Land Rover Freelander 2 2013 Review

Inevitably, Land Rover's Freelander gets the benefit of Evoque's big development budget with a revised model of the harder core off roader surfacing late last year. Current model Freelander has already moved into generation II but the latest revamp earlier this year brought a big change to the petrol model's engine and transmission as well as some style and equipment tweaks.

ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION

Gone is the previous straight six cylinder donk to be replaced by a 2.0-litre turbo four pot out of Evoque (and Falcon, and Mondeo and others). The engine achieves 177kW/340Nm and features variable valve timing both sides plus direct fuel injection. The manifold is from sheet metal to save weight and to make the turbo system as compact and efficient as possible.

The Si4 will put down a 0-100kmh sprint time of 8.8 seconds and use an average of 9.6-litres/100km. The transmission is a six speed auto from Japanese manufacturer Aisin. It's the real deal offroad, with constant all-wheel drive, plenty of ground clearance and under body protection.

SAFETY

It scores a five star European NCAP rating and passes Euro 5 emissions regulations.

PRICE AND FEATURES

The $55,600 Si4 Freelander gets changes to the headlights, grille, sundry body hardware and the inside scores a new centre console, bigger 7-inch touch screen, better satnav and a premium Meridian audio system along with all the goodies you'd expect from a medium size premium SUV. Keyless start, electric park brake, climate control and a new Terrain Response selector make an appearance.

DRIVING

Some may think the engine change is a backwards step, but one drive of the Freelander Si4 will convince even the biggest sceptics of the benefits flowing from the new, smaller turbo engine. There's better acceleration for a start -- to say nothing of better fuel economy and drive feel. It's better all round, lighter and with solid environmental credentials.

On road behaviour is up to the premium level in which the Freelander Si4 plays. The drive feel is all positive. It has plenty of performance and good road manners. The auto executes quick shifts up and down the range and offers a paddle shift on the wheel.
There's room inside for five with plenty of luggage space and a full size spare.

There are not that many competitors. Volvo's equivalent XC60 is a lot more money, and while the Japanese and other Euro models are less but possibly not as good on and off the road.

VERDICT

We like it. The Freelander is affordable, stylish, tough and good looking as well as offering a high level of luxury. And it's a lot less than an Evoque.

Land Rover Freelander Si4

Price: from $55,600
Warranty: 3 years/100,000km
Resale: 51%
Service interval: 12 months/26,000km
Safety: 7 airbags, ABS, EBD, EBA, TC
Crash rating: 5 stars
Engine: 2-litre 4-cyl turbo-petrol, 177kW/340Nm
Transmission: 6-speed auto; AWD
Thirst: 9.6L/100km; 95RON; 224g/km CO2
Dimensions: 4.5m (L), 1.9m (W), 1.7m (H)
Weight: 1775kg
Spare: Full-size