Land Rover Freelander 2.2 TD4e HSE

Nov 7 2009 Jonathan Smith

LIKE the proverbial good wine the Land Rover Freelander seems to get better with age. Of course, much of that is down to the constant developments that have taken place as the model evolves.

One of the recent developments is the addition of 'stop-start technology' which basically means that the diesel engine cuts when it's not needed, ie when you are waiting for traffic lights to change or stuck in a jam. Fuel is conserved and the moment you put your foot back on the clutch the motor springs back to life.

Yes, it's a bit disconcerting at first but you soon get used to it. And, after a while, your passenger realises you are not actually in the habit of stalling the engine! A gear-shift indicator light which advises when to change up or down is also incorporated - but if you know that little about driving, maybe you'd be better catching the bus.

I was driving the 2.2 TD4 which thanks to a 158bhp four cylinder turbo diesel is pretty economical even without the new aides. It is also extremely refined and packs considerable punch. 62mph comes up in a shade under 11 seconds and it tops out at 112mph which is ample for an all-drive five-seater which can hardly be described as a wind-cheater.

Where the Freelander scores most over its bevy of challengers is in the driving stakes. I'm talking on-road behaviour here rather than mud-lugging at which the Land Rover is supreme. Apart from the tall stance it feels every inch like a saloon car with ultra-positive steering - almost too direct - and well controlled roll angles and coupled to the punchy acceleration and a balanced ride that irons out road scars. The latest generation diesel power unit is smooth and sweeter than most.

It's easy to find yourself bowling along at speed faster than you want - the silent travel, combined with great visibility and good handling mean the Freelander is an accomplished business express as well as a mountain goat when conditions require. The official combined figure is 42.2mpg which I never attained but I was quite happy with averaging around 37mpg, a more realistic target.

The Freelander might be the baby of the Land Rover range, but there has been no scimping on equipment levels or the standard of finish. The HSE version which will set you back £32,595 but comes with full leather, air con, sat-nav, Bluetooth and roll stability control.

The cabin is roomy and practical with 60-40 split rear seats and it has the ability to absorb 755 litres of luggage with rear seats in place and 1,670 litres when folded. It's also not short on luxury with individual front armrests and multi-adjustable seats that are more like armchairs.

The fascia, though solid and attractive looking, is a bit muddled with switches dotted about in random fashion. There's a further collection of more buttons and knobs on the steering wheel.

Incredibly sure-footed and practical, the Freelander - though not cheap - does manage to achieve everything it sets out to do, plus more beside. Even those not previously won over by off-roaders would have trouble in faulting it.

FAST FACTS

Land Rover Freelander 2.2 TD4e HSE

Price: £32,595

Mechanical: 158bhp, 2,199cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving four wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox

Max speed: 112mph

0-62mph: 10.9 seconds

Combined mpg: 35.8

Insurance group: 14

CO2 emissions: 179g/km

BiK rating: 26%

Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimted mileage