The compact Land Rover Freelander SUV puts a bold full stop in the brand's diesel lineup on the Russian market. With a 6-speed automatic, it plays the final chord before the model appears before the public in all possible modifications.
2007 Land Rover Freelander 2
© Photo: Land Rover
There is a tale about a father who, drawing up his will, decided to divide his inheritance among three sons. "Excellent!" exclaimed the fourth. Just like that unfairly neglected offspring of the renowned British marque against the backdrop of its older siblings looked the Freelander of the previous generation. Legendary Land Rover SUVs have always been distinguished by their aristocratic appearance, a symbol of status and wealth. And the outwardly unremarkable compact crossover quietly eked out its existence, setting no sales records and posing no threat to competitors.
2007 Land Rover Freelander 2
© Photo: Land Rover
The new Freelander effortlessly did away with its predecessor's shortcomings. Its exterior now clearly reads that very breed that once attracted the attention of the British queen to the brand. The signature genes inherited from famous relatives are immediately evident: the recognizable hood shape, the window line, side stampings, headlights, and door handles. The trunk is now under the same roof as the cabin, without that strange step at the rear. A scaled-down Range Rover — perhaps even a monarch might consider switching from her usual transport.
2007 Land Rover Freelander 2
© Photo: Land Rover
True, opening the door with enthusiasm, the queen would surely be surprised. Such plastic would look out of place even in a car from China, and in the cabin of a premium model it seems downright alien. Fortunately, upon closer inspection of the interior, it turns out that not everything is so bad. There aren't many cheap materials: they are used only for the door panels and the center console. Everything else is covered with soft, pleasant-to-the-touch plastic.
Having warmed to the car, Her Majesty might want to try the Freelander in action herself. Adjusting the leather seat with electric drive and setting the steering column mechanically in two planes, she sets off on royal business. At her age, dynamic driving is no longer in favor, so the economical 2.2-liter turbodiesel with 160 hp (fuel consumption rarely exceeds 10 liters per hundred) and the comfortable 6-speed automatic suit her perfectly. The engine's work is audible only from outside — the sound insulation perfectly muffles the diesel rattle in the cabin. The engine slowly builds revs, waking up after 2000 rpm when the turbo kicks in. The monarch is pleasantly surprised by the car's excellent stability and precise responses to steering inputs.
2007 Land Rover Freelander 2
© Photo: Land Rover
The automatic gearbox, as if aware of the driver's importance to the country, shifts gears delicately, regardless of how hard the accelerator pedal is pressed. Getting into the spirit, the royal personage decides to move the selector to sport mode. Result: zero. The tachometer needle on shifts points to the same marks as in normal mode, acceleration doesn't change. Not achieving the effect, the brave Elizabeth engages manual mode. The Freelander perks up slightly and noticeably more eagerly goes for overtaking.
2007 Land Rover Freelander 2
© Photo: Land Rover
The help of the automatic transmission is especially noticeable off-road. The royal hand confidently operates the Terrain Response programs, and the automatic independently selects the optimal gear for better wheel traction with the surface. The car under Elizabeth II's control confidently tackles climbs, easily crosses water obstacles, and seems to float over sandy embankments. Of course, meeting the queen behind the wheel of a Land Rover Freelander is as much a fantasy as the disappearance of cheap plastic from Chinese cars. But the car is certainly worthy of carrying crowned heads!
2007 Land Rover Freelander 2
© Photo: Land Rover
Driving
Quite a torquey engine and adequate brakes.
Interior
Ergonomics are at a good level, but the trim materials do not everywhere meet premium-class expectations.
Comfort
Comfortable seats and a fairly soft suspension.
Safety
According to Euro NCAP crash test results, the car received 5 stars for adult occupant safety and 4 for child safety.
Price
The justification for the price is confirmed by a months-long queue for the car.
| Dimensions, mm | 4500x1910x1740 |
| Engine | diesel, turbocharged, 2179 cm3, 160 hp/4000 rpm |
| Transmission | automatic, 6-speed |
| 0-100 km/h acceleration, s | 11.2 |
| Top speed, km/h | 181 |
| Competitors | BMW X3, Nissan Murano |
2007 Land Rover Freelander 2
© Photo: Land Rover
Advantages and disadvantages
+ Excellent handling and off-road capability, spacious and comfortable cabin, roomy trunk.
— Some sluggishness during acceleration, budget plastic in the interior.
Our opinion
The automatic gearbox for the diesel Land Rover Freelander 2 in Russia is offered only as an option for $2200. The automatic certainly adds comfort to driving, but at the same time deprives the car of some of its dynamics compared to the manual version. Partially compensate for the difference can be done by switching the selector to manual shift mode.