Land Rover Freelander 2 Review | Part Two (2007)

The manual TD4, as tested, takes 11.7 seconds to get from 0-62mph and the top speed is 112mph. The auto sprints a little quicker (11.2 seconds) but has the same top speed while the i6 is even faster, taking 8.9 seconds to reach 62mph and from there on to a top speed of 124mph.

Emissions for the test car are measured at 194g/km and the auto version at 224g/km. However, a catalysed Diesel Particulate Filter (cDPF) is an option for even cleaner motoring. Improved fuel economy has put the TD4 manual’s figures at 30.6mpg, 45.5mpg and 37.7mpg for the urban, extra-urban and combined, respectively.

Off-road ability is inherent and to aid the more adventurous the Freelander 2 has a good few of the electronic gizmos found in the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport. The Terrain Response for instance, is standard on all but the base (S) model and, of course, they all have the full-time Intelligent 4x4 system.

As with the Range Rovers, the Terrain Response adapts the functions of the gearbox, engine, Dynamic Stability Control, Electronic Traction Control and ABS, to match the terrain and conditions. Using a rotary control on the central transmission tunnel, the driver can select four different setting; general, grass/gravel/snow, mud and ruts or sand. Rock crawl isn’t included.

Terrain Response also activates the HDC or Hill Descent Control to restrict downhill speeds but this can be done manually simply by pressing a button on the central tunnel. New and making its debut on the Freelander 2 is the Gradient Release Control, which is linked to the HDC. As you might expect, it works by progressively releasing the brakes on very steep inclines.