- The all-new Freelander 2 sets new standards for compact premium 4x4s
- Class-leading breadth of capability
- Agile, responsive and comfortable on-road
- Outstanding off-road
- 3.2-litre i6 petrol 171 kW – 30 per cent more powerful than the outgoing V6 with 10 per cent improvement in fuel economy
- 2.2-litre TD4 diesel 118 kW – better fuel economy than its predecessor (7.5 l/100 km) and 43 per cent more power
OVERVIEW
The all-new Land Rover Freelander 2 redefines the compact premium 4×4 class. New from the ground up, Freelander 2 delivers outstanding on-road performance as well as the class-leading off-road ability of a true Land Rover. A dynamic design, purposeful stance, smart and spacious interior, and an abundance of advanced technologies complete the package.
“No other compact 4×4 has anything like its total breadth of capability,” says Andrew Daniel, Land Rover South Africa’s managing director. “The Freelander 2 sets new standards in the sector, combining the advantages of a premium car – such as polished ride, accomplished performance, attractive cabin and ease-of-use – with the attributes of a robust 4×4, including go-anywhere ability, toughness, panoramic seating, cabin versatility and spaciousness. We believe that no other compact 4×4 gets closer to blending these best-of-both-worlds abilities.”
The original Freelander (launched in 1997) is seen by many as having created a whole new class of vehicle: the compact premium 4×4. It was the top-selling 4×4 in Europe for five years and remained the UK’s best-selling 4×4 from launch until the end of 2005. The all-new Freelander 2 is improved in every way: better performance, more economical, more refined, higher quality and substantially roomier. It is more capable both off-road and on-road, with transformed handling, ride and comfort.
Freelander 2 is Land Rover’s fourth all-new vehicle in just over four years, and follows the new Range Rover (2002), Discovery 3 (2004) and Range Rover Sport (2005). Their highly successful introductions contributed to record Land Rover sales worldwide in 2005. Technical highlights of the Freelander 2 include two brand-new engines: a 3.2-litre straight-six petrol and a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel. Both feature advanced technologies to deliver outstanding combinations of performance and economy.
The 171 kW i6 petrol engine provides a top speed of 200 km/h and 0 – 100 km/h acceleration in 8.9 seconds. Combined fuel economy is 11.2 litres/100 km. The engine is matched to a new six-speed automatic transmission, with Land Rover’s CommandShift™ offering manual sequential gear changes when required. There is also a driver-selectable sport mode, for livelier performance.
Straight-six engine configurations are ideal for delivering engine smoothness, and the very compact new unit in Freelander 2 is small enough to mount transversely, a first in the compact 4×4 sector and one of the vehicle’s many innovations. The benefits of transverse fitment include improved interior package and safety performance.
The diesel engine chosen for Freelander 2 is an all-new 2.2-litre four-cylinder. The 118 kW unit delivers peak torque of 400 Nm, with over 200 Nm of torque from 1000 rpm all the way to 4500 rpm. The engine is easy and responsive to drive, as well as highly refined and economical, with a combined average fuel consumption of 7.5 l/100 km. An optional catalysed Diesel Particulate Filter (cDPF) is also available for even cleaner performance.
The interior package of Freelander 2 is a major improvement over the outgoing vehicle. Although only 50 mm longer, the Freelander 2 has more generous head, shoulder and legroom, in both the front and rear. Large glass areas emphasise the spacious feel and complement the elevated ‘command driving’ position – a Land Rover hallmark – and ‘stadium seating’, where rear passengers sit slightly higher than front occupants, for a clearer view of the world outside. Boot space is also among the best in class and 38 per cent larger than that of the outgoing Freelander (with rear seats up – 755 litres vs 546 litres).
The exterior and interior design of Freelander 2 is completely fresh, integrating the company’s unique design language with a form that is instantly recognisable as the latest Land Rover.
“We purposely kept strong cues from the original Freelander, such as the clamshell bonnet, stepped roof and the basic form,” says Land Rover design director Geoff Upex. “But the overall look is new and much more contemporary. The design is chiselled, geometric and simple – it looks like it’s hewn from the solid. We have kept a close design relationship with the new Discovery 3 and Range Rover Sport, but interpreted the design language to suit the requirements of customers for a more compact 4×4.”
