Land Rover Freelander 2 Reviews

Graham Smith road tests and reviews the 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 Land Rover Freelander 2 as a used buy.

Based on our experience, the best towing vehicle is either a full-size 4x4 ute or wagon with a turbo-diesel engine and automatic transmission.

Though it's generally used only as a suburban runabout, the Land Rover Freelander is capable of tackling bush, beaches and desert conditions that would strand, or even break, others in its class.

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 TRANSMISSIONGone 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.SAFETYIt scores a five star European NCAP rating and passes Euro 5 emissions regulations.PRICE AND FEATURESThe $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.DRIVINGSome 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.VERDICTWe 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 Si4Price: from $55,600Warranty: 3 years/100,000kmResale: 51%Service interval: 12 months/26,000kmSafety: 7 airbags, ABS, EBD, EBA, TCCrash rating: 5 starsEngine: 2-litre 4-cyl turbo-petrol, 177kW/340NmTransmission: 6-speed auto; AWDThirst: 9.6L/100km; 95RON; 224g/km CO2Dimensions: 4.5m (L), 1.9m (W), 1.7m (H)Weight: 1775kgSpare: Full-size 

It’s a pity that in sharing its underpinnings with the newer Evoque, the Freelander gave up its place in the compact luxury SUV sector. Now, this week in Canada, Freelander takes bits back from Evoque and again proves a strong contender to other European SUVs.The changes aren’t big - the replacement of a petrol engine with a new motor and some trim changes, with new paint and better finishes. But they should be sufficient to at least hold its own. Meanwhile, Land Rover is in an enviable place. Sales are booming - up 41 per cent globally on the same period in 2011 - and are so far ahead of predictions that it finds itself unable to quickly introduce new models.Pricing changes with the deletion of the 3.2-litre in-line petrol six-cylinder version and the replacement with this one, the Si4 with the Ford two-litre EcoBoost engine. But they don’t get cheaper. The old 3.2 SE was $52,510 and the incoming Si4, which is in showrooms now, is $55,600. Yes, the feature list is improved and the SUV gets some small exterior trim features to lift it a bit.More interesting is the upgrade inside. It looks better by borrowing a lot of switchgear from Evoque. It gets a far superior audio - standard is a 380 watt 11-speaker Meridian but a 825W 17-speaker is $1815 more - while sat-nav returns in-house with a $2500 tag.A rear camera and leather is standard as is 18-inch alloys. Build quality is up and in warranty terms, Freelander remains the most trouble-free Land Rover. Spec can be similar to rivals but remember this is a wagon that actually can go off the road.The good news and the bad news are the same - no change to the look. Yes, there are small changes to the headlights and tail lights and the grille has edges. The alloys have a new pattern. Not much else outside and that’s excellent because this is one neat hauler. Inside the Evoque switches lift the Freelander from Discovery to Vogue grade.The wagon still feels small inside compared with the Volvo XC60 but many buyers don’t need the extra space. For me, it is very well proportioned and just the right size.The main change is the introduction of the new Ford 177kW/340Nm two-litre engine. This engine is in practically everything - Ford Falcon and Focus, Volvo XC60 and S60, Jaguar XF and Caterham - for good reason. It replaces the thirsty 179kW/320Nm inline six-cylinder petrol which continues in one of the Volvo XC60 models.The gearbox remains a six-speed auto and drives all wheels continuously. The clever Haldex clutch that spreads the power to the wheels with traction also remains. New is a smart electrical system that only allows the alternator to charge the battery when the battery needs it. It saves fuel this way. There’s also an electric park brake that adjusts itself to ensure the car remains stationary.This is a five-star rated wagon - note that the sister car, the Evoque, is a four-star - with seven airbags, all the necessary electronic braking aids and extras like roll mitigation. The rear camera is standard and includes a guide path and also a new “hitch assist” that takes the towball directly under the trailer’s coupling. The spare is full size. There’s also heated side mirrors.Land Rover has honed the Freelander range and while the diesel was driven, I concentrated on the new petrol mill. From experience in other cars, we know this is an excellent engine with heaps of grunt and reasonable economy. The weight of the Freelander (1775kg plus occupants and fuel) slows down the engine’s verve a bit.The brick shape of the wagon also makes the engine noise apparent and though it’s minor, it’s more audible than say the Falcon model. An excellent seating position, great visibility (thanks to slim pillars) and comfortable seating makes any driver feel at home. Same with the location of controls.The touch screen gives quick access to data and sat-nav (optional) graphics are a decent quality. The engine’s response is aided greatly by the six-speed auto. Though the box’s mapping tries to maintain a higher gear - to improve fuel economy - it has a manual mode. Despite its smallish cabin dimensions, the Freelander feels “right”. It’s easy to park, manoeuvre in tight spots and solid on the open road.It can’t shine in the spotlights like Evoque, glide expensive city streets like the Range Rover or mercilessly pound the deserts like the Discovery. But despite a wave of luxury SUV rivals, the Land Rover Freelander does an exceptional job of being good at everything from toughing it out in the dirt to scrubbing up for a night out. 

