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Land Rover Freelander 4x4 2.2 TD4 GS

For:
The Freelander has a smooth ride and a great driving position, and it's highly competent off-road. Land Rover's desirable image keeps resale values strong.

Against:
Prices are a little steep, many rivals provide more rear legroom and boot space, and the dashboard is cluttered.



Performance

Every Freelander uses a 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine, but you can choose between outputs of 148- and 188bhp. Both develop strong low-end pull, but holding onto the revs soon reveals the 148bhp version's shortage of power. A six-speed automatic gearbox is standard on the 188bhp model, and an option on the 148bhp unit, which comes with a six-speed manual as standard.

Ride & handling

The Freelander is brilliant at ironing out bumps - more like a luxury car on the motorway. However, the body leans as you turn into a corner, and the car bounces around over crests and dips. The steering is accurate, but it's not exactly quick and could do with a bit more weight and feel at higher speeds. Base models and 2WD versions miss out on Land Rover's Terrain Response System, which lets you optimise the car's set-up for different surface conditions via a simple rotary knob.

Refinement

The Freelander is pretty refined up to about 50mph - the engine has a slightly agricultural note when you pile on the revs, but it's very good at shutting out suspension clatter. Unfortunately, the boxy body generates so much wind noise at motorway speeds that it's impossible to estimate how much noise the tyres, suspension and engine are generating.

Buying & owning

The Freelander looks a little pricey compared with some compact 4x4 rivals, but strong resale values mean you'll get a large chunk of that outlay back when you sell it. To keep running costs in check, manual versions have a stop-start system that reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The 2WD versions are more efficient and more company car tax-friendly, but still not in the same league as the super-clean BMW X3.

Quality & reliability

Land Rover has had a poor reliability record, but the 2010 JD Power survey showed signs of some improvement: Freelander owners actually praised the car's reliability. The dials and steering wheel are virtually identical to those in its upmarket Discovery sister car, and the cabin materials look and feel similarly robust. Wipe-clean surfaces make it easy to live with, too.

Safety & security

Safety equipment is comprehensive, with stability control and twin front-, side- and curtain airbags all fitted as standard. There's also an airbag under the steering column to protect the driver's knees in an accident, while deadlocks, marked parts, an integrated stereo and locking wheelnuts all help to deter thieves.

Behind the wheel

The Freelander's high-set driving position and flat bonnet give you excellent forward vision and make it easy to place the car on the road. Rear vision is great, too, because the back of the car has an immense amount of glass. The centre console is covered in buttons, but they're all big and clearly marked. There's a wide range of adjustment to help the driver get comfortable, although the seats are a little small.

Space & practicality

Front-seat occupants get plenty of head- and legroom, but rear knee space is no more than adequate. The boot is small compared with the best in class and suffers from wheelarch intrusion; its high floor also means you might struggle to lift heavy items into it. There are 60/40 split rear seats, though, and they lay pretty flat.

Equipment

Every Freelander gets alloy wheels, air-conditioning and a CD player, while GS trim adds climate- and cruise control, rear parking sensors and Land Rover's Terrain Response system. Next up is XS spec, which brings electric front seats, satellite-navigation and a better stereo. On top of that, HSE models also come with a CD multichanger and full leather upholstery.

Running Costs

Town mpg

31

Out of Town mpg

42.2

Average mpg

37.2

Tank Capacity (gallons)

14.9

CO2 Rating (g/km)

194

Insurance Group

23

Typical Insurance Quote

£661

% Value Retained (3yrs/36,000mls)

43

Typical Contract Hire Rate (pcm)

£538

Pence Per Mile

62.06

Servicing Cost over 3yrs

£1452

Servicing Intervals

15k

Manufacturers Warranty

3yr/UL

Performance & Measurements

Body type

4X4

Number of Doors

5

Number of Seats

5

Engine (cc/type)

2179/4

Fuel Type

Diesel

Max Power (bhp/rpm)

158/4000

Engine Position

F

Driven Wheels

Four

Length (mm)

4500

Width (mm)

1910

Height (mm)

1740

Boot Space (min ltr)

405

Boot Space (max ltr)

1670

Turning Circle (m)

11.4

Towing Weight(kg)

2000

Kerb Weight (kg)

1770

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