantly smaller than its competitors at just 70 liters.

Verdict

Priced at 169,000 AED, the LR2 is on the pricier side compared to other compact SUVs. Nevertheless, it offers a semi-luxury advantage over its competitors. The LR2 is not designed for hardcore off-road conditions but performs well in muddy areas and gravel after rain. In conclusion, the LR2 is suitable for suburban individuals needing space for kids and groceries, while its off-road capabilities prove useful when required.