Mud drips from the roof of our Freelander.  A passerby points it out to his wife: ‘They’ve been somewhere fun.’ Indeed we have. When taking Land Rover’s new Freelander off road there is little to limit your journey (except for a stubborn horse that wouldn’t get out of our way).TheFreelander may be a compact SUV, but it will do its best to keep up with the big boys. Dressed enough for the city streets, it truly comes alive in the bush. Through various terrain testing over the week we came to one conclusion: when you climb in a Freelander and turn off-road - adventure will follow.Land Rover’s Freelander 2 SD4 SE, priced from $56,810 comes with 18-in alloy wheels, Intelligent Power System Management for more economic battery charging, full size spare wheel, parking aids, Bluetooth, audio input socket, rain sensing wipers, dual-zone climate control, heated exterior mirrors, bright finish twin bar grille, adjustable wheel mounted audio and cruise, electronic folding side mirrors when the vehicle is parked, six-way adjustable driver seat, push button start/stop, trip computer, and perimetric security system.With 140kW/420Nm the 2.2-litre SD4 diesel engine has plenty of oomph off-road and on. The six-speed automatic transmission is seamless, but if you think you can do better, engage CommandShift and have a go at beating Freelander’s take off of 0-100km/h in 9.5 seconds.When you’re not tackling trails, the official fuel figure is an impressive 7.0L/100km, though our scoot off road and through the mountains found 9.5L/100km, not bad considering the terrain.Smaller than its Land Rover brothers, this compact SUV can still push through water at depths up to 500mm, tow up to twotonnes, and clear obstacles with axel clearance up to 210mm in front and 265mm in back.And with the assistance of Terrain Response’s four modes, and front and rear independent suspension, you’ll find a surprisingly stable ride. After dusting off on your way home, the Freelander’s smaller dimensions make it very capable in busy city driving, and hunting for the elusive parking spot, all while having enough room to accommodate five adults and gear.The exterior of the Freelander has the classic Land Rover look. True to its strong lineage, it’s stylish, but not flashy. Internally however, this 4x4 has a soft side.The interior design is clean and gives the cabin an open feeling. Keeping with this, the back seats are 50mm higher than in front. The stadium seating lets those in back enjoy a clearer view, and the middle seat converts to an armrest with cup holders. With a choice of interior colors, wheel design, and a score of available accessories you can tailor the Freelander to match your taste.Heated front seats, a six-way adjustable driver seat, and an adjustable steering wheel and armrest will make anyone feel at home behind the wheel. Wheel mounted cruise, audio, and Bluetooth add to the driver’s control, though the spacing of the buttons are a bit awkward.You can plug in an iPhone or MP3 player, but without an accessory cord you can’t use the vehicle’s controls to skip tracks, and it’s a shame in this high a model that the Bluetooth connectivity only works for calls.The back seats fold to a 60:40 split, transforming the 755L of storage into 1, 670L of room for larger items, and the 12V power socket in back can keep an esky full of food ready for a picnic.The dash display is more uniform in design than user friendly, but once you puzzle out the numerous functions you’ll feel like a tech expert. Our test vehicle included the touchscreen satellite navigation system. At extra cost it’s a steep addition, but handy if you’re going to be driving beyond the familiar horizon.The Freelander gets a five-star ANCAP safety rating, with seven airbags, a monocoque body, front and rear crumple zones, a large battery of braking, stability and traction aids -- HDC, ABS, EBD, CBC, EBA, ETC, RSC, DSC and so on -- plus two child seat anchor points.To be honest there wasn’t much about this SUV we didn’t like. Descending a steep gravel road did little to disturb the twenty roos grazing at the road’s edge, as the Freelander’s hill descent control kept us from sliding.The HDC is handy on difficult terrain and it can be engaged at speeds up to 50km/h, using the cruise + and – to set the speed, though on anything short of moderate difficulty the HDC is almost too grabby. Still, we’d rather have the HDC overprotective than too carefree on tough descents.Terrain Response allows you to easily pick the right setting for current conditions. We played around with the grass/gravel/snow, and the mud and ruts settings and weren’t disappointed (there’s also a sand setting if you want to brave the beach in winter, or if you’re smarter this time of year and want to trek across the desert instead). The vehicle’s traction quickly adjusts to the road -- or lack thereof -- and you can drive on in confidence.The Freelander 2 is at home on the motorway as well as off, roll stability control compensates for any smidgen of body roll, and the compact size makes parking easy. While you wouldn’t use this in any stealth operation due to the external noise from the engine, internally it’s a quiet ride.Follow your friends on a 4x4 adventure and once you reach your destination, turn off the Freelander’s engine, step from your heated seats, pull a cool beverage from the esky in back, and try to pretend it was a rough drive in a compact SUV, so your mates aren’t disappointed.An impressive compact SUV, the comfortable and versatile Land Rover can handle just about anything. 

