LRX Getting Some Nice Pro-Production Press

It’s nearly here, and boy are people getting excited…

Stop it. You’re too kind:

• “Britain’s SUV specialist takes the green path with a new high-style compact based on a show-stopping concept. An eco-friendly Land Rover? Yes, and it’s only the first.” – Consumer Guide
   
• “The 2011 Land Rover LRX's small size and distinctive styling could make it an interesting alternative choice in the small luxury crossover segment.” -- Edmunds
   
• “If the production car winds up being anywhere near as good-looking as the concept, there should be no shortage of them in neighborhood garages and driveways shortly thereafter.” -- Autoblog
   
• “It's flat beautiful with a rakish profile produced by a powerfully rising belt line and downward sloping roof.” – Car and Driver

OK, there are rumors that Land Rover will shift it over to front wheel drive in the future, but for now the LRX is still a genuine off-roader, with four-wheel-drive and Land Rover’s Terrain Response System. And even though it’s Land Rover’s smallest vehicle yet, it’s still not built on a car-based platform like so many other small and sleek SUVs are. Most prognosticators are saying it will come with a hybrid turbo diesel engine with an electric real axle drive that would enable it to run on electric-only power for greater fuel efficiency even in four wheel drive mode.

It will be interesting to see if they stay with the Range Rover badge or just abbreviate the name to the Land Rover LRX and leave it at that. Either way, it will be interesting to see what drivers’ reviews it receives after it finally hits showrooms, probably as early as late 2010.