New look, new feel for Land Rover Freelander 2

ENGINE
New exterior design features, new colours and upgraded equipment levels are the main changes, but there is something new under the bonnet, too, with the turbo petrol 6-cylinder engine replaced with a new 'Si4' turbo 4-cylinder petrol unit that's lighter, delivers fewer emissions (a 14 percent reduction in CO2 to 224g/km) and more torque than the six it replaces.

The new 2.0 litre, the same as that used in the Range Rover Evoque, produces 177kW @ 5500rpm and 340Nm @ 3200rpm. This puts the GTDi well above the Freelander2's three turbo diesel engine options in terms of power, but it suffers against the oilers in terms of torque.

EXTERIOR
The Freelander 2's exterior design has been revamped for a more contemporary appearance, including LED lights front and rear and a new signature graphic in the front running lights. Three new colours, Aintree Green, Havana and Mauritius Blue have been added, while the grille and fog lamp bezels now sport a bright finish. Paint detailing changes to the front grille surround, insert bars and fender vent harmonise the different elements.

INTERIOR
Inside, the Freelander2 interior features a host of fresh design makeovers, including brand new centre console, 7-inch colour touch-screen with enhanced audio systems from Meridian, 7-day timed climate system and satellite navigation.

Passive start replaces key dock and there's a new 'intelligent' electric parking brake which adjusts brake force according to the slope the vehicle is parked on. 'Say What You See' - a voice activation system with visual prompts, and rear view camera capability are also both new to the Freelander 2.

"The Freelander 2's equipment levels bring a more premium look and feel to the overall driving experience. In addition, our customers continue to benefit from our refined and economical range of diesel engines and can now opt for the powerful and highly efficient new Si4 GTDi petrol," says John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director.

SAFETY
A welcome safety feature on the 2012 Freelander 2 is rear view camera capability. The view from the back of the vehicle is displayed on the Infotainment screen with dynamic lines representing the boundaries of the vehicle and your predicted path as you reverse. The system also incorporates 'Hitch Assist', a graphic superimposed on the camera showing the position of the tow ball. All Freelander 2 variants also score 5 stars in the coveted Euro NCAP for occupant safety.

SATNAV
The navigation system is enhanced with a faster hard drive-based system which comes with all the features the customer would expect such as ECO Route planning, Dynamic Zoom, Visual Lane guidance and POI (Point of Interest) management. Drivers can also manage waypoints and store locations as well as POIs by name. For the first time on Freelander 2, the optional premium Meridian audio system is available with a choice of 380W or 825W.

THREE TO CHOOSE
With this generation of Freelander 2, models are now differentiated by trim level and not by powertrain specification. Entry level to the range is the Freelander TD4 manual with cloth seats as standard.

The SE has been enhanced with distinguishing detail features such as a gloss black grille surround and comes with full leather and the Meridian sound system including Rear Camera.

Top of the range is the HSE with electric 6/4 way grained leather seats and wood interior as standard. There's the option of 19-inch Diamond Turned wheels and Grand Black Lacquer finisher and also Windsor leather seats 8/6 way with premium carpet mats for that extra special touch.

See your Land Rover dealer for further details.