PART of the dream of owning an SUV is its command driving position that gives you unparalleled vision over lesser traffic. The other part is taking the kids to see the real Australia, via Birdsville.I was contemplating the virtues of the high driving position while sitting in Land Rover's delightful Freelander 2, waiting to turn left at a T-junction. Alongside me, turning right, was another SUV. Which blocked my view so I had to wait for him to go. Commanding view? Dream on.But that aside, this mini-Landie is an absolute gem. Everybody loved it. My family practically broke down in tears when I said it was being returned. They hadn't done that since I had to return Video-Ezy's copy of 101 Dalmatians.It falls into the Luxury SUV category and that tells you it's not a cheapie. At $55,310, it's a big ask until you shop it against its natural rivals and will even be shopped against its cousin, the mini-Range Rover Evoque.But it does get lots of leather, electric seats with heaters, a great sound system and a full-size spare wheel.The Freelander 2 starts at $44,990 for the turbo-diesel TD4 version, runs through two petrol models (priced from $49,990) and tops out at $65,584 for the deluxe diesel. The Freelander 2 TD4 SE is priced almost on par with the BMW X1 2.0d at $55,580. But, spec-to-spec, the Land Rover offers more and arguably will take to the hills with more aplomb. On the downside, it doesn't have a BMW badge.Powerful genes trickle through Land Rover's blood so there's no mistaking which family the chamfered two-box shape of the baby belongs. It works, though, because it's a very functional design that maximises cabin space while making it compact on the outside and nimble enough for congested city duties.The cabin follows some themes from its bigger sisters. It's clean, simple and stylish. Bold switches, bright instruments, a low-mounted dashboard to maximise visibility and - like the side glass - afford an airy and light interior. It's actually a clever move because, in comparison with most rivals, this vehicle is not as spacious.This is a constant all-wheel drive wagon driven by a enjoyable 2.2-litre turbo-diesel - which is also going into the Jaguar XF - and six-speed automatic. The clever bits include the Terrain Response system controlled by a switch set on the console.Depending on where you switch it - sand, mud, bitumen or rocks - it changes the Haldex drive system coupling and modifies accelerator response and gear shift points. Despite the Freelander's lack of a low-range gearbox, this system gives the wagon remarkable off-road ability.The diesel comes as a 110kW or 140kW (marked as TD4 or SD4). Torque remains at a strong 420Nm for both and is the key for the Freelander's brisk manners and ease of driving character.Like its predecessor the mini-Landie gets a five-star crash rating, six airbags and all the aids including electronic stability control, ABS on four disc brakes, cornering control and even hill descent. Interesting that a mate uses hill descent on his Discovery 4 to ensure a safe trip down his home's steep concrete driveway in the wet, so the device isn't only for off-road excursions.SUVs tend to look like they drive - top-heavy and cumbersome. The Freelander has none of that. It's quick, responsive, quiet and comfortable and feels more like a small car.The cabin is quite compact - though seats four adults with plenty of room - which perfectly suits small families or couples, as does the miserly fuel consumption.The 2.2-litre engine sounds small but really delivers. There is some low-end softness under the accelerator but you have the option of flicking the steering wheel paddle shifters to find a lower gear, or being patient.Mid-range deliver is all torque and smoothness and feels like it could pull like that forever. Close to perfect.I love the suspension that soaks up road irregularities as much as softening the bumps on dirt trails. It's a very good compromise.In the dirt the Haldex diff sends power to various axles. It's a heavy car and feels a bit uncomfortable on dry beach sand but lowering the tyre pressure provides traction.It is better on gravel and firmer sand trails where the all-wheel drive and quick steering rack give it confidence and stability at speed.This is one of the best SUVs - in all classes - on the market. It does everything right. But despite its Luxury SUV category, shoppers can go outside this framework and pick up similarly-equipped SUVs for a lot less money. Take the Mazda CX-7, for example or even the Toyota Kluger.Yes, the Freelander is probably the most competent "soft roader" in the SUV class but figure out if you're going to use its capability rather than just use it for its driveway appeal - a tragic finale for many BMWs. Slide down the Freelander model list and you'll notice the SD4 has a more powerful 140kW engine compared with the TD4's 110kW.Given fuel consumption is identical but performance is substantially better, pay the extra $1500 and get the SD4. Also, the auto is excellent so forget the manual transmission because it won't attract many buyers when you sell the car.

