The Freelander 2 beat off strong competition from the likes of the Audi Q5 and the Ford Kuga while the Discovery 3 triumphed over the BMW X6.
Auto Express Motoring and Digital editor, Daniel Strong said: "When it comes to off‑road credentials, few firms can match the history and experience of one of Britain's best loved motoring brands. Land Rover celebrated its 60th anniversary last year, but it shows no signs of slowing down.
"A host of new metal has arrived in the past 12 months with the aim of knocking the Freelander 2 off the top of the off‑road summit, but the Land Rover's depth of talent has seen it retain its title as the best compact SUV. The entry‑level Land Rover is accomplished on road and absolutely peerless in the mud, where it feels every bit as capable as models from the class above. It's this ability, along with its practicality as a family car, which made the Freelander 2 such a big hit with our judges."
On the Discovery 3 model, Strong continued: "It's not hard to see why it took our top award, because its versatile design fulfils many roles ‑ from seven‑seater MPV to off‑tarmac workhorse."
Land Rover UK's managing director, John Edwards, said: "We are very proud to receive these two awards from Auto Express. Winning the Best Compact category with the Freelander 2 for the third consecutive year is an incredible achievement in this highly competitive sector.
"The Discovery 3 continues to receive numerous high‑status accolades and we are confident that its successor, the new Discovery 4, will build upon the superb achievements of the outgoing model with new powertrain, improved dynamics and a fresh design."
In May this year, the TD4_e version of Freelander 2 went on sale. It is Land Rover's most fuel‑efficient vehicle to date due to its intelligent Stop/Start system. It is the world's first SUV to feature such a system and is also the first production vehicle to incorporate technologies from the Land Rover's programme of sustainable engineering initiatives, collectively named 'e_TERRAIN TECHNOLOGIES'.
During the standard EU4 Cycle, the CO2 emissions of the Freelander 2 TD4_e are reduced by 8%, compared with the previous manual diesel Freelander 2. Moreover, in additional tests, Land Rover engineers have measured fuel savings approaching 20% in heavy urban traffic.
On sale in the UK from 1st September 2009, the new fourth generation of Land Rover's supremely versatile seven‑seat vehicle gains a new name ‑ Discovery 4 ‑ to go with its powerful and highly efficient new TDV6 diesel engine, fresh exterior identity and more premium cabin. The class‑leading breadth of capability is extended even further with dynamic improvements for both road and off‑road driving, and Land Rover has added a battery of user‑friendly new technologies and features. Prices start from £31,995. Prices for the Freelander 2 start from £21,295.
For more information or to book a test drive, visit your local Land Rover dealership or log onto: www.landrover.co.uk.
Auto Express special awards issue is on sale at all good newsagents, now.
For more information contact:
Natasha
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Laura Meyerding
UK PR
Manager
or Press
Officer, Product Affairs
T: 01926
643270
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About Land Rover
• Since 1948 Land Rover has been manufacturing authentic 4x4s that represent true 'breadth of capability' across the model range. Defender, Freelander 2, Discovery 3, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover each define the world's 4x4 sectors, with 78% of this model range exported to 164 countries. Land Rover employs over 8,000 people and supports a further 40,000 jobs in the supply chain
• Land Rover takes its responsibility to the environment seriously. Emissions have been cut with all new models and, together with Jaguar, it is investing £800m on technology specifically aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Also, since September 2006, carbon dioxide generated by Land Rover manufacturing activities and UK customer vehicle use has been balanced through an industry leading offset programme run by Climate Care