Given the Evoque’s success, Land Rover is now exploring the possibility of what it refers to as a “white space” model to complement its Freelander and Discovery models.
This potential model will fall under the company’s leisure portfolio which incorporates the likes of the Discovery and Freelander and bridges the gap between the company’s utility (Defender) and luxury (Range Rover) lines.
Although company insiders have not yet confirmed the exact niche that this “white space” model will occupy, the most logical would be a compact model that underscores the Freelander. Such a model would potentially form a new entry point into Land Rover’s leisure segment while adhering to the downsizing trend that has taken off due to tightening emissions laws and an increase in fuel prices.
On the back of this development, Land Rover also plans to build more desirability into its leisure offerings. This would mean offsetting the current utility bias of the leisure models with sportier styling and more plush interiors.
Although the “white space” model is currently in a very early stage of evaluation and a long way from production approval, its addition to the Land Rover line-up makes sense given the firm’s recent commitment to roll out no less than 40 new models within the next five years, including a long-wheelbase version of the Evoque.