"Land Rover Freelander": owner reviews, specifications, photos

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

The Land Rover Freelander is a compact SUV from British manufacturer Land Rover. Exists in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions. The current generation is sold as the LR2 in North America and as the Freelander 2 in Europe.

First generation (1997-2006)

Back in the 80s, a study of the car market by the Rover Group showed the need for a premium compact SUV. However, due to the lack of own resources and the refusal of a number of partners to cooperate, the process of creating Freelander dragged on for a decade.

Meanwhile, the Freelander was launched in late 1997, becoming Europe's best-selling 4WD model until 2002. As evidenced by the reviews, motorists liked the Land Rover Freelander for its reliability, compact size, rich interior decoration, convenience, and equipment that are not typical for SUVs. The last first generation machines in North America weresold in 2005.

Modifications

The model has a variety of modifications. There are five-door, three-door civil and commercial (Commercial Van) versions, with a soft or hard top. In the semi-convertible Softback, the soft top is placed only over the rear of the car.

In 2004, Land Rover introduced an improved and modernized version of the Mark I. Changes included a new interior, a significant redesign of the front, rear of the car.

• Three-door trim options: E, S, SE, sport, sport-premium.
• Five-door models: E, S, SE, HSE, sport, sport-premium.

Engines

In a Land Rover Freelander, the engine specifications are as follows:

• Brand 1.8i I4 Rover K series (1997-2006), petrol. This is a four-cylinder 1.8-liter (1796 cm3) engine with 16 valves, 118 hp. with., torque 158 Nm.
• Di, XDi - 2-liter (1994 cm3) turbocharged engine I4 Rover L series (1997-2000), diesel, 96 hp s./210 Nm.
• TD4 - 2-liter (1995 cm3) I4 BMW M47TUD20 (2001-2006), diesel, 148 hp s./300 Nm.
• V6 - 2.5-liter V6 Rover KV6 (2001-2006), gasoline, 177 hp s.

Manual transmissions dominate early models. Geared Tiptronic automatic transmissions are standard on V6 engines.

Reviews: "Land Rover Freelander"first generation

The first generation Freelanders were entered in the prestigious international Camel Trophy and G4 Challenge rallies in 1998. In general, SUVs have proven themselves well. But these were advanced modifications.

In production models, car owners consider low cross-country ability to be the main drawback of the Land Rover Freelander. The car is a compromise between the larger Land Rover 4x4s and the 2WD models, as there was neither a low gear range nor a differential lock. This meant that, compared to other Land Rovers, the Freelander's off-road capabilities weren't as good.

Of the positive aspects, most owners note convenience, quality (English assembly), ease of operation, incredible reliability, high noise insulation, sufficient power even with diesel engines. The Freelander is the first ever compact SUV to earn 5 stars in EuroNCAP safety tests.

Specifications: first generation

The Land Rover Freelander, with specifications varying by model, is the first non-framed Land Rover Freelander with independent suspension and 50/50 split all-wheel drive. The Freelander-1 was the first Land Rover to be equipped with Hill Descent Control. Optional Traction Control and ABS systems help off-road driving. In the sport version appliedstiff suspension lowered by 3 cm and 18'' wheels.

• Wheel formula: 4x4 or 4x2.
• Layout: front-wheel drive, front-engine or all-wheel drive, front-engine.
• Transmission: 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic.
• Wheelbase - 2565 mm.
• Width - 1806 mm. Height: 3-door - 1707 mm, 5-door - 1750-1753 mm. Length: 3-door - 4448mm, 5-door - 4422-4445mm.

Second generation (2006-2014)

The Land Rover Freelander 2 debuted in Britain at the 2006 International Motor Show. The European name Freelander has been preserved, having acquired the number 2. In North America, the model is sold under the name LR2. The second generation Freelander is based on the Ford EUCD platform, which in turn is based on the Ford C1 platform.

If we compare the first generation and the Land Rover Freelander 2, the reviews indicate an improvement in handling, ride smoothness, off-road capability, and safety. Impressive spacious interior with chic finishes.

New range of engines

The range of engines was replenished with a transversely mounted 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine of the Ford i6 series, as well as a 2.2-liter DW12 turbodiesel. The i6 petrol engine is 10% more fuel efficient and 30% more powerful than the previous favorite V6. Develops an effort of 233 liters. s./171 kW. The speed at the maximum is 200 km / h, acceleration worthy for an SUV is 8.4 s. Gasoline consumption 11.2 liters. Due to the compact design, the motor was placed transversely. This arrangement increases the level of safety, allows engineers to use the freed space to expand the cabin, reduce the overall dimensions of the car.

Characterizing the new Land Rover Freelander 2 powertrain, owner reviews testify to the increased power of the updated model. 233 horsepower is plenty for a relatively light small crossover. The high-torque motor is enough for a confident climb up the dirt road. And the car seems to be flying along the highway.

Since 2012, some modifications have been equipped with a turbocharged two-liter gasoline engine with 240 hp. With. At 1715 rpm, the torque is 340 Nm. Average gas consumption (80% in the city, 20% on the highway) - 12.5 l.

The updated diesel TD4 2.2 liter has also undergone a significant redesign: the power has increased by 43% (compared to the first generation Di brand), while the consumption has slightly decreased. The maximum torque of 400 Nm (corresponding to 118 kW) is achieved at 160 hp. With. In the crankshaft speed range of 1000-4500 rpm, the torque exceeds 200 Nm. The average consumption of gasoline is about 7.5 liters.

Specifications: second generation

The performance of the Land Rover Freelander 2 has improved markedly. It has higher ground clearance and good off-road capabilities that are already closer to the "adult" Land Rover models. The interior has become even richer. As standard - extensive security features. Freelander 2 has a modified version of Terrain Response (off-road driving system), 4WD system.

The Land Rover Freelander i6 gasoline unit works in conjunction with the new 6 automatic transmission. The design of the box allows the gears to be switched manually if the Command Shift mode is selected. For lovers of dynamic acceleration, a sports switching mode is provided. The new TD4 is compatible with 6 automatic and 6 manual transmissions.

• Wheel formula: 4x4 or 4x2.
• Transmission: 6 manual, 6 automatic.
• Wheel base - 2660 mm.
• Width/Height/Length - 1910/1740/4500 mm.
• Weight - 1776-1820 kg.

Land Rover Freelander: owner reviews

According to most owners, the updated model really corresponds to the premium class. A polished appearance with an expressive grille, the same color of bumpers and body, wide headlights with a complex arrangement of optical elements create a holistic look of a powerful and at the same time stylish Land Rover Freelander. The photo does not reflect the beauty of the interior. It has become more spacious and comfortable. The quality and level of finish have improved. Excellent sound system installed.

Compared to the first generation, the cross-country ability of the car has become noticeably higher. Now you should not be afraid to move off the track onto the dirt road: 210 mm of ground clearance is enough to move along muddy roads.

Domestic car owners complain about the inability of the model to Russian realities. Freelander 2 is designed for European roads. because ofinsufficient factory anti-corrosion preparation from the s alt used in winter, the bottom rusts. As well as some body parts. It is mandatory to carry out additional anti-corrosion protection. These cars with diesel units do not start well in cold weather, after 3 unsuccessful attempts to start, the automation blocks the system, a flashing is required. Units are very sensitive to fuel quality. When the motor mounts freeze, vibration is transmitted to the steering wheel and body.

In general, Freelander meets the expectations of buyers. The car has something to criticize and something to admire.