The all new Land Rover
2007 Freelander 2 was launched in Mid 2006 and is due for arrival
in SA sometime in 2007. There may be slight variations
between these specs which are more related to UK and US
markets. Branded LR2 in the US, the Freelander 2 is the
first really major redesign since its introduction many
years ago.
Judging by recent prices released in the UK
the SA pricing could be in the region of R340 000 to R415
000. Hopefully at the up coming Auto Africa show we should
see at least one new Freelander 2 on the stand.
Powertrain
Exterior Design and
Special Features
Specifications
Overview
- Class-leading breadth of capability
- Agile, responsive and comfortable on-road
- Outstanding off-road
- 3.2-liter i6 delivers strong combinations of
performance, refinement and fuel economy
- All-new permanent all-wheel drive that helps
optimize traction and fuel economy
- Land Rover’s unique Terrain Response™ - for easier
off-road driving – heads a long list of advanced
technologies, many new to the class
- Fresh and dynamic exterior design – chiseled,
geometric and simple
- Versatile, comfortable, well-equipped and spacious
cabin
"No other compact SUV has anything like its total
breadth of capability," says Phil Popham, Land Rover’s
managing director. "LR2 sets new standards in the sector,
combining the advantages of a premium car - such as
polished ride, accomplished performance, an attractive
cabin and ease-of-use - with the attributes of a robust
SUV, including go-anywhere ability, toughness, stadium
seating, cabin versatility and spaciousness. We believe
that no other compact SUV gets closer to blending these
best-of-both-worlds abilities."
Technical highlights of the LR2 include a brand-new
3.2-liter inline-six engine featuring advanced
technologies to deliver an outstanding combination of
performance and economy.
The 230bhp* i6 engine provides a top speed of 124 mph
(200 km/h)* and 0-60 mph acceleration in 8.4 seconds
(0-100 km/h in 8.9 seconds)*. The engine is matched to a
new six-speed automatic transmission, with Land Rover’s
CommandShift offering manual sequential gear changes when
required. There is also a driver-selectable sport mode,
for livelier performance.
Inline-six cylinder engine configurations are ideal for
delivering smoothness, and the very compact new unit in
LR2 is small enough to mount transversely. The benefits of
transverse fitment include improved interior packaging and
safety performance.
The interior package of LR2 has generous head, shoulder
and legroom, in both the front and rear. Large glass areas
emphasize the spacious feel and complement the elevated
‘command driving’ position – a Land Rover hallmark – and
‘stadium seating’, where rear passengers sit slightly
higher than front occupants, for a clearer view of the
world outside. Cargo space is also among the best in
class: 59 cu. ft. (1670 liters)* with the rear seats
folded and 26.5 cu. ft (755 liters)* with the rear seats
up.
The exterior and interior design of LR2 is completely
fresh, integrating the company’s unique design language
with a form that is instantly recognizable as the latest
Land Rover.
"We purposely kept strong Land Rover design cues, such
as the clamshell bonnet, stepped roof and the basic form,"
says Land Rover design director Geoff Upex.
"The overall look is new and contemporary. The design
is chiseled, geometric and simple – it looks like it's
hewn from the solid. We have kept a close design
relationship with the LR3 and Range Rover Sport, but
interpreted the design language to suit the requirements
of customers for a more compact SUV."
The body is a five-door monocoque structure, with a
high level of torsional rigidity which benefits
refinement, comfort and handling on-road as well as
ensuring the vehicle is fit for serious off-road use. The
suspension is fully independent and uses the most modern
stability control systems, including Roll Stability
Control (RSC™), a new and sophisticated technology that
helps mitigate the risk of roll-over even in extreme
conditions.
LR2 is packed with new technologies to improve both
on-road and off-road performance. Land Rover’s unique
Terrain Response™ is standard, making off-road use easier.
Other interesting technologies include a new intelligent
permanent all-wheel drive system for superior traction and
better on-road fuel economy, and the patented Gradient
Release Control, which improves driver confidence and
control when releasing the brakes on steep and slippery
slopes.
Other features and options include: keyless starter
button, bi-xenon headlamps, adaptive front lighting,
rain-sensing wipers and rear park distance control. A
standard two-part panoramic sunroof increases the cabin’s
airiness; air-conditioning also comes standard and a
full-color touch-screen DVD satellite navigation system is
optional. A choice of top-level audio systems includes
12-speaker Dolby™ Pro Logic II 7.1 Surround Sound with
fiber-optic interconnects. An auxiliary audio connection
(for iPods and MP3 players) is standard.
Designed and engineered by Land Rover at Gaydon, near
Warwick, England, LR2 is built at the Halewood plant in
Liverpool, where outstanding build quality has been
acknowledged with a JD Power European Plant Quality Gold
Award in 2005.
