THE astonishing turnaround in the fortunes of Land Rover and parent company JLR is one of the success stories of the last 18 months.
Year-on-year from May 2009 to May 2010 sales rose by 64 per cent in a sector with punitive taxation for high CO2 emission four-wheel drive vehicles.
Admittedly after the world-wide recession, and huge slump in car sales, things could only get better.
But sales have been improving consistently since the launch of the 2010 model year range – which the firm says are the most efficient, and technologically advanced line-up for Land Rover in its history.
Range Rover sales are up 121 per cent, but the Freelander 2 continues to be the world wide best-seller for the company
Now the company, famed for its off-road capability and sheer desirability has grasped the economy and pollution bull by the horns with a new raft of technology that will produce greener machines that will cost less to run.
The Freelander e is a prime example with its intelligent stop/start technology, the first of its kind in an SUV, and gearshift indicators on the dashboard.
This brings, says Land Rover, better fuel consumption, up 4.5mpg and an eight per cent reduction in CO2 emissions from the single 2.2-litre diesel that services the range, while low rolling resistance tyres add to the economy.
Claimed economy is more than 42mpg, while CO2 emissions of 179g/km put it in the 27 per cent company car tax bracket.
The Freelander is the smallest of the comany's car until the new baby Ranger Rover comes along, but it is still a big car.
Easily distinguishable with its square and muscular look, the signature grille and the distinctive logo, the car is set high off the ground and the driver enjoys a commanding driving position.
The interior offers plenty of comfort and space with masses of head and legroom and greenhouse-like glass areas.
Seats are comfortable and supportive while the is well equipped with sturdy, if slightly ageing switchgear, dials and controls that are both logical, nicely laid out, easy to use and, most importantly if you're going off-road, sturdy.
There are many practical touches with door wallets and cup holders while the split rear tailgate gives added practicality.
The boot area is decent if not class leading, with a 755 litre capacity. Fold the rear seat flat and this increases to 1,670 litres. The high sill can be a problem for the more vertically challenged, but overall the Freelander can swallow large cargoes.
Land Rover's four-wheel drive capability is well documented, but on the road the car is a capable and refined performer.
Powered by a 2.2-litre diesel engine, the unit packs plenty of grunt, 158bhp and a decent amount of torque.
Accleration is OK for an SUV and the excellent torque, which is brilliant for towing or scaling mud slides, comes into its own when overtaking.
Once up to speed, particularly on motorways, the car is a refined and a comfortable place to be with road and engine noise all but absent.
Handling however is not the greatest. The steering is fine and nicely weighted but it wallows on corners, more so than its bigger siblings the Discover and Range Rover, so you need to take bend sedately.
The test model range topping HSE comes in at an eye-watering £33,425, but is lavishly and luxuriously equipped with alloy wheels, climate control, electric windows and door mirrors, leather seats, high quality sound system, rear parking sensors, electric sunroof and simple-to-use navigation system.
For safety, all models have a stability control programme and driver, passenger and side airbags as well as anti-skid braking.
All models features Land Rovers effective and easy-to-use terrain response system which can tackle just about any terrain it comes across.
For those looking for a more modest spend the TD4 _e S will set them back £21,875, not the cheapest, but as sales figures show, there is the prestige of owning a Land Rover.
FAST FACTS
Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4-e HSE stop/start
Price: £33,425
Mechanical: 158bhp, 2,179cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving four wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox
News | Road tests | Buying advice | Views | Special reports | Manufacturers | Used cars | New cars | Book an Ad | Dealers