Don't laugh... plenty of people accidentally put petrol in their diesel at the servo and it creates an absolute calamity.This can't happen in the Land Rover Freelander because there's a diesel only nozzle hole on the fuel inlet. It's a simple fix and underlines just how much thought has gone into this impressive compact SUV from Britain.Well, the Britain bit is not totally correct because new Freelander II TD4's engine is from PSA — Peugeot in France and is a 2.2-litre turbodiesel with 110kW/420Nm output. A similar engine is used in the new Peugeot 508 and other vehicles.A water-cooled variable geometry turbo (VGT) is used to optimise efficiency and contributes to the Freelander's impressive 6.6-litres/100km fuel economy.Of course, being a Land Rover means the Freelander will go almost anywhere — and get back and to this end, is fitted with L-R-s clever Terrain Response system. This offers a range of modes to suit various driving environments. It's selected simply by turning a dial on the centre console.It's a full time four wheel drive and is equipped with decent dual purpose tyres that neither hum too loudly on sealed roads nor lose grip too easily on slippery surfaces.As version two of the current shape the new model benefits from evolutionary changes and upgrades not the least to its appearance and standard equipment.The outside has been tweaked to give a family Land Rover look to the front with grille and headlight changes, revised body hardware and similar minor changes to the rear end. It is a positive step because this new Freelander is the best looker so far.They have grown a green conscience at the factory and equip Freelander with an array of technology to cut emissions and reduce fuel consumption such as the smart charging battery that only draws power when the engine is decelerating. It will happily ingest biodiesel and the manual TD4 has engine stop/start.Freelander is impressively quiet inside and the engine has plenty of pull across a wide engine speed range.The test vehicle was a mid-range XS priced at $52,790 but features plenty of luxury kit including leather and a decent locally fitted Garmin satnav system. It has a six-speed auto transmission with adaptive shift and sequential change mode which seem superfluous because it's best left in D.Ride quality is excellent offering a high level of comfort and a degree of sportiness. We took the TD4 off road and it simply toyed with what we threw at it in terms of sand and beach driving, slippery, muddy dirt roads, water crossings and rough rock hopping.On the highway and around town is a similar story — no complaints at all really. It's comfortable, goes extremely well, has all manner of luxuries and looks great.It even got the big thumbs up from "The Boss," who was reluctant to hand over the keys. And you can't get a better recommendation than that....   

