Model Update

The Freelander’s exterior, like its larger siblings, looks ahead of its time. The all new diesel engine plant delivers excellence performance to cope with both highway work and the rigours of off-road adventure. Equipped with a grunty 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine and a six-speed manual transmission this is a very efficient machine – boasting even Stop/Start technology. A six-speed automatic is for those who like a relaxed, assured drive. Recently added to the range, however, is the 2.2 SD4, 140 kW diesel engine. You’ll find this is mated to the six-speed automatic and is perfectly suited to fast on-road touring and heavy duty off-roading. And you can enjoy a Freelander 2 with a smooth, petrol-powered, six-cylinder engine boasting 171 kW.

Inside, the cockpit of the Land Rover Freelander 2 is fresh and easily understood, while the vehicle’s ergonomics are very sound. Highly capable off-road and on the dirt tracks, the Freelander 2 can also be pushed along swiftly on the tarmac with balanced handling and excellent grip.

There are four models to choose from: the TD4, XS, SE and HSE variants – the HSE being the plushest one, and offering a very luxurious cabin ambience. Room is good, with the Freelander 2 offering 1670 litres of luggage space with the rear seats folded flat, and a useful 755 litres with the rear seats up.

Sitting on 19-inch alloys rather than the standard 17-inch ones makes the Freelander 2 look very hot, indeed. The base model for 2011 has a manual six-way driver seat adjustment, a map pocket, a manual dipping interior mirror, electric front and rear windows with one touch operation, an auxiliary 12V power socket in the front, rear and luggage area, automatic climate control with air filtration, a load space cover and a rear centre head restraint. Higher equipped models add to the list, with heated front seats, sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors and a panoramic sunroof amongst some of the items on offer. Each LandRover Freelander 2 offers a driver information centre, MP3 auxiliary audio socket and a sound system with a CD player. The base model has six-speakers.

I’m touching again on the TD4 engine plant because what a gem it is. A variable nozzle turbocharger helps to deliver exceptional levels of torque – 400Nm is available from 2,000rpm. The engine integrates intelligent Stop/Start technology that aids producing a combined average fuel consumption of only 6.7 litres/100 km – which is right up there with the best in its class.

Land Rover started it. The others copied its success. This was the case when Land Rover produced a smaller, more car-like vehicle in its lineup that was capable of offroading when necessary. Honda followed Land Rover’s lead with the CRV and Toyota with the RAV4, but the Land Rover Freelander started it.

Land Rover is working well in its marriage with Ford. The Land Rover Freelander has a strong design that contains a sporty stance, particularly with its flared guards and a chunky nose that is aggressive and powerful. The Land Rover Freelander sits very nicely upon its 17″ spoked alloy wheels and looks ready for action.

Looking around your immediate surroundings when seated in the Land Rover Freelander’s cabin, you’ll find the panoramic sunroof is large enough to be enjoyed by all and ensured that a pleasant and fresh atmosphere is experienced throughout a long drive – even if you’re returning from a day’s adventure with wet dogs in the boot space. The interior components of the Land Rover Freelander are crafted in quality materials and the features are displayed in a variety of satisfying colours. The seats are supportive and nicely upholstered. If you’ve got a taste for leather seats, then you won’t be disappointed: both the Land Rover Freelander SE and HSE models have beautifully made Napoli leather seats that are not only supportive but also pleasant to the touch.

The Land Rover Freelander XS has the TD4 2.2 diesel which is superbly refined and fuel-efficient (the Land Rover Freelander XS can also be powered by the i6 3.2 petrol engine). The turbodiesel engine has a brilliant average fuel consumption of 37.7 mpg. This engine also has a great low down power and shines in the mid-range where the power delivery is urgent and responsive. The standard six-speed automatic transmission has the ability of being manually controlled for that extra bit of driving pleasure.

The Land Rover Freelander XS, as already mentioned, also uses the i6 3.2 petrol engine. Ignite this unit and the 171 kW powerhouse bursts into life, giving a refined yet masculine engine response where 80% of the maximum torque is available throughout the entire rev range. This is one smooth unit that makes for relaxing motorway progress. A 0-62 mph time of 8.9 seconds is evidence of what the inline-six can do.

Look into buying the SE model and the latest 2.2 SD4 Diesel engine provides a marked increase in power over the standard TD4 engine. With 140 kW of power, the engine feels a little more responsive in the top end.

The 2.2 SD4 engine option is available in the Land Rover Freelander HSE, but this model will also surround you with luxurious features. Not only does it sit on great-looking 12-spoke 18″ alloys; it also has those extra items like electronic memory for the driver’s seat and the exterior mirrors, bi-Xenon headlights, front Park Distance Control and a premium Alpine audio CD system with nine wonderfully clear speakers throughout the interior of the Land Rover Freelander HSE. So you’ll be able to groove to whatever music moves you while the Land Rover Freelander makes short work of the toughest terrain. Sit back and set your cruise control, and the Land Rover Freelander HSE will take care of you and your passengers in safety and comfort. All of you will enjoy one of the three interior trim finishes (dark eucalyptus, blonde eucalyptus or Pixel Metallica).

Grip the leather steering wheel and you’ll find that all models of Land Rover Freelander are crisp in their offroad handling, grip the road tenaciously, and are relentless in 4×4 motion. All of the impressive active safety features (ABS, EBA, EBD, corner braking control, roll stability control and hill descent control) work together to transport you and your companions securely in the roughest outback adventure. Capable offroad as well as on, the Land Rover Freelander is also well fitted with the necessary safety devices: driver and front passenger airbags, front side airbags and full length curtain airbags are all standard in the Land Rover Freelander. It’s not for nothing that the Land Rover Freelander scored the full five stars for safety.

Whether you like to take the long way home off the beaten track or if on-road prowess and safety excellence is what you are after, the Land Rover Freelander will give you both. It’s well worth looking at.

The current model series includes the:

• Freelander 2 TD4
• Freelander 2 XS
• Freelander 2 SE
• Freelander 2 HSE

For anymore information on the Land Rover Freelander, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quotes requests out to our national network of LandRover dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

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