Market research by the Rover Group in the late 1980s suggested that Land Rover could enter the compact SUV market segment and this prompted the development of the Land Rover Freelander.
The Freelander was launched in late 1997 and after eight years, the new Freelander 2 debuted at the 2006 British International Motor Show.
It received another facelift in 2008 and was called the Freelander 2 HSE with added side trims and 19-inch wheels. A 3.2-litre inline six-cylinder Volvo engine producing 230bhp was standard, with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
The 2013 Freelander 2 update brings several styling tweaks, an interior makeover and a new 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine in a refreshed Land Rover with hopes that these will provide enough boost to ward off challenges from competition such as the BMW X3, the updated Audi Q5, and even the Range Rover Evoque itself.
Exterior
You'll probably need a keen eye to spot the styling revisions done to the exterior of the Freelander, as they are relatively subtle.
The new head and tail lamps that now incorporate LED technology give the Land Rover Freelander 2 a sportier and more purposeful appearance and are considered to be the most noticeable change.
The Freelander was launched in late 1997 and after eight years, the new Freelander 2 debuted at the 2006 British International Motor Show.
It received another facelift in 2008 and was called the Freelander 2 HSE with added side trims and 19-inch wheels. A 3.2-litre inline six-cylinder Volvo engine producing 230bhp was standard, with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
The 2013 Freelander 2 update brings several styling tweaks, an interior makeover and a new 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine in a refreshed Land Rover with hopes that these will provide enough boost to ward off challenges from competition such as the BMW X3, the updated Audi Q5, and even the Range Rover Evoque itself.
Exterior
You'll probably need a keen eye to spot the styling revisions done to the exterior of the Freelander, as they are relatively subtle.
The new head and tail lamps that now incorporate LED technology give the Land Rover Freelander 2 a sportier and more purposeful appearance and are considered to be the most noticeable change.
Complementing the lights are the less obvious changes such as the bright finish to the grille and fog lamp surrounds, together with minor detailing enhancements to the grille surround and fender vents.
Land Rover is also introducing three new stunning exterior colours - Aintree Green, Havana as well as Mauritius Blue - plus a new set of 18-inch alloy rims as standard.
That said, the exterior looks a lot sharper and smarter with the updated grille as well as new head and tail lamps. All these details make the Freelander 2 look more Range Rover like and give it a more upmarket feel, which is a welcome update.
Interior
With the new update, the interior of the Freelander 2 is where most of the focus has been placed, with several features borrowed from its more glamorous brethren, the Range Rover Evoque. Unfortunately, it does without a smart key access.
Once inside, the first thing that catches the eye is the revamped instrument panel that now sports a five-inch screen displaying easy-to-read and essential vehicle information, together with intuitive steering wheel controls that provide effortless operation.
There's also a new-look centre console that boasts an electric parking brake, while the original Terrain Response dial has been replaced with easy-to-use flush-mounted buttons, freeing up more storage space - something that was lacking in the outgoing model.
More convenience is also achieved with the Passive Start or what is commonly known as push start, which replaces the old-school key docking system employed by the previous iteration.
With the new update, the interior of the Freelander 2 is where most of the focus has been placed, with several features borrowed from its more glamorous brethren, the Range Rover Evoque. Unfortunately, it does without a smart key access.
Once inside, the first thing that catches the eye is the revamped instrument panel that now sports a five-inch screen displaying easy-to-read and essential vehicle information, together with intuitive steering wheel controls that provide effortless operation.
There's also a new-look centre console that boasts an electric parking brake, while the original Terrain Response dial has been replaced with easy-to-use flush-mounted buttons, freeing up more storage space - something that was lacking in the outgoing model.
More convenience is also achieved with the Passive Start or what is commonly known as push start, which replaces the old-school key docking system employed by the previous iteration.
In place of the Alpine sound system found on its predecessor is a 380W Meridian sound system with 11 speakers and subwoofers as well as an Audyssey MultEQ audio tuning system, allowing audiophiles to enjoy the entire concert hall on wheels driving experience.
