Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4-e HSE

Feb 6 2010 Malcolm Robertshaw

THERE are four well equipped trim levels available in the five-door Land Rover Freelander 2 range - GS, S, XS and the range topping HSE driven here, while all are powered by the 2.2-litre TD4 turbo diesel engine.

This latest Freelander provides plenty of head and leg room, particularly front of house, although some may find kneeroom in the rear a little tight. However, with all seats taken there is a generous 755 litres of luggage space.

From the high command driving position a six-way electrical driver's seat mechanism and a steering wheel which adjusts for reach and rake add further to driver comfort while overall vision is good.

Cabin build quality is excellent, the cinema style seating is comfortable and the fixtures and fittings standard manifest is well worth a read before you board to sample the likes of a premium 14-speaker sound system with CD and steering wheel controls, dual zone air con, sat nav, seven airbags, cup and bottle holders.

With full time four wheel drive spinning away, progress on the cruise is quiet and refined and the Freelander 2 comes with a host of stability control systems, the likes of ABS braking, electronic traction control, electronic brake force distribution, cornering brake control, emergency brake assist and dynamic stability and hill descent control all designed to enhance traction and braking ability when driving off-road.

Time was when improving economy running meant switching from petrol to diesel drive. Now the Freelander 2 also uses some superb, switchable Stop/Start technology to assist with keeping fuel consumption and CO2 emissions down helping to create a much more environment friendly Freelander.

Land Rover's new Stop/Start approach sees the engine cut out when the vehicle is stationary. With the gear lever in neutral and clutch pedal raised and the ability to go forward returns, the heavy duty starter motor sparks up the engine again when you dip the clutch.

With the car not ticking over pointlessly in queuing urban traffic, carbon dioxide emissions and fuel consumption are reduced and Land Rover does claim an 8% reduction in CO2 emissions and a 12% improvement in fuel economy.

Paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, the 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine proved just right for the job. Combined with Land Rover's excellent Terrain Response system drivers can call on virtually effortless control while on the move via a simple control on the dash with which you can call up settings for general driving, grass, gravel, mud, rutted roadways and the piles of snow which Freelander coped with admirably during the recent blizzards.

The Freelander 2 is great to drive with progress proving composed and stable when on the cruise while the keen power steering helps to master the cornerwork.

Despite some quality alternative 4x4s out there, the Freelander 2 is the real thing and while it doesn't come cheap, it is value for money and commands strong second hand prices.

FAST FACTS

Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4-e HSE

Price: £32,595

Mechanical: 158bhp, 2,179cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving four wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox

Max speed: 112mph

0-62mph: 11.7 seconds

Combined mpg: 42.2

Insurance group: 13

CO2 emissions: 179g/km

BiK rating: 29%

Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mileage