The Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e, launched in South Africa this week, combines the British manufacturer's proven 2.2-litre TD4 turbodiesel engine and slick-shifting six-speed manual gearbox with elements of the company's aptly named e_Terrain technologies, of which an advanced stop-start system is the key component.

As a result, the Freelander 2 TD4_e sips just 8.5 litres of diesel for every 100km travelled in city driving. In extra-urban conditions, that figure drops to an impressively low 5.7 litres/100 km, while the combined cycle fuel consumption figure comes to 6.7 litres/100 km.

You stop, engine stops

Stop-start technology, in basic terms, reduces fuel consumption and emissions by shutting down the engine, when appropriate, as soon as the Freelander is brought to a stop.

This will typically occur at red traffic lights, in stop-start traffic, or at road construction sites, where the vehicle may be stationary for a significant period of time. In these conditions, start-stop technology means that there are zero tailpipe emissions while the vehicle is stationary.

Instantaneous engine restarts

At the same time, engine restart is instantaneous and consistently reliable, ensuring seamless and safe operation as soon as the accelerator is pressed.

The Freelander 2 TD4_e retains the standard version's superior dynamic traits, on and off the road. It too is equipped with Land Rover’s ground-breaking Terrain Response system, which works closely together with the vehicle's intelligent full-time four-wheel drive system.

Combined, they allow the Freelander 2 TD4_e to tackle and conquer challenging off-road conditions. Elements such as the all-independent suspension, quick-ratio rack-and-pinion power steering, as well as the 210 mm ground clearance and 500 mm wading depth underscore the Freelander’s all-terrain prowess.

The vehicle also includes a series of additional, advanced technologies to boost safety and stability. These include Roll Stability Control, Gradient Release Control, Electronic Traction Control, Dynamic Stability Control and Hill Descent Control.

The tried and tested 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine delivers 118 kW of maximum power, together with a full 400 Nm of torque. In conjunction with the six-speed manual gearbox, the Freelander 2 TD4_e sprints from rest to 100 km/h in only 11.7 sec, and achieves a top speed of 181 km/h.

The Freelander 2_e's stop-start technology is considered intelligent for a number of reasons. The system is automatically activated every time the vehicle is started and remains active unless the driver manually switches it off.

When active, the system will stop the engine without affecting elements such as vehicle lighting, and the in-car entertainment system.

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