To me it is the functionality, that is, it does what I need it to do! That is has AWD availability, though preferably permanent 4wheel drive Torsen/Ferguson non of this Haldex Rubbish but very unlikely, Decent Handling, Good Ground Clearance, good all round visibility, Performance, Reliability. If it is deficient in any of these areas then an availability of aftermarket parts to change characteristics or modify to my preferences. I would prefer a colour scheme that blends in to most country landscapes would be happy with camo or Greens, Khaki, Browns, Sand those sorts of things. It is a shame for me that Landrover or Mercedes do not do something like a van, Caravelle that is happier off road. Quite surprised the 2 mentioned do not have something like that on their books not just for here but World wide they surely would have a market. However LR products are not best known for reliability and these days fast fixes in the field are long gone and I am not wealthy enough to be putting mmi and Delmassive on my permanent payroll or even retainer. I do not care about who makes it or where it is made, China is probably best, cheaper better availability, better made. I do though care about home workforces so perhaps the Chinese should come over to Europe. I prefer diesel engines, they are at a panicle despite attempts to ruin them through political remit. Would eventually accept battery tech once it has improved with range and topping up in the field. I can not see the day anytime soon where E vehicles could go on v/long safari to and through Mongolia, China, Russia or through Africa India the Americas. I hope that E vehicles improve to the extent where people would naturally switch over without threat or forced by political abidance, price fixing ect.
I have very little interest in it being attractive or fashionable, looks should follow form for me. If the Ford Engines have been poor then so have VW engines too. I hope that what ever engine, in any vehicle is reliable and does well that issues such as wet belts or turbo blowouts electronic failures what ever, have been solved do not care a toss who makes any part so long as it does its job well. Collaborations are a thing of now and the near future at least, its a recession and changes are being forced upon us regardless, manufacturers cannot survive alone, costs too much money and investment. Usually if vehicles no longer does what is required or even do it well costumers go else where. So if a VW or Ford do not do it buy something else why suffer for brand loyalty, if they do not deliver! Dacia are likely to build a van eventually, perhaps their low prices and sensible builds will take off. Perhaps not as plush as Audi, BMW but the money saved might allow modifications to suit needs and tastes. If we do not like what we see buy something else or keep what we have why change if what we have is OK and better than something new that might not be.
brilliant