Front passengers have the flexibility to adjust their position electrically, too. However the memory seat controls are a tad out of place and may require the doors to be open in order to be seen.
With a wheelbase of 2,660mm and a height of 1,740mm there is ample space that contributes to the high levels of comfort, allowing passengers to fit in with sufficient head and legroom. While interior space remains unchanged from the outgoing Freelander, the rear seats have been lifted for a stadium seating experience.
Overall, the changes in the interior are more pronounced and there is now more equipment. Inspiration from the Evoque coupled with material selection and design all point the Freelander 2 towards a more premium feel.
Front passengers have the flexibility to adjust their position electrically, too. However the memory seat controls are a tad out of place and may require the doors to be open in order to be seen.
With a wheelbase of 2,660mm and a height of 1,740mm there is ample space that contributes to the high levels of comfort, allowing passengers to fit in with sufficient head and legroom. While interior space remains unchanged from the outgoing Freelander, the rear seats have been lifted for a stadium seating experience.
Overall, the changes in the interior are more pronounced and there is now more equipment. Inspiration from the Evoque coupled with material selection and design all point the Freelander 2 towards a more premium feel.
The Drive
As part of the mid-life refresh, the 3.2-litre inline six-cylinder engine was phased out, and in its place is a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged lump which provides more horses and torque than before. More importantly, the decision to downsize its petrol engine offers a few key advantages.
Not only is the new Si4 engine 40kg lighter than the Si6 unit it replaces, CO2 emissions are also down by a claimed 14 percent to 224g/km. Turbocharging also ensures plenty of torque from 2,000rpm, providing plenty of punch for higher speed driving and overtaking. Progress from standstill is equally brisk with the Freelander 2 being able to sprint from 0-100km/h in 8.8 seconds, thanks to the 240 horses and 340Nm of torque at work.
This engine is combined with a refined and highly efficient six-speed automatic transmission with a full-time four-wheel drive for off road adventure.
As part of the mid-life refresh, the 3.2-litre inline six-cylinder engine was phased out, and in its place is a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged lump which provides more horses and torque than before. More importantly, the decision to downsize its petrol engine offers a few key advantages.
Not only is the new Si4 engine 40kg lighter than the Si6 unit it replaces, CO2 emissions are also down by a claimed 14 percent to 224g/km. Turbocharging also ensures plenty of torque from 2,000rpm, providing plenty of punch for higher speed driving and overtaking. Progress from standstill is equally brisk with the Freelander 2 being able to sprint from 0-100km/h in 8.8 seconds, thanks to the 240 horses and 340Nm of torque at work.
This engine is combined with a refined and highly efficient six-speed automatic transmission with a full-time four-wheel drive for off road adventure.
Driving the Freelander 2 feels extremely easy and confident. The hydraulic powered steering is weighty and keeps the car well controlled and manageable, even in tight corners.
The SUV provides a firm ride over less than perfect road surfaces, but without being punishing. It rides a bit on the stiff side of plush and is a competent highway cruiser, though it never comes across as outstandingly powerful or, on the flip side, sluggish.
Conclusion
The latest Land Rover Freelander 2 is a highly capable compact SUV, offering more refinement, punchy on-road performance with the new Si4 petrol engine, and outstanding off-road capabilities in a family-friendly package. To sum it up, it's a great all-rounder, and easy to recommend if your budget stretches far enough.
The SUV provides a firm ride over less than perfect road surfaces, but without being punishing. It rides a bit on the stiff side of plush and is a competent highway cruiser, though it never comes across as outstandingly powerful or, on the flip side, sluggish.
Conclusion
The latest Land Rover Freelander 2 is a highly capable compact SUV, offering more refinement, punchy on-road performance with the new Si4 petrol engine, and outstanding off-road capabilities in a family-friendly package. To sum it up, it's a great all-rounder, and easy to recommend if your budget stretches far enough.