The body is a five-door monocoque structure, with a high level of torsional rigidity which benefits refinement, comfort and handling on-road as well as ensuring the vehicle is fit for serious off-roading. The suspension is fully independent and uses the most modern stability control systems, including Roll Stability Control (RSC), a new and sophisticated technology that helps mitigate the risk of roll-over.
Freelander 2 is packed with new technologies to improve both on-road and off-road performance, many new to the class. Land Rover’s unique Terrain Response™ is standard making off-roading easier. Other interesting technologies include a new full-time intelligent 4×4 system for superior traction and better on-road fuel economy, and the patented Gradient Release Control, which improves driver confidence and control when releasing the brakes on steep and slippery slopes.
Designed and engineered by Land Rover at Gaydon, near Warwick, Freelander 2 is built at the Halewood plant in Liverpool, where outstanding build quality has been acknowledged with a JD Power European Plant Quality Gold Award in 2005.
ALL-NEW FREELANDER 2 IN BRIEF
Exterior Design
- Fresh and more premium exterior, designed to reflect both on-road and off-road capabilities
- Long wheelbase and short overhangs help deliver purposeful 4×4 proportions
- Dynamic stance, chiseled lines and smooth, simple surfaces
- Distinctive Land Rover genes, including clam-shell bonnet and stepped roof
- Watch-like detailing in the wrap-around headlamps and tail-lamps
Powertrain
- Two new engines, delivering excellent combinations of performance, refinement and fuel economy
- More powerful and more economical than the previous Freelander engines
- Extensively developed to meet Land Rover’s tough off-roading requirements
- Maximum power 171 kW; maximum torque 317 Nm
- 0-100 km/h in 8.9 sec
- Combined average fuel consumption 11.2 l/100 km – 10% better than previous Freelander petrol engine
- Exceptionally compact straight six-cylinder configuration
- Transverse engine mounting improves cabin space and helps efficiency of safety systems
- Advanced technologies include Cam Profile Switching and Variable Valve Timing
- Maximum power 118 kW; maximum torque 400 Nm
- 0-100 km/h in 11.7 sec – reduced by 2.7 sec compared with outgoing Freelander diesel
- Combined average fuel consumption 7.5 l/100 km
- New, variable-nozzle turbocharger helps deliver excellent response, huge mid-range torque and flat power curve
- Latest common-rail injection system aids economy and refinement
- Six-speed manual also available with the TD4 diesel
Driving Dynamics
- Class-leading breadth of capability – combining agile, predictable and refined on-road behaviour with outstanding off-road ability
- New, fully independent suspension system, with front and rear coil-sprung struts
- Responsive rack-and-pinion steering, reach- and rake-adjustable
- Supple suspension and torsional body stiffness contribute to the excellent on-road comfort
- Full-time intelligent 4×4 transmission optimises traction and economy, featuring new electronically-controlled centre coupling
- Land Rover’s unique Terrain Response™ system aids off-road driving – standard on all but entry models
- 210 mm ground clearance and wading depth of 500 mm
- Advanced stability and traction aids, including Electronic Traction Control, Dynamic Stability Control and Hill Descent Control
- New Gradient Release Control system improves driver control on steep hills
- Large vented disc brakes with latest-generation four-channel anti-lock brakes
- Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Emergency Brake Assist and Corner Brake Control
- Roll Stability Control system – the most sophisticated roll-over prevention technology ever fitted to a Land Rover
Body
- Five-door monocoque body – almost twice as stiff as some competitors
- Great strength and torsional rigidity for excellent vehicle refinement and safety
Interior Design and Features
- Premium cabin, designed to be comfortable, well equipped and spacious
- Elegant interior design, executed with high-quality materials
- Generous interior space with good head, shoulder and leg room
- Elevated ‘command view’ driving position, plus easy-to-reach main controls
- Rear ‘stadium seating’ allows passengers a better view
- Multi-way adjust front seats – electric power adjust and seat heating also available
- Asymmetric-split rear seat folds to provide a completely flat load area
- Large luggage capacity – 38 per cent more than previous Freelander (with rear seat raised)
- Wide choice of audio systems and premium equipment
Pricing
- 2.2 Diesel S Manual 339,000
- 2.2 Diesel SE Manual 364,000
- 2.2 Diesel HSE Manual 419,000
- 3.2 Petrol V6 S Auto 349,000
- 3.2 Petrol V6 SE Auto 374,000
- 3.2 Petrol V6 HSE Auto 429,000
