Land Rover Freelander

Expert Review by Maxabout

Overview

The up-dated version of the Freelander 2 has been launched in India. This new age SUV from Land Rover is their most economical offering in India. With this new car, Land Rover aims for improved results in India.

Land Rover Freelander 2 Exterior

The basic design and style of the car has remained intact. There are only few noticeable changes which differentiates the new car from the outgoing model. The new xenon headlights are the biggest change at its front which now comes with integrated day time running LEDs. The signature front grille of Land Rover sits right below its wide bonnet and suits the front styling of this car. The bulky front bumper features sharp lines on it and houses circular fog lights with chrome surroundings. The new design of 5-spoke 17 inches alloy wheels look macho with the bulgy wheel arches of Freelander 2. The silver finishing around its side indicators look fancy on its front fenders while the body colored door handles and outside mirrors add premium touch to this car. Move at the back and you will notice the new LED tail lamps which look futuristic and gives a fresh look to this car. The long chrome bar just below the rear glass makes it look up-market and complements the sporty rear look of Freelander 2. The rear bumper and boot gate remains unchanged and gives it a familiar look at the back.

Land Rover Freelander 2 Interior

The car is good for five adults and offers great amount of knee, head and shoulder room. The seats offer nice under thigh and back support and can easily hold you for hours. The interiors are available in two different colors with usage of premium quality of leather and fabrics. The leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knob also feels quite up market. The wood effect looks classy and enhances the aura inside. The car has the luxurious feel inside but it’s yet to match the high level of quality offered by its competitors.

Comfort and Convenience

There are lots of features in this car which gives you high level of comfort and luxury inside. It has power windows with one touch operation, electrically heated, retractable outside mirrors, individual armrests with cup holders at the back, dual zone automatic climate control, electrically adjustable driver seat with memory function and much more. Automatic headlights, wipers and central locking are also some of the vital features of Freelander 2.

Dashboard and Storage

The dual tone dashboard of Freelander 2 is a carryover from the previous generation. The texture and design of this dashboard is quite familiar and features good quality of leather and plastic material on it. The integrated wide central console features a touch screen and many operational buttons on it which are quite easy to use. The instrument cluster is also fitted in this dashboard which looks funky with green backlit color and offers clear visibility. The dashboard also houses an air-cooled glove box at its front. The central console at front offers some storage space and you also get door pockets on all four doors. Freelander 2 has a boot capacity of 755 litres.

Music System of Land Rover Freelander 2

Land Rover Freelander 2 comes with an integrated Meridian surround audio system with as many as 17 powerful speakers. It also features USB iPod connectivity and Aux-in port. The car is equipped with navigation system and Bluetooth connectivity which enables you to take and make calls while driving. Freelander 2 has two 12V accessory sockets; one at its front and one at the back. The audio and Bluetooth controls are mounted on its steering wheel.

Engine and Gearbox

The company has made no changes in this department and it’s still powered by a 2.2L, 4 cylinder turbo diesel engine. The SUV is available with two states of this engine; both producing a maximum torque output of 420 Nm which arrives as early as 1750 rpm. One version of this engine churns out a peak power of 148 bhp while the more powerful version generates a maximum power of 187 bhp which arrives at 3500 rpm. Both versions of this engine are mated with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Acceleration and Performance

Both versions of this engine feel quite refined and give you strong low and mid-range. The power pulling of this engine at low rpms makes it a good off roader. A four wheel drive system supplies power to all wheels of this car through a very effective automatic gearbox. The less powerful version of this engine does 0-100km/hr in less than 11.5 seconds and can reach the top speed of 181km/hr. The 187bhp version of this engine is on the faster side as it reaches 0-100km/hr in less than 9.5 seconds and claims a top speed of 190km/hr.

Land Rover Freelander 2 Mileage

Land Rover Freelander 2 has an overall fuel economy of around 10 km/ltr. The car has many safety features like 7 airbags, front and rear parking sensors, EBA, Roll stability control, traction control, DSC and cornering brake control etc.

Suspension and Braking System

The car has adjustable hydraulic suspension and braking system. It features ABS with EBD for precise braking with disc brakes on all wheels.

Ride and Handling

The broad tyres and long wheelbase of 2660 mm gives stability to this machine on highways. The high ground clearance of 210 mm improves its cornering abilities and important features like RSC, EBA and DSC reduces the body roll around corners. The electric steering system makes it easy for you to handle this car on any terrain. With Hill start assist and four wheel drive system, it proves to be a good off road machine. The all-around visibility is fabulous in this car which is quite helpful in city driving.

Shades, Variants and Warranty

The two variants of Freelander 2 are available in seven different colors. Land Rover offers a warranty of three years/unlimited mileage on Freelander 2.

Verdict

Land Rover Freelander 2 ranges from INR 38.67 lakhs - 43.92 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi (approx., may vary)). Till now, Freelander has been the best selling product of Land Rover in India not just because of its low price but for its strong on/off road performance and superb ride and handling. This improved version is even better than before and we feel it’s a complete value for money car which can become the best-selling car in its class.