Land Rover Compact SUV is under Study

Land Rover is studying the possibility of manufacturing a compact SUV, which would be sold across the globe and make the brand a premium contender in the market. Company's global brand director, John Edwards, confirmed that the company has examined such a model. “ I can see a sub-compact SUV working in all markets... and I don't see a reason not to do it in the future,” He added. However, Edwards also mentioned that he has yet to see a authentic plan for the new model.

If this project gets an approval, then the baby Land Rover SUV is likely to come under sub-four metre range. It is also expected that this car would be based on a bespoke platform, which is likely to be utilized with Jaguar Land Rover's owner, Tata and new Chinese partner Chery. In recent times we got to know that Tata Motors is working on the next-generation diesel and petrol engines sized at 1.4 and 1.6 litres, and there is also a possibility that this engine could be used in the baby SUV. The bigger 1.6L engine could be used by Jaguar.

It is expected that the baby SUV will be priced somewhere about £18,000. This will make it more expensive than the Mini Countryman and positioned under the next-generation Freelander, which is likely to be tagged at £23,000. The front-wheel drive option is likely to be placed under the entry level baby SUV. The styling of the compact SUV is expected to be an added making of the theme launched by the DC100 concept cars. The car designing will also be influenced by the all new Defender.

According to recent surveys, global sales of B-segment SUVs will be increased to 2.5 million units in 2020 from current 1 million units. And this is the fact, which Land Rover cannot ignore. The company is reported to be actively analyzing to source a model solely from India. JLR in collaboration with Chery investing £1.1 billion in a new Chinese factory. The company also plans to source aluminium to manufacture new platforms from Saudi Arabia.

According to Edwards, “ We have a lot of aspirations for India, but that is all they are at present. Our expansion plans are very clear. We have a joint venture in China, which is approved, so we are working hard with Chery and then looking at three priorities to expand our global footprint: India, Brazil and Saudi Arabia.

Source : AutoCar UK