Spot on and off-road
Stuart Grant - Cars in Action
Posted Thu, 19 Apr 2007
Let’s clear something up right away. This is not a facelift, neither is it a new vehicle rehashing technology from its predecessor. It might carry through a similar aesthetic to its forefather but Freelander 2 is a totally new vehicle.
And it is a good one. So good that it might be time to whip out the old "Best 4 x 4x Far" sticker for the bumper. Hang on to that because with impeccable road manners maybe the sticker should read "best 4 x 4x Far x Roadcar".
Freelander 2 carries strong visual clues across from the original Freelander, namely the same basic form, stepped roof and bonnet lines. But it is modernised with the major visual difference being that the vehicle has received a hard-edged chiseled appearance and shows strong ties with the latest Discovery 3 and Range Rover Sport.
Torsional rigidity is high and makes Freelander 2 feel solid on road as well as aiding the vehicle in the off-road department. Coupled with this are a host of technologies like iindependent suspension, responsive rack-and-pinion steering, full-time intelligent 4x4 transmission, Land Rover’s unique Terrain Response, Dynamic Stability Control, Hill Descent Control, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Emergency Brake Assist, Corner Brake Control and Roll Stability Control system.
These all add up to make Freelander 2 a decent compromise between on- and off-road. For those that want to know, the Freelander 2 is also the only compact SUV to have earned a five-star Euro NCAP rating.
Freelander 2 comes with two engine options, namely the 3.2-litre i6 petrol and the 2.2-litre TD4 diesel. With the petrol pushing out 171kW and the diesel 118kW both are strong performers but thanks to technology respective consumption figures of 11.2l/100km and 7.5l/100km can be expected.
Bigger is better. And once again Freelander 2 trumps its bloodline here. Boot space is a whopping 38 percent more than before while front and rear head, shoulder and legroom is larger. The fit and finish is also out of the top drawer and rounds out an impressive package.
Putting the Freelander 2 through its paces in and around the Orange River it quickly became evident that it is a more capable vehicle.
Smooth and quiet on the tar and even though you sit high up the lack of body roll is noticeable. Power delivery across the range is good, responsive and confidence inspiring both conquering the red sand or overtaking.
So Freelander 2 is a winner. It's good looking, a good performer under a wide spectrum of applications, comfortable and good quality. It's going to blow any bad ideas that its older brother might have generated out the water.
Pricing: Land Rover Freelander
2
2.2 Diesel S Manual: R339 000
2.2 Diesel SE Manual: R364 000
2.2 Diesel HSE Manual: R419 000
3.2 Petrol V6 S Auto: R349 000
3.2 Petrol V6 SE Auto: R374 000
3.2 Petrol V6 HSE Auto: R429 000
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