Land Rover has given the Freelander 2 a premium overhaul, delivering even better comfort, convenience and driving enjoyment. New derivatives, colours, exterior design features, upgraded equipment levels and continued choice of refined and economical diesel engines, all contribute to make this SUV even better.
Interior equipment levels soar to new heights in the Freelander 2 with a host of fresh and exciting features including three new colour ways as part of a ‘Dynamic’ derivative, brand new centre console, 7-inch colour touch-screen with enhanced audio systems from Meridian and optional satellite navigation.
Passive start replaces key dock and there’s a new ‘intelligent’ electric parking brake which adjusts brake force according to the slope the vehicle is parked on. ‘Say What You See’ – a voice activation system with visual prompts, and rear view camera capability are also both new to the Freelander 2.
Exterior design details have been revamped for an integrated and co-ordinated appearance, including more contemporary lights front and rear using the latest LED technology and a new signature graphic in the front running lights. The XS model gains all-new 17-inch alloy wheels and an enhanced bodystyling pack.
“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
New features and more convenient equipment options bring a host of improved benefits to customers looking for a modern, all-terrain, multi-purpose vehicle.
The first thing you notice when entering the Freelander 2’s contemporary looking cabin is a brand new centre console. The original Terrain Response® dial has been replaced by switches and a shutter reveals additional storage space.
A new ‘Dynamic’ derivative becomes available, which comes in three new interior colours; Ebony, Ivory or Pimento, each with matching stitching and co-ordinated door casings to complete the look.
A crisp new instrument cluster with a 5-inch screen displaying primary vehicle-related information, such as temperature and fuel levels, gear positions and Terrain Response® mode, now sits between the dials across the Freelander model range, complemented with steering wheel toggle switches to operate the clearest of drop down menus and vehicle set-up details.
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.
More convenience comes in the form of Passive Start which replaces the key docking system, meaning that as long as the key is somewhere inside the car, the engine starts at the touch of a button.
Another new feature for 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 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 models line up
Entry level to the range is the Freelander S with cloth seats as standard. The GS comes with full leather whilst the XS has been enhanced with distinguishing detail features such as a gloss black grille surround and the 380W Meridian sound system. The Dynamic version has a full bodystyling kit, and a gloss black finish to fender vents, grille bars and grille surround, complemented on the interior with three colourway choices of sport-themed electric leather seats. New and unique to the Dynamic in the UK are 19-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels with a painted finish.
The HSE is enhanced with wood interior trim and features a wide range of standard equipment including: panoramic sunroof, memory function for the driver’s seat and door mirrors and the 825W Meridian surround sound audio system.
Top of the range is the new HSE LUX which adds that extra special touch with Windsor leather seats, Grand Black Lacquer finisher, premium carpet mats and 19-inch Diamond Turned Wheels.
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
Four wheel drive models (TD4 and SD4) are all equipped with the same, class leading, intelligent four-wheel drive system as before. The system responds to changes in grip in 150 milliseconds to adjust torque between front and rear axles. Terrain Response® optimises the electronic systems for conditions and there are four settings, General Driving, Grass-Gravel-Snow, Mud & Ruts and Sand. Gradient Release control ensures smooth hill starts both ascending and descending for absolute safety and driver confidence on any surface.
When it comes to on-road handling dynamics, the Freelander 2 is top tier, thanks partly to the outstanding body stiffness. A structural undertray on the front subframe contributes to this, increasing steering precision, while the Freelander 2’s four-point engine mounting aids engine stability and increases driving refinement. A full range of stability systems provide a further safety net for the occupants including, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Traction Control (ETC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Roll Stability Control (RSC) and Engine Drag Control.
Naturally, the Freelander 2 earns a 5 star Euro NCAP award for outstanding adult occupant protection, with seven airbags in total, including two curtain, two front, two thorax and a driver’s knee bag.
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 Freelander 2 will make its global debut at the Moscow International Motor Show on Wednesday 29 August, 2012.
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