- Responsive and frugal turbo-diesel engines
- Competent dynamics
- Good visibility
- Well-weighted steering provides good feel
- Off-road capability
- Wind noise at higher speeds
- Fuel consumption for petrol engines
- Limited rear legroom and boot space
- Lacks refinement and interior quality of Audi 8R Q5 and BMW E83 X3
Review: Land Rover L359.I Freelander 2 (2007-10)
Overview
Released in June 2007, the Land Rover L359 Series I (L359.I) Freelander 2 was a compact, all-wheel drive SUV. Manufactured in Halewood, England, the Freelander 2 range initially consisted of the 2.2 Td4 and 3.2 Si6 variants, both of which were available in two editions: SE and HSE (see table below). In August 2009, however, the range was expanded with the 2.2 Td4_e.
Dimensions and suspension
Compared to the Land Rover L314 Freelander , the Freelander 2 was 50 mm longer (at 4500 mm), 109 mm wider (1910 mm), 32 mm higher (1740 mm) and had a 95 mm longer wheelbase (2660 mm). Furthermore, the Freelander 2 had MacPherson strut suspension front and rear with coil springs, gas-filled dampers and anti-roll bars.
| Variant | Edition | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2 Td4 | SE, HSE |
2007-10 | 2.2-litre turbo-diesel I4 | 6sp auto | 108 kW at 4000 rpm | 400 Nm at 2000 rpm |
| 2.2 Td4_e | N/A | 2009-10 | 2.2-litre turbo-diesel I4 | 6sp man. | ||
| 3.2 Si6 | SE, HSE |
2007-10 | 3.2-litre petrol I6 | 6sp auto | 171 kW at 6300 rpm | 317 Nm at 3200 rpm |
AWD system
The Freelander 2 was fitted with Land Rover’s four-mode ‘Terrain Response’ all-wheel drive system which utilised a third-generation Haldex coupling which contained a hydraulic pump, wet multi-plate clutch and an electronically-controlled throttle valve. In normal conditions, the system provided a 90:10 front:rear torque split. If the vehicle’ s electronic systems detected that traction was about to be lost, the pre-tensioned clutch could provide an immediate 50:50 fron:rear torque split.
From November 2008, a fourth-generation Haldex coupling was employed which engaged the clutch via the feeder pump rather than the mechanical pump. The all-wheel drive system also included hill descent control and hill holder functions.
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Freelander 2 included dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain airbags for front and rear occupants, a driver’ s knee airbag, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, cornering braking control, rollover stability control, active roll mitigation, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Euro NCAP crash testing
In Euro NCAP crash testing , the Freelander 2 received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 34.84 out of 37. In the offset crash test, occupant protection was generally rated as good, though chest protection for both front occupants was rated as adequate. Maximum points were awarded in the pole test, though a deduction was applied due to chest protection in the side impact test being rated as adequate.
Features: Freelander 2 SE and HSE
Standard features for the Freelander 2 SE included 17-inch six-spoke alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with a six-disc in-dash CD player, auxiliary input and MP3-compatibility, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, leather seats, power adjustable front seats, cruise control, front fog lamps, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, a height adjustable driver’ s seat, rear cargo blind, trip computer, vanity mirrors, alarm and immobiliser.
Beyond this, the Freelander 2 HSE added 18-inch twelve-spoke alloy wheels, an eight speaker Alpine Hi-ICE sound system with subwoofer, bi-xenon headlights, front parking sensors, proximity key, driver’ s memory settings (seats and mirrors), rear seat headphone outlets, power folding door mirrors, an electrochromatic rear view mirror and woodgrain interior trim.
Freelander 2 Td4_e
In August 2009, the Td4_e variant was released. Based on the Td4, the Td4_e had a six-speed manual transmission, idle-stop technology (i.e. engine deactivation when the vehicle was stationary, in neutral and the clutch pedal was raised), low-rolling resistance tyres and a gearshift indicator light. The Td4_e was similarly equipped to the SE edition, but omitted the SE’ s imitation wood dashboard finish and door trim leather; furthermore, the power adjustable leather front seats were replaced with manually adjustable cloth-trim seats and the six-stack CD player was replaced with a single CD unit.
Brochure
Review: Land Rover L359.II Freelander 2 (2010-12)
Overview
Released in December 2010, the L359 Series II (L359.II) Freelander 2 introduced a revised line-up, improved equipment levels and cosmetic updates. The range was expanded by the 2.2 SD4 variant which was powered by a more powerful 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine than the Td4. Although the Td4_e variant was discontinued, the 2.2 Td4 six-speed manual continued to feature idle-stop, which was upgraded with a bi-directional crank position sensor for reduced cranking times and lower noise levels.
