Classy new Freelander unwrapped

By Ross Pinnock

30th June 2006

	The Freelander is set to hog the lime-light at next month’s British Motor Show at ExCeL in London’s Docklands, where it will make its international debut

The eagle has Land-ed! Finally, it’s here – and these are the first exclusive official pictures of the long-awaited Land Rover Freelander 2.

Auto Express has tracked the model’s development closely, bringing you spy pictures and leaked brochure shots. But now here in all its glory is the brand’s biggest launch since the Discovery 3 in 2004.

The Freelander is set to hog the lime-light at next month’s British Motor Show at ExCeL in London’s Docklands, where it will make its international debut. It hits showrooms later this year to replace the current model, which is the brand’s biggest seller, and we can now tell you exactly what’s in store.

As you can see, pronounced wheel-arches and Range Rover-inspired headlights identify the entry-level off-roader, while a distinctive rectangular grille adds to its on-road presence. At the back, the current car’s awkward side-hinged tailgate has been ditched in favour of a more practical hatchback design. It provides access to a huge 755-litre boot, which is 209 litres larger than the outgoing model.

That’s partly down to a bigger exterior – it measures 50mm longer than the car it replaces – although it retains the same proportions as its predecessor.

Inside, buyers get a more upmarket and spacious cabin. A dominant centre console houses all the major controls and features high-quality plastics and switchgear. Under the bonnet, buyers will get a choice of two powerplants, including a 158bhp 2.2-litre Td4 diesel, which is sourced from parent company Ford. With 400Nm of torque, it helps the SUV cover the 0-60mph sprint in 10.9 seconds and returns economy of 37.7mpg. Alternatively, a powerful 230bhp 3.2-litre straight-six petrol engine will also be available.

Head off the beaten track, and either choice is sure to cope, because the Freelander 2 gets Land Rover’s clever Terrain Response system. Fitted as standard to all but the base model, it will optimise four-wheel-drive traction to suit the conditions.

Both engines will be available with a six-speed transmission. But while the petrol version gets an automatic option, the diesel will initially come as a manual only – a six-ratio self-shifter will arrive early in 2007.

Prices will start from around £22,000 when the Freelander hits showrooms just before Christmas, with the flagship set to cost about £35,000.