Freelander ES Premium TD4 Auto

By Craig Cheetham

November 2002

Enter the Freelander ES Premium, developed by Land Rover to offer the comfort of its full-size Range Rover in the effervescent compact SUV. Costing ΂£25,400 for the Td4 auto, it's nearly ΂£10,000 more than the base Freelander - but is it worth the extra investment?

The newcomer is certainly sumptuously equipped, with beige leather trim, satellite-navigation, climate control, a nine-speaker Harman/Kardon stereo, 17-inch alloys, cruise control and smoked rear privacy glass. The high specification is coupled with new-for-2003 improvements to the range in general.

Its dash - now finished in sombre black instead of the original Freelander's multi-coloured offering - looks far more classy, while new dials, smoked indicator lenses and black body mouldings also give an air of maturity. Some of the funkiest cup-holders ever appear on the options list for the first time.

All of which gives the Freelander the kudos it needs on Kensington High Street, but how does it perform on - and off - the open road? In truth, it's little different from earlier models. The ES Premium feels a well built machine, and it is leagues apart from the original Freelanders in terms of finish.

The trim feels properly screwed together and the switchgear is chunky, although some buttons including rear wiper controls can still be traced back to early Nineties Rover products. The redesigned seats are far more comfortable, too, offering greater support and making long distances less tiring.

Dynamically, the Freelander remains one of the easiest SUVs to drive. With the 2.0-litre diesel and clutchless gearbox, the Td4 auto tested here isn't the liveliest of vehicles. Fortunately, the self-shifter offers a CommandShift sequential setting, allowing it to be driven like a manual, which should improve the appeal among driving enthusiasts. The engine feels torquey and responsive, and is refined on the motorway, while extra soundproofing and improved ventilation make for a relaxing cruiser.

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