Land Rover Freelander

INTRODUCTION:

The Land Rover Freelander was manufactured by British car company Land Rover and was introduced in the year 1997. This was a compact SUV and came in both 2 wheel and 4 wheel drive models. These cars gain the popularity instantly from the day of its launch. The current version is LR2 or we may call it Freelander 2. This car uses a uni-body structure. This type of structure was common in almost every crossover of its class. This car proved its worth and showed that there still was a great market for small off road vehicle with popular name tag. This car came at the front of all the SUVs of that period. And with Land Rover tag, this car was considered to be the one the competent, quite and composed off roader.

WHAT’S NEW IN 2014 LAND ROVER FREELANDER?

For the 2014, there were some design changes and interior were modified. Engine and transmission system were improved which enhanced the fuel economy. And lot of consideration was given on the safety, quality and reliability.

HOW MUCH?

The price of the Freelander 2 varies from $44,990 to $65,854 depending on the trim and model you choose. The prices also depend on the options and packages involved.

MODELS AND FEATURES:

First generation Freelander came in production between the years 1997 to 2006. There were a large number of models which were based around three door semi-convertible and five door estate. The models also had their base around commercial and hardback version. In the year 2004 there was an introduction of upgraded and improved version of Mark I. the majority of changes included were interior changes and external revisions and including a new rear and face. The three door trim were available in E, SE, S, Sport premium and Sport levels. But the five doors were available in E, S, SE, HSE, Sports and also Sport Premium.

The second generation came in view during the period 2006 to 2014 and was named Freelander 2. This car was launched at the British International Motor Show in 2006. The initial name Freelander was retained in Europe but in North America it was marketed as LR2.

The feature of the new Freelander is its high ground clearance and the capability to drive off road which is similar and close to other models of the Land rover. The quality of the interior has been improved and has been added with more standard safety features. The Freelander 2 is equipped with a modified and enhanced version of the off road terrain response driving system. The models which were produced after the year 2009 were equipped with an improved design of on demand coupling.

The new Freelander in 2007 was sold as LR2. In the year 2008 a new version came which was called LR2 HSE. This new version added a side trim and also used a 19-in wheel. A Ford engine of 3.2 liter capacity and with six inline cylinders was used. This produced a power of 230 hp. A six speed transmission was used and was automatic. This was an all wheel drive car. In the interior is an Alpine 440 watt speaker that surrounds the audio system. A7-in touch screen navigation is provided as an option. There is a color display of 5-in and heated windscreen is also used. It uses a bi-xenon headlights and front lighting which is adaptive.

UNDER THE HOOD:

There are choices in the engines which you could use under the hood. It used a 1.8 liter petrol engine of I4 Rover K-series and was termed as 1.8i. in some model it used a 2.0 liter I4 Rover L-series diesel engine and was termed as Di or XDi.

In the TD4 model, under the hood was a 2.0 liter diesel engine of I4 BMW M47 variant. The V6 used a 2.5 liter petrol engine of V6 Rover KV6 variant. In the early model was used a manual transmission but later automatic transmission became popular.

Under the hood it also uses a 2179cc diesel engine. This engine offers different output for different variants. HSE used a petrol engine which gave a power of 187hp and a torque of 420N. When fused with a 6-speed automatic transmission, this car gave quite a performance.

FUEL ECONOMY:

The drive train for 2004 Freelander is all wheel drive and uses a 2.5 liter V-6 engine with 5 speed automatic transmission. This generated a power of 174hp. The fuel economy of the 2004 freelander is 16 miles per gallon in city and 19 miles per gallon on highway.

SAFETY FEATURES:

Land Rover is brand that pays a keen attention to the safety features it provides. The 2004 Freelander is equipped with anti lock disc brake on all 4 wheels to provide stability and to keep it from skidding. It also has a traction control feature which adds to the stability of the car.  It has also got an improved feature for head protection from injury. Head restraint is provided at the rear seat. Anti theft feature and feature for energy management s also provided. A belt is provided at the rear center for lap or shoulder. Pretensioner and lower anchorage is given for the child seat. Other safety feature includes assist for hill start, control for hill descent, assist for roll stability, plenty of airbags for the driver and passenger and also electronic bark brake.

The IIHS gave a good rating for head, neck and chest injury at the front during crash. Overall front crash ratings are acceptable. A poor rating is given for the restraints.

WHAT WE LIKE?

1-      The car is good to drive.

2-      Cruise control enables luxurious and comfortable ride.

3-      Apart from using it for daily commute, one can gain an off road fun too. The car has got a go anywhere ability.

WHAT WE DON’T LIKE?

1-      There is no seven seat option.

2-      The car is relatively expensive for the price it comes in. you can get a lot for the same price.

3-      Maintenance costs a lot.