WE turn the spotlight on automotive's newest and brightest stars, as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. Ultimately, however, there is only one question that really needs answering  would you buy one?What is it?Land Rover's baby four-wheel drive, soon to be joined by an incredibly chic Range Rover for around the same price. Now that's going to set the cat amongst the pigeons. The more conservatively styled Freelander looks like a smaller version of the incredibly exey Range Rover Vogue.How much?The price has gone up a bit. It kicks off from $49,990, but this is the top of the line model from $65,854 with some options that it take it over $70K.What are the competitors?BMWs X3, Audi Q5. Benz doesn't have a model in the luxury compact sports utility vehicle segment not in this country anyway. Not to mention Land Rover's forthcoming Evoque.What's under the bonnet?This one gets a more powerful version of the 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel.with 140kW of power and an impressive 420Nm of torque.How does it go?We still reckon Kia's 2.0/2.2-litre diesel is smoother. Land Rover hooks it up with a a six-speed Japanese Aisin auto. The combination has turbo lag, but not enough to worry about.Is it economical?The auto is rated at 7.0 litres/100km. We clocked up 700km at a rate of 7.9 litres/100km.Is it `green?'Gets 2.5 stars from the Governments Green Vehicle Guide, at least the previous model did. This one uses less fuel and produces less carbon dioxide so its probably going to do better. The hybrid Prius in comparison gets five.Is it safe?Yes. Gets a full five stars for crash safety. Seven airbags are standard, including a driver's knee bag.Is it comfortable?We've always had a bit of a soft spot for the Freelander (not the first one). It looks fantastic, provides comfortable seating for four adults and the cabin is quiet enough to facilitate easy conversation between the front and rear seats. This one gets leather, electric seat adjustment as well as heated seats.What's it like to drive?The high seating position and torquey diesel engines make this one a snack to drive.Is it value for money?Yes and remember although it does not have low range four wheel-drive, this vehicle still has some serious off-road ability, with terrain response to tailor the drive to different conditions mud, gravel or snow.Would we buy one?You bet. We had one of these cars for a couple of months and it was easy to live with. Not only is it practical it will impress the neighbours.

WE turn the spotlight on automotive's newest and brightest stars, as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. Ultimately, however, there is only one question that really needs answering would you buy one?Land Rover's baby 4WD which looks a lot like the big ritzy one and that is probably no mistake. It's just been upgraded, with some cosmetic changes as well as the addition of two new powerful diesel engines.With prices starting from a low $45K, it's an intriguing proposition for the brand conscious. Mind you it can be optioned up all the way to $72,000 plus, so don't get too excited yet until you check out the specs.BMW's X3, Audi Q5. Benz doesn't have a model in the luxury compact SUV segment _ not in this country anyway.The 3.2-litre petrol V6 carries over from the previous model, but the big news is the two turbo diesels. It's basically the same 2.2-litre four cylinder engine but with different power outputs. One produces 110kW and the other, 140kW _ more importantly they both pump out the same 420Nm of torque.Pretty good. We drove the two diesels at launch. To be honest we'd be quite happy with the 110kW unit. Having said that, it's not as smooth as say Kia's 2.2-litre diesel and the six-speed Japanese Aisin auto is not as quick to respond either.Both autos are rated at 7.0 litres/100km. There's also a manual (entry level model) with stop/start technology that gets 6.6. We were getting about 8.5 litres/100km in the cars we drove, but that figure is probably not indicative.Gets 2.5 stars from the Government's Green Vehicle Guide, at least the previous model did. This one uses less fuel and produces less CO2 so it's probably going to do better. The hybrid Prius in comparison gets five.Yes. Gets a full five stars for crash safety. Seven airbags are standard, including a driver's knee bag.The Freelander 2 is a personal favourite. It provides comfortable seating for four adults and the cabin is quiet enough to facilitate easy conversation between the front and rear seats. You can option in leather and electrical adjustment as well as heating and cooling.The high seating position and torquey diesel engines make this one a snack to drive.Yes and remember although it does not have low range four-wheel drive, this vehicle still has some serious off road ability, with terrain response to tailor the drive to different conditions; mud, gravel, snow etc.You bet. We had one of these cars for a couple of months and it was easy to live with. Not only is it practical it will impress the neighbours.