8 February 2011
Road test review
Until now, the only diesel offering from Land Rover in the Freelander 2 range was the very well appointed TD4 HSE. Along with the 3.2 litre 6 cylinder petrol, this made up the two model range, both of which retailed at $69,990.
For 2009, the 3.2 petrol version disappears from the price list and is replaced by the TD4 SE. Land Rover refers to the SE as a "value" model, which is a good start in these tough economic times.
The body styling of the Freelander 2 mimics that of its larger siblings, the Land Rover Discovery and Range Rover, with distinctive chunky front grille and bumper treatment and the slightly stepped roofline of the Discovery. The whole family of vehicles now have a rugged but stylish appearance.
Externally there is very little difference in appearance between the "value" SE model and the HSE, other than wheel size being 17" on the SE compared with 18's on the HSE.
With the introduction of the SE, Land Rover have managed to maintain the Freelander's premium appearance but trim $10k off the price tag, down to $59,990.
Of course, as you would expect with that kind of saving, some of the nice little touches on the HSE are absent. The SE lacks the automatic, self levelling bi-xenon headlights, front Park Distance Control (PDC), memory for the power-folding heated mirrors, and a few other little luxuries. Overall Land Rover have done an excellent job of keeping the features expected of a premium brand and specification is still high.
Standard fitment for the SE includes leather interior, rain sensing wipers, heated power-fold mirrors, front fog lights, rear PDC, headlamp washers, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and dual climate control air-conditioning, so it's not short on equipment. Gone are the cheap plastics from the early Freelander, and in their place are quality materials and finishes.
From the driver's seat, the Freelander SE has that no-nonsense high quality Land Rover feel about it.
The keyless start system involves inserting the key in a slot and pushing a button, and the common rail 2.2 litre turbo diesel power plant is lively off the mark and flexible across a wide range. Jointly developed by Land Rover's (then) parent company Ford, and the PSA (Peugeot/Citroen) group, it is one of the best diesel engines of its size.
You sit up high in the glasshouse and visibility is excellent due to the low waistline and windows set low down in the body. The 6 speed adaptive automatic transmission with Command Shift drives the wheels via a permanent 4WD system with electronic controlled centre coupling.
The Terrain Response system automatically adjusts traction and maintains grip on slippery surfaces, allowing optimum driving traction through each wheel whether you are driving on mud, grass, snow, gravel etc. For normal tarmac use, a majority of the drive is sent to the front wheels.
On the road, the Freelander SE feels solid and substantial compared with many compact SUV's, and its on-road performance is refined and dignified. Uneven road surfaces are soaked up very well for an SUV and road holding and ride quality are almost car-like.
Summary
The Freelander 2 TD4 SE has a real presence on the road and looks every inch a Land Rover. There is a high level of specification and a feel of quality from the driver's seat. Cargo space is a little limited for a vehicle this size, but we doubt many Freelander buyers will be expecting to cart the grand piano around, and will accept it for what it is - a compact SUV that does not sacrifice Land Rover's traditional capabilities.
With the Ford/PSA TD4 diesel engine and a build quality that feels solid and sturdy, we anticipate that reliability will be a big improvement on previous Freelander models. Time will tell.
Safety
Three point seatbelts and adjustable head restraints for all seats, front, side and head protection airbags, Hill Decent Control (HDC), Electronic Traction Control (ETC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Emergency Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), ABS and Roll Stability Control System ensure the Freelander 2 is equipped with a comprehensive safety package.
Pricing
- Freelander 2 TD4 HSE $69,990
- Freelander 2 TD4 SE $59,990 (As tested)
Technical
2179cc Four cylinder common rail turbo diesel engine producing 118kW @ 4000rpm and 400Nm of torque @ 2000rpm. CO2 emission of 194g/km. 6 Speed adaptive automatic transmission. Permanent 4WD with electronically controlled centre coupling.
Driving tips
Lap up the attention and drive around in the knowledge that you could have two of these and still have ten grand change from the cheapest Range Rover Sport which the Freelander 2 emulates. Just don't tell anyone!