Thread: looks promising imho

The handling is surprisingly good, offers a command driving position, not low like a car so people with hip/knee/back issues can get in/out better.

More luggage space for a golf bag/buggy and easier than a Falcon/Commodore.

Frugal, and easier to park (slightly smaller and easier to see being higher)

Offroad - well Veska? Has done some serious trips in his FL2 and it's never struggled..

It depends, if rock crawling for hours is your bag then no a FL2 won't cut it.. But offroad touring, beach etc they are hard to beat!

Their towing capacity is ok for a small camper or trailer so a kids motor cross bike etc won't challenge it...

They'll overtake on a highway like a car - I had one well into "go directly to gaol " territory.

They brake, turn and go well above the capability of several vehicles.

And they ride really nicely...

Originally Posted by disco man

A serious question,I have always wondered the reason behind people buying a Freelander,Rav4 type of vehicle. To me its not a serious 4X4 like a Discovery or Defender nor is it a proper car,I mean it won't perform off road like proper 4X4 nor will it tow like one. It will never drive like a family sedan. So I don't understand what the attraction is. To me its a compromise vehicle it wont do either job properly. I know there is furniture that handles on road driving better than my discovery,but in the bush she is awesome. My GT-P Falcon drives and handles quite nice on the road but is as useful as tits on a bull off road. Where do these not quite car,not quite 4X4 fit in?

1. Improved traction on grass, mud, sand compared to the very poor traction from a regular FWD mini car.
2. A little extra clearance for dirt roads and speed humps.
3. Usually a higher seating position to give better forward vision.
4. Modest towing capacity for your 6x4 sized trailer.
4. Perceived if not real improvement in safety.
5. Pose value?

Most people aren't all that good at driving and don't imagine they'd ever do a desert crossing in their toy 4wd. But the compact 4wds do excel at driving in and out of very steep driveways from subterranean garages in inner suburbia. My friend who has a RRC LSE has a wife who loves her RAV4 to bits. It really works for her so why not let her have it? Its dead easy to drive and handles their steep driveway with ease. A regular 2wd drags its exhaust or towbar tongue there unless driven extremely carefully.

Interesting- both cover the same Basics

Interestingly, my full size D4 is IMO better than your GT-P.

I can do well over the speed limit, turn appropriately on road, is amazingly comfortable both on and off road, and can tow my boat, camper or a big Van with ease.

A GT-P (just the example)... Is crippled by speed limits (assume law abiding driver), limited to rating, struggle to clear speed humps! And can't really handle a lot of gear in them... Shocking on grass, gravel and sand too...

Not saying they aren't a fun and enjoyable ride (they are; been there done that)

Thanks guys I never thought about it like that,some valid points in there. I guess what I want out of my cars is completely different to others.

Originally Posted by Tombie

Interestingly, my full size D4 is IMO better than your GT-P.

I can do well over the speed limit, turn appropriately on road, is amazingly comfortable both on and off road, and can tow my boat, camper or a big Van with ease.

A GT-P (just the example)... Is crippled by speed limits (assume law abiding driver), limited to rating, struggle to clear speed humps! And can't really handle a lot of gear in them... Shocking on grass, gravel and sand too...

Not saying they aren't a fun and enjoyable ride (they are; been there done that)

Pretty big call mate,A good as a D4 is there is absolutely no way it will keep up with me,nor will brake better,or corner as good,unlike a lot of blokes I have not lowered it,I have kept the ride height the same but improved the suspension with Bilstein shocks and Tein springs,so it has to be a bloody big speed bump. I never bought it to drive on grass,sand,gravel or to tow with. The ES takes care of all that.

Originally Posted by disco man

Pretty big call mate,A good as a D4 is there is absolutely no way it will keep up with me,nor will brake better,or corner as good,unlike a lot of blokes I have not lowered it,I have kept the ride height the same but improved the suspension with Bilstein shocks and Tein springs,so it has to be a bloody big speed bump. I never bought it to drive on grass,sand,gravel or to tow with. The ES takes care of all that.

Why a big call? Your 100km/h is the same as mine

I never said I could match it, but that I am not disappointed by what a D4 does..

For the record, I had a vehicle that would eat a GT-P or HSV offering so understand the differences...

Originally Posted by disco man

A serious question,I have always wondered the reason behind people buying a Freelander,Rav4 type of vehicle. To me its not a serious 4X4 like a Discovery or Defender nor is it a proper car,I mean it won't perform off road like proper 4X4 nor will it tow like one. It will never drive like a family sedan. So I don't understand what the attraction is. To me its a compromise vehicle it wont do either job properly. I know there is furniture that handles on road driving better than my discovery,but in the bush she is awesome. My GT-P Falcon drives and handles quite nice on the road but is as useful as tits on a bull off road. Where do these not quite car,not quite 4X4 fit in?

Easy,go get a pram,a baby,another toddler in a capsule an arm full of shopping and have it **** down with rain and try to get that lot into a Corrolla,then do it with a FL2,enough said.All my sisters had SR's when they had young kids and so do most women simply through user friendliness,lift the back door to keep the rain off and chuck it all in,funny thing is none bought the liberty because the rear lights don't lift with the door so a pram has to be lifted to chest height to get it in,obviously designed by a man. Pat