Land Rover Freelander 2: new engine, fresh interior for entry-level SUV

Talk about an extreme makeover! The Land Rover Freelander 2 has been upgraded with a refreshed exterior design, an overhauled interior, a new petrol engine and more economical diesels, and not to mention, a revised specification line-up with extra features and new technology.

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.

The shift to an electric park brake reduces cabin clutter, while the updated push-button start system does away with the docking station and allows the driver to turn on the engine with the key still in their pocket.

The updated Freelander 2 finally introduces a rear-view camera that displays through the enhanced infotainment screen and incorporates 'Hitch Assist': a superimposed graphic showing the position of the vehicle’s tow ball.

The new 'Say What You See' program is designed to help drivers use the Freelander's voice activation system, displaying prompts on the screen for controlling the satellite navigation, climate control, audio and phone settings.

The sharpened exterior introduces the latest in xenon LED technology, with the front and rear lights revised to give the Land Rover Freelander 2 a sportier and more purposeful appearance. The grille and foglight bezels sport a bright finish, while subtle colour changes to the grille surround, vents and bumper inserts freshen the overall design.

New to the powertrain line-up is the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine from the Range Rover Evoque, which produces 237bhp of power and 340Nm of torque – up from the old inline-six's 317Nm of torque output.

Dubbed 'Si4', the new engine lowers the Freelander’s combined cycle fuel consumption to 9.6 litres per 100km – down more than 10 per cent from the 10.7L/100km of the old Si6. The engine is paired exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel drive system.

The 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel options carry over into the new line-up, continuing to produce 147bhp/420Nm of torque in TD4 spec and 188bhp/420Nm in the more powerful SD4. For added economy, the entry-level TD4 is available with a six-speed manual transmission and stop-start, helping it achieve a combined cycle fuel figure of 6.2L/100km. The six-speed auto versions of both diesels continue to burn through 7.0L/100km.