At-a-glance.
Land Rover Freelander 2 SD4 190PS auto 2.2-litre turbo diesel five-door. Price: £38,900 (on the road).
Top speed: 118mph. 0-60mph: 8.7 seconds.
Fuel: 40.4mpg (combined figure). C02 emissions (g/km): 185.
Verdict: Brilliant all-rounder, compact, luxuriously equipped, strong diesel, classy, comfortable, not cheap.

 

THE Freelander defends Land Rover’s pride in the lifestyle 4x4 sector and a recent facelift should ensure it remains a big seller for the Midlands company, writes Roy Lewis.

It needed the makeover to move upmarket and appeal to a wider section of buyers. The changes include styling tweaks, LED lighting and a modern and more luxurious interior with an easy-to-use remodelled dash with an array of advanced technology.

The generous equipment levels and high-quality interior is now very much in keeping with that of its popular stablemate, the Evoque.

The Freelander is not a cheap vehicle with prices starting around £23,700 for the five-door 2WD eD4 with 150PS but it has great all-round ability and an enviable image which is good for residual values.

It not only performs well in town and on the motorway but is outstanding off the highway.

While the different models are all well equipped, the top specification cars ensure the ultimate in luxury and sportiness.

Without doubt, the Freelander is an easy vehicle to live with, offering a great driving position, comfortable armchair seats, a well laid-out cabin and splendid visibility.

This second-generation Freelander has more power, with the top-specification engine being a refined 190PS 2.2-litre turbo diesel which offers strong mid-range punch and excellent cruising ability on the motorway.

The improved suspension ensures the ride is composed and that the car has very little body roll on fast and twisty routes. The suspension is and supple and soaks up poor road surfaces in an admirable fashion.

The Freelander impresses off-road where the Terrain Response, a variable 4WD system available at the turn of a knob, can adjust exactly how the power is transferred to the wheels to enhance the vehicles already high levels of grip. The system adapts to ice, snow and uneven ground, inspiring confidence in the vehicle, for the driver it’s like having an expert in the cab.

As one might expect, safety and security are uppermost and the Freelander is fitted with a host of airbags as standard and other safety devices, including traction and stability control. The current model also boasts a top five-star rating in Euro NCAP safety tests.

The Freelander is ideal for family needs and there's no doubt there is a jump in quality and reliability over previous models.

Roy Lewis road tests the Land Rover Freelander 2., sometimes referred to as the baby Range RoverIn fact, its combination of on and off-road dynamics will take some beating in its crowded sector.. They come with electric memory seats, plush leather interiors, veneer detailing, 19in alloy wheels and the latest in technology, including sat-nav and BluetoothThe engine is quiet for most part and only makes its presence felt at high revs.However, the boxy shape does create some wind noise at speed but generally the cabin is hushed and the ride remains a comfortable one.The new cabin offers plenty of head, leg and shoulder room while cargo space is plentiful, especially with the rear seats folded. The car is expertly carpeted to add to its luxuries, though this is not much use for muddy boots and wellingtons.

While the HSE boasts a superb luxury specification, a full-size spare wheel is an optional feature, costing £185.