Thread: Disappointed in the D5 / waiting for the Defender

The D5's styling was previewed on the Ford Explorer. Just have a look on Google Images and see what I mean.
Ford Explorer - Google Search

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

The D5's styling was previewed on the Ford Explorer. Just have a look on Google Images and see what I mean.
Ford Explorer - Google Search

Yup, now D5's looks are even more disappointing.

Originally Posted by Disco-tastic

What are some cars that you do like? The first 3, while not pretty, are recognisable (well maybe not so much the patrol), the outlander and DS are well proportioned and good looking. The D5 is good from most angles, just has a big rump.

The previous gen Hilux to me looked narrow and feminine with a large front overhang.

The first of the current series outlander to me looks very soft and feminine, with no real distinctive features, very forgettable apart from its distinctive soft look.

The first of the 200 series looks bland, especially at the rear. The front has been given some distinction in recent time, although it appeals to american taste.

The Patrol is acres of bland inside and out, although i have seen one with aftermarket rims and tyres, a front bar with lights, and he did a great job of it, it looked good, although not directly from the rear.

The D5 looks okay, but is soft and feminine, and forgettable. Looks like a Discovery Sport. With some macho accessories it would gain distinction.

I reckon the D3 looked good when new, and if anything looks better now. I also like the L322, the current FFRR, Evoque, and the 2 door Rangie. The Mercedes X class ute concept looked good (unlike the actual mongrel production car).

Originally Posted by Zeros

Does anyone know, are the D5's drag coefficient numbers and fuel consumption figures really that much better than those of the D4? As this seems to be the most touted reasoning for the new cane toad / blob rump conformity - instead of the far more practical squared off design of D4.

I figure the biggest factor for any fuel economy improvement from D4 to D5 around a city would be primarily due to weight reduction.

Having a smooth exterior is also about lowering NVH and wind buffeting. The FFRR also has a smooth exterior, yet is distinctive and interesting.

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

The D5's styling was previewed on the Ford Explorer. Just have a look on Google Images and see what I mean.
Ford Explorer - Google Search

Ford bought LR partly to gain knowledge and tech. They co-developed the D3, then sold LR, and then their Explorer went from sub par to possibly being the next gen in a way from the D3 they co-developed. My thinking anyway.

Originally Posted by rammypluge

I figure the biggest factor for any fuel economy improvement from D4 to D5 around a city would be primarily due to weight reduction.

Having a smooth exterior is also about lowering NVH and wind buffeting. The FFRR also has a smooth exterior, yet is distinctive and interesting.

Yes, but has it actually made any difference?

Originally Posted by rammypluge

Ford bought LR partly to gain knowledge and tech. They co-developed the D3, then sold LR, and then their Explorer went from sub par to possibly being the next gen in a way from the D3 they co-developed. My thinking anyway.

Also the Ranger with the clam shell bonnet. Although Land Rover also benefited by gaining access to the Duratorq engine, prior to developing Ingenium.

Originally Posted by Zeros

Does anyone know, are the D5's drag coefficient numbers and fuel consumption figures really that much better than those of the D4? As this seems to be the most touted reasoning for the new cane toad / blob rump conformity - instead of the far more practical squared off design of D4.

The main reason for the rounded shape is the European pedestrian safety laws. This was also a big part of why Defender was killed off.

Cheers,
Jon