The folks at Land Rover have been watching the universal consumer shift towards sub-compact SUVs and are currently mulling an affordable model that will slot into its product portfolio beneath the Freelander.
Speaking with Autocar, Land Rover’s global brand director, John Edwards, has stated that the firm is exploring the possibility of 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”, said Edwards. The one proviso required of such a model, however, is the business case for chasing volumes and, consequently, affordability is a potential obstacle.
Initial reports suggest that the new car will be priced roughly between the Mini Countryman and the entry-point to the next-generation Freelander line-up.
In order to meet the value criteria, Jaguar Land Rover is exploring the possibility of moving production to India through parent company Tata’s established manufacturing facilities. The firm has already invested around R15 billion in a new factory with Chery and is in the process of establishing an aluminum sourcing plant with production facilities in Saudi Arabia.
The sub-Freelander model could well adopt a number of styling cues from the DC100 concept, be underpinned by a model-specific platform developed by Tata and measure around 4 metres in length.
The powertrain lineup could comprise a series of new turbocharged petrol and diesel engines displacing 1,4- and 1,6 litres currently being developed by JLR’s Indian parent company. Wearing the famed green oval will mean that certain versions of this model will require some off-road ability, but it’s likely that 2WD will form the core of the budget-friendly line-up.
The firm is looking at “all opportunities to grow Land Rover”, said Edwards. “The SUV segment is the fastest-expanding sector. There’s room for crossovers, pick-ups, small sub-compact SUVs. We are definitely looking at opportunities, but we haven’t decided yet on small cars.”
