Land Rover LRX Spied, FWD and Hybrid Models Confirmed

Yesterday, the production Land Rover LRX was caught testing. Since last September, production of the LRX has been confirmed by Phil Popham, Land Rover’s managing director.

The concept was introduced at the 2008 North American International Auto Show. Mind you, the LRX moniker hasn't been confirmed - Land Rover has yet to officially confirm that name. It is clearly the production version of the concept though.

Yes, that is the LRX. Often manufacturers introduce good-looking concepts only to significantly water them down for production. That doesn't seem to be the case with Land Rover and the "new small Range Rover." Good thing? Yes.

Land Rover sees this new model as an essential component to growing the brand and attracting a new buyer base. We see a heavy amount of brand dilution though in the ways the new vehicle will be able to be configured.

Today the company confirmed it will be available with in front-wheel drive and hybrid versions. Front-wheel drive, on a Land Rover? We always knew the LRX would be the lightest and most fuel-efficient Land Rover, but their job just got a lot easier with FWD.

Phil Popham, Land Rover's managing director, had this to say  about the announcement: "This is good news for the company and for our customers. A 2WD option is just one way in which we are developing our vehicles efficiency whilst adding to the Land Rover range and expanding our customer base."

What makes a Land Rover? Anyhow, the car will still be available with a four-wheel drive system. Hopefully it will be up to the off-road level of previous Land Rovers. For more pictures of the baby Land Rover, check out Autoblog's gallery.