Given the success encountered at both Detroit and Geneva, the news that Land Rover will produce the LRX was a given, although there are plenty of differences to the concept car. The first macroscopic difference is the presence of the rear doors - this is a five-door version not seen on the prototype.

The second regards market position. Given what AutoExpress has written, we can expect an up-market version of the Freelander more adapted to competition with the Mercedes GLK, the Audi Q5 and the BMW X3. A big focus will be placed on reducing emissions with a stop-start system and a possible future hybrid version.

Aesthetically the car will keep the nice LRX nose although it will be slightly higher to allow for the rear passengers. But the overall effect will be that the car sits lower than the Freelander. The interior will change notably from the concept car: gone is the extravangant cabin to be replaced by a carryover from the Freelander.

The engine will be similar to its little sister with either a 2.2 turbodiesel at 160hp, or a 3.2 straight-six petrol version at 232hp. Both will be equipped with automatic cut-off system for when the vehicle is stopped, but we will have to wait for the real new deal hybrid version.

Being a Land Rover it should perform well off-road with its Terrain Response system. What is still unknown is the name of this SUV set for 2010. It has been said that “LRX” will be abandoned in favour of Freelander Sport but it’s too early to know for sure.

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