Land Rover unveils Europe-only 2WD Freelander

Land Rover has released the first pics and details of its updated Freelander 2, and the big news is the introduction of the first-ever two-wheel-drive version, along with improved cabin trim and greener, more potent engines. Unfortunately for Australian buyers, the 2WD Freelander is not confirmed for this market.

"At this stage the eD4 2WD Freelander has been introduced for European markets only," Land Rover's Marketing and Public Affairs Manager Tim Krieger informed the Carsales Network earlier today. "However, we have not ruled out widening the portfolio at a later stage if customer demand merits the introduction."

What has been confirmed for the local market is a significantly upgraded four-wheel drive range featuring a tweaked version of the PSA-sourced 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine offered in two states of tune -- with 110kW and 140kW respectively. Both versions eke out 420Nm of torque, which represents a hike of 20 Newtons over the existing 2.2-litre oiler.

A variable-vane turbocharger and a reprogrammed ECU are among the changes that help the engine meet Euro5 emissions regulations. Land Rover claims the entry-level 110kW engine (which will be badged TD4) is the equal of the outgoing unit in terms of performance, but it spews out less CO2 emissions (165g/km instead of 179g/km).

Fitted with an upgraded Aisin six-speed automatic -- the only transmission available for this variant -- the 140kW SD4 emits 185g/km, but the payoff comes in the form of sharper acceleration; Land Rover quotes a 0-100km/h split of 8.9sec, close to two seconds quicker than the outgoing model. V-max also increases from 180km/h to 190 klicks.

However, the new front-drive model (dubbed eD4) will be offered only with the base (110kW) engine, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.

It's obviously the thriftiest variant as ditching the heavy all-wheel-drive hardware and the addition of automatic stop/start enables the eD4 to return a consumption figure of 6L/100km and emissions of 158g/km of CO2. Auto-stop/start is standard for all manual-transmission diesel variants when the upgraded range arrives Down Under in December.

The 3.2-litre petrol six (an in-line engine mounted transversely) continues to be offered, but has also been upgraded to comply with the Euro 5 emissions standard. Land Rover says that the engine develops the same power and torque outputs -- 171kW and 317Nm respectively -- as the Euro 4 engine it replaces.

The updated Freelander's visual changes are relatively subtle -- a reprofiled grille and bumper has given the nose a cleaner look, and the headlights and taillights have also been mildly tweaked.

Inside, there's new seat and dashboard finishes, alongside with a revised instrument cluster to help give the cabin a more modern look. Standard safety kit includes seven airbags.

The Freelander 2 is Land Rover's third-best-selling vehicle in Australia (behind the Discovery and Range Rover Sport), and the debut of the new line-up (bolstered by the miserly 2WD model) should help maintain its appeal against an ever-increasing horde of competitors.

Land Rover will reveal local pricing closer to the updated model's release in December.

-- with staff

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