JLR facelifts Freelander to meet challenge of its own Evoque
LAND Rover has given its entry level SUV a facelift to ensure it can compete against its more luxurious rivals – including near stablemate, the Range Rover Evoque.
Changes to the Freelander 2 have been designed to give the vehicle a premium feel, with improved comfort levels and better driving. There are also a range of new colours, new exterior design features, upgraded equipment levels and a new lightweight and efficient petrol engine.
It is ironically Jaguar Land Rover itself that has set the benchmark in this category with the award-winning Evoque proving a global phenomenon. Even stranger, the Freelander is made at the same factory in Halewood where the Evoque is produced.
The factory recently switched to 24-hour production in order to try and satisfy demand for the Evoque vehicle and the production of the Freelander is similarly being expanded.
Many commentators feared the launch of the Evoque would spell the demise of the Freelander, or at least signal an intention to switch production of the vehicle abroad. JLR owner Tata Motors already has a plant in Pune assembling Freelanders for sale on the Indian market.
However, the company is not ready to dispense with the model just yet and believes the facelift will help to attract new buyers.
New interior equipment includes a brand new centre console, a 7-inch colour touch-screen with enhanced audio systems from Meridian, 7-day timed climate system and optional satellite navigation – all features used in the Evoque.
Passive start replaces the key ignition and there is a new ‘intelligent’ electric parking brake which adjusts brake force according to the slope the vehicle is parked on. A ‘Say What You See’ system – a voice activation device with visual prompts, and rear view camera capability are also both new to the Freelander 2.
There are new contemporary lights to the front and rear of the vehicle, featuring the latest LED technology and a new signature graphic in the front running lights. All-new 17-inch alloy wheels will be entry-level while there will be a body styling pack option on SE models.
The current six-cylinder Si6 petrol is being replaced by the turbocharged Si4, four-cylinder engine. Essentially the same engine used in the Range Rover Evoque, this lightweight Si4 GTDi produces more power than the Si6 yet is more economical and sees a 14% reduction in CO2 to 224g/km.
John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director, said: “The Freelander 2’s equipment levels bring a more premium look and feel to the overall driving experience. In addition, our customers continue to benefit from our refined and economical range of diesel engines and can now opt for the powerful and highly efficient new Si4 GTDi petrol.
“It’s another step forward for the Freelander 2 where outstanding equipment levels, superb design, safety and all-terrain capability continue to set the standards in this class.”