Visually, the L359.II Freelander 2 could be identified by its new front bumper, grille, head- and tail-lights, door mirrors and chrome tailgate trim.
| Variant | Editions | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2 Td4 | N/A | 2010-12 | 2.2-litre turbo-diesel I4 | 6sp man., 6sp auto |
110 kW at 4000 rpm | 420 Nm at 1750 rpm |
| XS, SE |
2010-12 | 2.2-litre turbo-diesel I4 | 6sp auto | |||
| 2.2 SD4 | SE, HSE |
2010-12 | 2.2-litre turbo-diesel I4 | 6sp auto | 140 kW at 3500 rpm | 420 Nm at 1750 rpm |
| 3.2 Si6 | XS, SE |
2010-12 | 3.2-litre petrol I6 | 6sp auto | 171 kW at 6300 rpm | 317 Nm at 3200 rpm |
Safety equipment
Compared to its L359.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the L359.II Freelander 2 was substantially unchanged.
Features
Standard features for the L359.II Freelander 2 included 17-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with CD player, auxiliary input, a Garmin satellite navigation system, air conditioning, front fog lights, headlight washers, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a 60/40 split and folding rear seat, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable driver’s seat, rear cargo blind, a trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.
The Freelander 2 XS was further equipped with a nine speaker sound system, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, leather seats, Bluetooth connectivity, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and power folding mirrors.
Beyond this, the Freelander 2 SE added a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat, a four-way power adjustable front passenger seat and courtesy lights. The range-topping HSE was distinguished by its 18-inch alloy wheels, factory-integrated DVD-based satellite navigation system, bi-xenon headlights, front parking sensors, a proximity key, driver’ s seat memory settings and rear seat headphone outlets.
Brochures
- Brochure: Land Rover L359.II Freelander 2 (September 2010)
- Brochure: Land Rover L359.II Freelander 2 (December 2011)
Review: Land Rover L359.III Freelander 2 (2012-14)
Overview
Released in December 2012, the L359 Series III (L359.III) Freelander 2 introduced a revised range as the 3.2 Si6 variant was replaced by the 2.0 Si4 and a range-topping HSE Luxury edition was added. Visually, the L359.III Freelander 2 could be identified by its new 17-inch alloy wheels, bolder tail-lights and daytime LED running lights for SE variants and above. Inside, however, there was a new centre console with five- or seven-inch colour displays (depending on variant), a new instrument cluster with a five-inch screen positioned between the instrument dials, a power-operated park brake and the Terrain Response dial was replaced by switch-based system.
| Variant | Engine | Editions | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 Si4 | 2.0-litre turbo petrol I4 | SE | 6sp auto | 177 kW at 5500 rpm | 340 Nm at 1750 rpm |
| 2.2 Td4 | 2.2-litre turbo-diesel I4 | N/A | 6sp man., 6sp auto |
110 kW at 4000 rpm | 420 Nm at 1750 rpm |
| SE | 6sp auto | ||||
| 2.2 SD4 | 2.2-litre turbo-diesel I4 | SE, HSE, HSE Luxury |
6sp auto | 140 kW at 3500 rpm | 420 Nm at 1750 rpm |
Features
Compared to its L359.II predecessor, standard features for the L359.III Freelander 2 included an upgraded 80 watt sound system with eight speakers, a five-inch colour display, Bluetooth audio streaming and a digital radio tuner. Furthermore, SE variants and above (i.e. SE, HSE and HSE Luxury) were fitted with a rear view camera with dynamic lines which could represent the boundaries of the vehicle and its predicted path, while a ‘Hitch Assist’ function superimposes a graphic of the position of the tow ball.
The HSE variants were further equipped with an upgraded satellite navigation system with a seven-inch screen and a ‘Say What You See’ voice activation system which provided visual prompts to the driver with the commands required to be spoken to control functions in the audio, navigation, climate and phone systems.
Compared to the HSE, the HSE Luxury edition was distinguished by its 825 watt Meridian surround sound system with 17 speakers, premium Windsor leather upholstery, power folding door mirrors with automatic dipping on reverse, electrochromatic rear view mirror and premium carpets.
Brochure
Related links
- Specifications: Land Rover L359.III Freelander 2 (May 2013)
- Land Rover Australia: Land Rover Freelander 2
- Wikipedia.org: Land Rover L359 Freelander 2
