This vehicle will be great for those that want a fun, very manoeuvrable vehicle and great fuel mileage AND the ability to go into 4 wheel drive for the unpleasant winter driving conditions. This would be a great daily driver both city and highway.

actual fuel mileage:
125 kph - 3600 rpm 7.9L/100 36 MPG(Canadian) - This was pushing a head wind with a roof rack from Calgary to Edmonton. a couple good sized hills and mostly flat terrain. 316 km and used 40L of fuel.

City driving variable 8.56L/100 33 MPG(Canadian) - This was during test drives and just putzing around. steep hills repeatedly and lots of stop and go traffic. 154 km and used 18L of fuel.

105 kph - 3100 rpm 10.5L/100 27.5 MPG(Canadian) -Return trip from Edmonton to Olds. mostly flat terrain a couple good hills, head wind, no roof rack. 205 km and used 20L of fuel.

The little 2.4 turbo diesel really liked the higher rpms. it has a real sweet spot at 3600 rpm and can purr all day at 125 kph.

Ride and other observations:
T the coil suspension makes this the softest riding cruiser i have driven. Even nicer than the gas 80 series. The ride is very comfortable and not rocking at all. The suspension seats were locked for this run since i wanted the more leg room that comes from the highest locked position. The engine is VERY quiet. the tranny and diffs gearing is perfect for the little 215 tires that come on this unit. I was pleasantly surprised with the get up and go this engine has. The fuel mileage is about what i expected but i didn't expect the severe drop in mileage with the lower rpms. It feels like a little sports car and it is a blast to drive. It has a bit of body roll when swerving back and forth but cornering is firm and controlled.

Low range is very low, the crawl speed will be perfect for picking a trail in the bush. The engine has tons of torque for it's size. The rear seats fold up out of the way for good carrying ability. they also recline for more comfortable riding experience in the back seat. Ample leg room was a nice surprise in comparison to the BJ73 and BJ74 series. The arm rests and the lap belts are nice in comparrison to the lack of these in the BJ73 and BJ74 series. it is still a tight fit for a large guy to get into the rear seat but kids and smaller adults will have little problem getting in and out.

The LJ71 also comes with limited slip in the rear. It has great AC, great heaters, sliding side windows, full power options and suspension seats. It is very comfortable both around the city and on longer trips. For those of us with longer bodies it would be nice to be able to move the drivers seat back another inch or so. The drivers seat also has electric lumbar support and adjustable side supports.

Final comment:
i really fell in love with this unit. It's a real blast to drive.