Land Rover Freelander II 2.2
Local Launch
Southern Highlands, NSW
What we liked
>> Sound-proof cabin; balance in corners
>> Decent, tractable power
Not so much
>> Interior (dash) treatment
>> Garmin sat-nav after-thought?
Latest news from (lately, very vocal) Land Rover is this 2011 model year makeover for its Freelander II. The small-yet-capable softroader's exterior and interior has been updated and more efficient, more powerful diesel options have been added to the lineup which now comprises seven models.
Pricing for the new 2.2-litre turbodiesel Freelander starts at just under $45K and tops-out above the 3.2-litre six-cylinder petrol version for around $66K.
The diesel's fuel consumption rating of 7L/100km (or 6.6L for the six-speed manual-equipped entry model) exempts the top-spec SD HSE model from the local luxury car tax. Overall, Land Rover claims a 13 per cent reduction in fuel consumption compared to the outgoing diesel.
Previously, only the stop/start-equipped 2.2 diesel Freelanders managed sub-7L/100km figures. The feature is again available for the manual 2011 models but won't be applied to the auto for "at least a year", according to JLR MD David Blackhall.
The diesel range includes 110kW (TD) and 140kW (SD) options. Torque output is a decent 420Nm for both states of tune; up 20Nm versus the outgoing model. New Freelander's underpinnings are largely the same as the 'previous' model: see here.
We spent most of our drive time in the more powerful version, at SE specification including leather trim (entry TD models come standard with cloth), electrically-adjustable front seating and nine-speaker stereo system with aux input. In short, the standard-fit list is generous (hill holder, auto windscreen wipers and headlights...) from base model up.
Seating for front passengers is well-sized and supportive; wider than segment competitors like Nissan X-Trail and comfortable over a long(ish) haul. Forward vision is excellent and the driver has good view rearward, however, the blockish rear D-pillar obstructs rear side view which is more of an issue on the road (requiring a couple checks for drivers in the blind spot) rather than for instances while reversing.
There's no shortage of power from whoa to go in either version and the engine is quiet and smooth for the most part. We noticed some vibration around 2000rpm but it's short-winded.
Especially good is the 140kW version's mid-gear urge which is useful for overtaking at highway speeds but both options are responsive. A short stint in the 110kW TD revealed a nippy, agile city crawler that will double as a decent weekend getaway car. Unbraked towing capacity is 750kg.
Road noise is minimal on either 18 or 19-inch wheels and the cabin is well insulated against wind and outside noise. Instruments are well 'screwed in', however, the Garmin sat-nav unit looks a little like an afterthought. That said, Garmin make some of the best modules available.
It's remarkable how a small strip of chrome added to the tailgate for the update has worked to alter the exterior appearance of the rear of the Freelander. The new taillights also help to modernise its looks and we like the front-end facelift which helps make LR's baby softroader to look as serious as it can be.
The cabin space has also been updated with new trim choices, including two cloth styles and leather/alcantara combination, and new dash fascias.
Freelander faces a challenge from its own quarters in the upcoming Range Rover Evoque however, the compact Land Rover has estimable offroad credentials among the compact SUV crowd. Meanwhile, the facelift and updated engines will well serve Freelander and buyers for a while to come.
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