Land Rover has given the Freelander 2 a premium overhaul, delivering even better comfort, convenience and driving enjoyment.
“The Freelander 2’s equipment levels bring a more premium look and feel to the overall driving experience. In addition, our customers continue to benefit from our refined and economical range of diesel engines,” says John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director. He adds: “It’s another step forward for the Freelander 2 where outstanding equipment levels, superb design, safety and all-terrain capability continue to set the standards in this class.”
All these great new features are underpinned by the fact that the Freelander scores 5 stars in the coveted Euro NCAP for occupant safety. As the most capable SUV in its class, the Freelander 2 offers the durability and sure-footed all-terrain breadth of capability both on and off road that only a Land Rover can provide.
An interior packed with exciting features
Cabin space and safety are improved with the introduction of an intelligent electric parking brake which adjusts brake force according to the slope the vehicle is parked on. The system is so intelligent it even takes into account whether the brakes are hot or cold. If hot, the system ‘wakes up’ periodically to ensure clamping force is not lost as the brakes cool down. Despite being operated by a single switch, the electric parking brake may still be used as an emergency brake, automatically selecting the most stable braking method by employing skid prevention techniques. An additional safety feature ensures the brake cannot be released unless the driving seat is occupied.
Another new feature for Land Rover Freelander 2 is rear view camera capability. The view from the back of the vehicle is displayed on the Infotainment screen with dynamic lines representing the boundaries of the vehicle and your predicted path as you reverse. The system also incorporates ‘Hitch Assist’, a graphic superimposed on the camera showing the position of the tow ball. The new ‘Say What You See’ voice activation system will prompt the driver visually with the commands he or she needs to speak in order to control functions in the audio, optional satellite navigation, climate and phone systems. The prompts are displayed in an easy-to-follow ‘step by step’ format on the screen. The navigation system is enhanced with a faster hard drive-based system which comes with all the features the customer would expect such as ECO Route planning, Dynamic Zoom, Visual Lane guidance, POI (Point of Interest) management and repeat TMC guidance. You can also manage waypoints and store locations as well as POIs by name.
Infotainment moves up a level
For the first time on Land Rover Freelander 2, the premium Meridian audio system is available with a choice of 380W or 825W. The outstanding Meridian sound system is delivered with a new 7-inch colour touch-screen and either the 380W, 11-speaker system for exceptional stereo sound quality or the impressive 825W surround sound 17-speaker system with Trifield technology to provide a natural, enveloping concert-like experience for all occupants. Both are equipped with subwoofers for a deep, bass sound and Audyssey MultEQ audio tuning system. A new and upgraded 80W 8-speaker unit with 5-inch colour display screen is also available at entry-level. Equipped with AM/FM and DAB radio tuners, the music players support CD, DVD, Virtual CD, iPod and USB. There’s also a 3.5mm aux jack input for music players and Bluetooth audio streaming to any supporting devices including headphones. The virtual CD comprises a hard drive which can store the equivalent of up to 10 Audio CDs identifiable using Gracenote.
Sharp detailing to the exterior
Three stunning new colours are added to the Freelander range, Aintree Green, Havana and Mauritius Blue, whilst an additional all new 17-inch alloy wheel design becomes available as standard on the XS derivative. Exteriors gain a number of new integrated design features resulting in a co-ordinated and premium appearance. Boasting the latest in Xenon LED technology, the front and rear lamps have been revamped giving the Freelander 2 a sportier yet purposeful new look, set off with a new signature graphic in the front running lights. The grille and fog lamp bezels now sport a bright finish and there are paint detailing changes to the front grille surround, insert bars and fender vent to harmonise the different elements.
How the Land Rover Freelander 2 models line up
Refined and economical diesels
Freelander buyers can continue to choose from two outstanding and highly refined diesel engines, the 2.2-litre 150PS TD4 and 190PS SD4 with four-wheel drive. For extra economy, the 2.2-litre 150PS engine is also available in eD4 two-wheel drive form. Equipped with six-speed manual transmission and Stop/Start, the eD4 achieves an impressive 47.1mpg (6.0 L/100km) and CO2 emissions of 158g/km. The diesels were updated for 2011, a new turbocharger improving response and increasing maximum torque by five percent to 420Nm. They were also equipped with a standard DPF, reducing particulates by 80 percent. At the same time NOx emissions were reduced by 28 percent and the response time of the Stop/Start system was improved by 22 percent. Other improvements aimed at improving efficiency included a revised shifting strategy on the automatics, low drag engine oils and revised bearing designs whilst noise levels were reduced by 2dB.
Saving every last drop of fuel with smart charging
All Freelanders are equipped with Land Rover’s Intelligent Power System Management (IPSM) which includes Smart Regenerative Charging. This feature ensures that, where possible, the alternator only charges the battery as the vehicle is decelerating, recovering kinetic energy rather than consuming fuel. IPSM was designed as part of Land Rover’s e_TERRAIN TECHNOLOGIES programme which aims to continually improve engineering efficiency in every Land Rover.
Traditional Land Rover safety, durability and capability
Jeremy Hicks, Land Rover UK Managing Director said: “In bringing the Freelander 2 right up-to-date, customers are now afforded more choice than ever before combined with new levels of luxury and technology. Fresh styling, generous amounts of standard equipment combined with Land Rover’s leading off-road capabilities, make the Freelander a seriously compelling customer proposition.”
The revised Land Rover Freelander 2 will make its global debut at the Moscow International Motor Show on Wednesday 29 August, 2012.