Land Rover has launched the highly acclaimed Freelander 2 in India. Freelander is a compact premium SUV from Jaguar Land Rover stable largely sold in European markets like the UK, France, Spain, Italy and also in China. It is also present in East Europe like Ukraine. In India, the car will be sold as a completely built unit that will attract 100% import duty.
The Freelander 2 joins the acclaimed Discovery 4, Sports tourer - The Range Rover Sport and Ultimate Luxury - The Range Rover, all of which were launched earlier in India in June 2009. Freelander 2 has completed the full range of Land Rover available world over.
Freelander 2 is the most affordable product from the Jaguar Land Rover product portfolio of Tata Motors India. But as far as performance and brand value is concerned it is expected that Freelander will sell in very few numbers because of high price and only one dealer in India. The Freelander 2 has redefined the compact premium 4×4 segment. It delivers outstanding on-road performance as well as class-leading off-road ability, the hallmark of Land Rovers. A dynamic design, purposeful stance, smart and spacious interior, and an abundance of advanced technologies complete the package.
The Freelander 2 is powered by a 2176cc common rail turbodiesel engine which develops maximum power of 160 Bhp at 4000 rpm with maximum torque of 400 Nm at 2000 rpm. The engine is transversely mounted to provide extra space for better crash protection, front end styling and allows a shorter bonnet for more cabin space. Land Rover’s unique Terrain Response system is standard on the vehicle.
The Freelander 2 boasts an exceptionally strong monocoque body and inner safety cell, with front and rear crumple zones which absorb energy on impact. It received a 5 star rating in the rigorous Euro NCAP tests for adult occupant protection - a first in its class. This, along with dynamic technology systems, airbags and command driving position complete the all-terrain, all weather package of the Freelander 2.
In terms of looks Freelander is a true Land Rover with those awesome looking headlamps complimented by color coded front grille having small green shade Land Rover logo on one side. It looks like a mini Range Rover with slab sided doors-fenders and rear with smallish tail lamps which gives it a rugged and solid look.
One of the most unique features of the Freelander 2 is the Terrain Response System which adjust the amount of power and torque depending on the kind of surface selected by the driver. The SUV is being targeted to self-driven owners due to the compact size and good agility of the Freelander 2.
The Freelander 2 is available in 3 trim levels in India:
- Freelander 2 S
- Freelander 2 SE
- Freelander 2 HSE
Land Rover Freelander 2's starting price is Rs33.79 lakh for th S variant and goes up to 45 lakhs for the top of the line HSE variant. These prices are Ex-Showroom Mumbai.
Commenting on the launch, Rohit Suri, head, premier car division, Tata Motors, said, “We are encouraged by the response to the Land Rover vehicles in India. The Freelander 2, Land Rover’s best-selling model globally, now complements the Land Rover range in the country. As we expand our reach across various cities in India, we will continuously enhance the Land Rover product portfolio and enable more and more customers to experience the benchmark in premium offroading vehicles.”