I originally posted this in the newbie section but due to some 'friendly banter' thought I'd post it here instead.

I'm currently deciding what 'car' to have next, although my current lease is not up for a while yet. Anyway, I have a 4x4 itch I have to scratch and always had it in mind that if I bought a 4x4 it had to be a Land Rover.

I would dearly love the new Range Rover, or the new Range Rover sport when it comes out, but these are simply pipe dreams/lottery winning 'cars' for me.

I am giving serious consideration to the Freelander 2 Dynamic, and the Evoque Dynamic, although being a guy at 6'4" I'm worried about the image with the Evoque. I'm therefore swaying towards the Freelander 2.

The questions I have relate to the semi auto box, which I believe Land Rover call Command shift. In the Evoque I see that it has flappy paddles, like my current car. Buy looking at photos of the Freelander 2 SD4 it doesn't appear to have any. Would I be correct in this assumption? I'd prefer a manual box but the SD4 is auto only, and I don't think the TD4 has enough power for me.

Secondly, I do see that you can manually select gears using the gear stick, but it the + sign is forwards, and the - sign rewards and so I assume that you push the stick forwards to change up, and pull back to change down. Again, am I correct in my assumption? This is the opposite way round to my current car, and any other semi autos I've driven. If it is indeed this way round in the Land Rover is there a reason why they've chosen it to be this way as it seems the wrong way round to me?

Lastly, how responsive is the box in command shift/semi auto? I currently have the BMW M3 which has a fancy dual clutch and is ultra responsive. I know the box in the Landy won't be as good, but is it still pretty good?

TIA

snerkler said:

I am giving serious consideration to the Freelander 2 Dynamic, and the Evoque Dynamic, although being a guy at 6'4" I'm worried about the image with the Evoque. I'm therefore swaying towards the Freelander 2.

TIA

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I can't be of assistance with most of your questions but it seems to me that, if you are concerned about image, a Freelander is a very strange choice. My personal preference, if forced to choose between the two, would be the Evoque but, in my humble opinion, that's not a real 4x4, but then neither is the Freelander.

Is there any reason why you are not considering the Discovery?

Chr1s said:

I can't be of assistance with most of your questions but it seems to me that, if you are concerned about image, a Freelander is a very strange choice. My personal preference, if forced to choose between the two, would be the Evoque but, in my humble opinion, that's not a real 4x4, but then neither is the Freelander.

Is there any reason why you are not considering the Discovery?

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Size mainly, it just seems a bit of overkill when it's just me and the wife.

Strange the different perceptions we have, that's the reason I'm not considering the X5 etc as I want to have a 'proper' 4x4/off-roader hence looking at Land Rover. I wasn't aware that there was 'discrimination' in the Land Rover world and some weren't considered true 4x4's.

Very interesting this, why is the Freelander not considered a true 4x4? I can understand with the Evoque, and would imagine possibly the RR sport, but I've always looked at the Freelander 2 as a 4x4

snerkler said:

Size mainly, it just seems a bit of overkill when it's just me and the wife.

Strange the different perceptions we have, that's the reason I'm not considering the X5 etc as I want to have a 'proper' 4x4/off-roader hence looking at Land Rover. I wasn't aware that there was 'discrimination' in the Land Rover world and some weren't considered true 4x4's.

Very interesting this, why is the Freelander not considered a true 4x4? I can understand with the Evoque, and would imagine possibly the RR sport, but I've always looked at the Freelander 2 as a 4x4

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Freelander often called the Gaylander and the other hairdressers thing what's it called now the evoque :screaming_bug_eye_fproper 4 x 4 :confused2:

troll .....

snerkler said:

Size mainly, it just seems a bit of overkill when it's just me and the wife.

Strange the different perceptions we have, that's the reason I'm not considering the X5 etc as I want to have a 'proper' 4x4/off-roader hence looking at Land Rover. I wasn't aware that there was 'discrimination' in the Land Rover world and some weren't considered true 4x4's.

Very interesting this, why is the Freelander not considered a true 4x4? I can understand with the Evoque, and would imagine possibly the RR sport, but I've always looked at the Freelander 2 as a 4x4

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Ultimately I suppose it depends on how you plan to use the vehicle but I haven't heard anything good about the Freelander's reliability or off road capabilities. The evoque is supposed to be very capable off road, considering it's ride height and road tyres, but I've heard that they also have questionable reliability.

In my completely biased opinion, I would suggest buying a Defender, but I suspect they might be a little too utilitarian for your needs?

I'm sure I will get strung up for this but, personally, I would choose a RAV4, Volvo XC90 or even a Skoda Octavia Scout over a Freelander.

the egg said:

troll .....

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Not at all, just like to research before I buy. I'm sure my questions won't be most peoples' first on the list, but as it will also be my daily drive and these things can make all the difference. I don't like full autos, but also want the most powerful engine. If they did the SD4 in full manual these questions wouldn't even enter my head

If its off road ability you want then go for the evoque. The freelander of not considered proper 4x4 cos of lack of ground clearance and low range. But more then capable of tackling a gravel drive or bit of mud.

SpringDon said:

If its off road ability you want then go for the evoque. The freelander of not considered proper 4x4 cos of lack of ground clearance and low range. But more then capable of tackling a gravel drive or bit of mud.

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To be honest my off-road skills are 0 so initially I will only be tackling gentle stuff. From videos I've seen on youtube all of the Land Rover fleet are more than capable of tacking the terrain I plan on doing. That being said, as my skills develop I could well require something with more capabilities.

After opinions and advice on this forum I will certainly now consider the Disco. I do think size wise it is far more than I need, but at the same time if I do get the off-road bug and want to pursue more adventurous terrain it might be a better option.

As much as I love the Defender's appearance a capabilities I do feel it will be a bit too utilitarian for a daily drive. I am concerned about the 'hairdresser' image of the evoque too