All new Land Rover Freelander 2 review
Author: Robin Roberts
Published: 09 November 2006
There is nothing retiring about Land Rover even on the eve of its 60th birthday. We are about to witness the iconic 4x4 manufacturer rediscover itself with the new Land Rover Freelander 2. Retaining the all-round 4x4 abilities of the brand and borrowing design elements from its super successful Range Rover, Discovery and original Freelander, the new model is going to become Britain’s best-selling 4x4 by a long way. Instead of heading for a retirement home it’s coming out of a radically revised manufacturing plant at Halewood, which also makes the Jaguar X-Type.
Freelander 2 engines
Freelander 2 uses the latest Bridgend assembled 3.2 Si6 petrol and Dagenham’s newest 2.2 turbo-diesel engines with six-speed automatic as standard on the petrol and available in the spring on the diesel, which is being launched with a six speed manual box. It embodies the latest intelligent four-wheel drive, traction control and assistance systems, sophisticated anti- locking brakes and power steering. The suspension is tuned to give sportier handling while still complying with the need to articulate over any ground and it is fitted with the acclaimed Terrain Response system, Hill Descent and new hill start assistance programmes. Land Rover has invested over £300 million in the new model development and manufacturing after transferring assembly from the Midlands to the North West and is delighted with the build quality of models leaving Halewood.Styling and improvements
Outwardly bigger than the Freelander with a wider track and longer wheelbase, Freelander 2 also provides more room inside and it continues the design themes from the Range Rover and Discovery 3 but brings them more up to date. Under the bonnet are more powerful and efficient engines with lower exhaust emissions than their predecessors and the Freelander 2 is the most fuel efficient Land Rover ever made. Land Rover UKs Managing Director John Edwards is delighted with the interest in Freelander 2 from owners in a market which is now awash with possible competitors and expects the diesels to take 90% of Freelander sales. “Since it was launched at the London Motor Show this summer over a million potential Freelander 2 owners have logged onto the dedicated website for the model and advance orders are pouring in with 1,200 eager UK owners waiting to get their hands on the newcomer from 6 December. Build orders now extend to Spring 2007,” he said.Freelander 2 prices
Priced between £20,935 and £30,935 early indications suggest Freelander 2 models will hold on to 54% of their cost after three years and 36,000 miles, which will also make it the slowest depreciating model in the SUV market. Driving petrol automatic and diesel manual versions over demanding road, track and sand courses in Morocco I found them extremely comfortable on any surface but with excellent dynamic responses as well on tarmac.The engines are smooth, quiet and have plenty of pulling power where it’s needed with creamy changes in automatic form and slick direct gear selection on the manual. The high driving and riding position gives excellent visibility and the seats provide good support and adjustment in the front and even those in the back had a lot of legroom. Luggage space is good as well and the oddments provision is very reasonable for what will be a popular family model. Freelander 2 has raised the benchmark for the SUV market with its all-round competence.
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