Land Rover LRX news - Range Rover LRX on its way - 2009

See more pictures of the LRX concept

Good news for small people who like off-roading: Land Rover has today confirmed that it will put the LRX concept into production in 2011, badged as a Range Rover.

First shown at the Detroit show in early 2008, the LRX concept previewed a new 'baby Rangie'.  Based on the Freelander platform but 25cm shorter and much lower, it was pitched as a compact cross-coupe with dimensions similar to the Toyota RAV-4.

The concept featured a floating roof and a more futuristic interpretation of Range Rover's signature clamshell bonnet, cues that LR's design chief Gerry McGovern will carry over to the production version. As usual, expect the more outlandish concept touches to be toned down by the time the LRX reaches the road.

"The new vehicle will be a natural extension to the Range Rover line-up," says McGovern. "It will be true to the concept and have many recognisable Range Rover design cues."

Beyond that, we don't know much about the LRX. A hybrid powertrain has been mooted, but it'll likely be launched with Land Rover's more conventional array of petrols and diesels.

Land Rover has confirmed that the LRX will be built on its Merseyside production line. Company chiefs have today also announced that one of its Midlands factories will be phased out over the next five years, though deny this will necessarily result in significant job losses.