"Freelander vs X trail?
Landie any day of the week. I drive 33k per year and just couldn't bring myself to do this in an X Trail."
"Yes, better spec, size etc, but that dash!"
How not? 99% of car mags (the remaining 1% been LR mag) suggest that the X-trail is much better than the LR (other then maybe the Image of the country set that it carries with it) The central dash is supposed to be a saftey thing as your eyes focus easier between the road and the dials in the center than if they were by the wheel.
"Landie was cheaper too, as Landrover now recognise the challenges being made by Japan and Malaysia etc"
Thats good then, give you some spare cash for when it goes wrong, you will need it for the expensive dealer costs.
"TD4 engine is a beaut, doesn't notice much below 1250kg on the pin. Telegraph Hill out of Exter in 4th with 1000kg Coachman 5 berth on back"
Sme could be said for the X-trail or even the Sorento (and more) that is also getting good reviews for towing and indeed solo. The TD4 seemed a bit underpowered for me, although reletivly refined (expected from BMW I suppose). X-trail is a bit transit van like on start up but soon quietens down to a nice tone. Will do 116mph solo (where the law permits or where no GATSO's), can get 43+mpg solo if driven sensible.
Steve