Land Rover drops Freelander six

Land Rover dealers will commence rolling out an upgraded Freelander 2 from December this year, following its Australian debut alongside the all-new Range Rover at the Sydney Motor Show in October.

Only those with the visual acuity of an eagle will pick the new model from the current one, although careful study reveals a bolder look around the front end. But it’s what’s going on underneath that constitutes the big news.

The six-cylinder engine powering the Si6 model is withdrawn from service, its place taken by Land Rover’s version of the 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine that powers the locally-built Ford Falcon. Also powering the Range Rover Evoque, the 2.0-litre GTDi engine develops 177kW and 340Nm. It is, claims Land Rover, 40kg lighter than the engine it succeeds, but delivers seven per cent more torque and reduces CO2 emissions – 224g/km – by seven per cent.

"Downsizing from a six cylinder to a highly efficient yet powerful four-cylinder engine combines high performance and refinement with the economy our petrol engine customers expect. It also delivers a significant weight reduction that further enhances the driving dynamics," says David Mitchell, Chief Programme Engineer for Freelander, as quoted in a press release.

The new petrol four drives through an Aisin AWF21 six-speed automatic transmission to a full-time four-wheel drive system with a Haldex rear differential. As alternatives to the petrol engine, two diesels – unchanged for 2013 – each displace 2.2 litres, but produce different output figures; the TD4 developing 110kW and the SD4 good for 140kW.

While the new petrol engine is the headline act for the tweaked Freelander, there’s plenty more on offer in other areas. Externally, the Freelander sports revised (xenon) headlights and tail lights plus what Land Rover describes as “a new signature graphic” for the daytime running lights. In addition, the grille and fog light bezels feature a bright finish and details such as the grille surround, grille insert bars and the vents on the front quarter panels have been revised to “harmonise” with the other cosmetic changes. Three new colours are introduced with the 2013 model: Aintree Green, Havana and Mauritius Blue.

A new centre console is the highpoint of the revised Freelander’s cabin. Switches replace the dial for the Terrain Response system and additional storage space in the console is concealed under a shutter. Vehicle systems-related information is displayed in a new five-inch screen, which can be operated through a drop-down menu interface from switchgear on the steering wheel.

An intelligent electronic parking brake has been introduced, offering automatically adjusting brake force according to the gradient of slope and emergency stopping linked to the stability control system. Additionally, the brake cannot be disengaged in error without the driver’s seat being occupied. The parking brake is another new driving aid introduced for the 2013 model year Freelander, along with ‘Passive Start’ – a keyless starting system. Other new driving aids include reversing camera capability (with display via the infotainment screen) and a voice-activated control system with graphic prompts for the appropriate commands. Land Rover refers to this last feature as ‘Say What You See’ and it provides on-screen instructions for each step operating audio, (optional) satellite navigation, climate control and hands-free phone.

Comfort and convenience features are enhanced by the inclusion of optional Meridian audio systems capable of 380W or 825W outputs. The lower-output system pipes sound through 11 speakers, while the 825W system is matched to 17 speakers. Each system comes with a seven-inch colour touchscreen, subwoofers and Audyssey MultEQ tuning. The standard audio system is an eight-speaker unit delivering 80W. All systems support CD, DVD, iPod, USB, Bluetooth (with audio streaming. A hard disk stores up to 10 audio CDs for ‘Virtual CD’ replay using the Gracenote system.

"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 and can now opt for the powerful and highly efficient new Si4 GTDi petrol," says John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director. "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."

For the new model year, disparate variants in the Freelander range will be distinguished by trim level rather than drivetrain. The entry level is the TD4 manual with cloth trim (either 2WD or 4WD). The mid-range model is the Freelander SE, with gloss black grille surround, full leather trim, rear camera and Meridian audio system. Topping the range is the Freelander HSE with electric seat adjustment and woodgrain interior trim.

Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...