The 2008 Freelander 2 gets two new engines, a diesel and a petrol. The 2008 Freelander 2 3.2 liter i6 petrol develops 233 PS / 171 kW and is 30% more powerful than the outgoing V6 with 10% improvement in fuel economy. The 2008 Freelander 2 2.2 liter TD4 diesel develops 160 PS / 118 kW and it's got better fuel economy than its predecessor (37.7 mpg : 7.5 l/100 km) and 43% more power.
Land Rover Press Release:
ALL-NEW FREELANDER 2 RAISES STANDARDS IN CLASS
- Sets new standards for compact premium 4x4s
- Class-leading breadth of capability
- Agile, responsive and comfortable on-road
- Outstanding off-road
- Two new engines that deliver strong combinations of performance, refinement and fuel economy
- 3.2-litre i6 petrol (233 PS / 171 kW) – 30 per cent more powerful than the outgoing V6 with 10 per cent improvement in fuel economy
- 2.2-litre TD4 diesel (160 PS / 118 kW) – better fuel economy than its predecessor (37.7 mpg : 7.5 l/100 km) and 43 per cent more power
- Full-time intelligent 4x4 that helps optimise traction and fuel economy
- Land Rover’ s unique Terrain Response™ – for easier off-road driving – heads a long list of advanced technologies, many new to the class
- Diesel automatic 2008 Freelander 2 on sale in Europe this spring
- Already a multi-award winner – including BBC Top Gear (UK) SUV of the Year, What Car? (UK) Best Compact 4x4, New Car (Ireland) Best SUV, Auto Revue (Austria) Best SUV
The all-new Land Rover Freelander 2, now on sale, redefines the compact premium 4x4 class.
New from the ground up, 2008 Freelander 2 delivers outstanding on-road performance as well as the class-leading off-road ability of a true Land Rover. A dynamic design, smart and spacious interior, and an abundance of advanced technologies complete the package.
The 2008 Freelander 2 is already a multi-award winning vehicle, having picked up prestigious motoring accolades in the UK, Ireland and Austria, including BBC Top Gear’s SUV of the Year 2007.
New for the Geneva Show are the diesel automatic version, on sale in Europe this spring, and the launch of the 2008 Freelander 2 personalisation programme – which enables vehicles to be accessorised perfectly to reflect an owner’s individual character and preferences.
“No other compact 4x4 has anything like its total breadth of capability,” says Phil Popham, Land Rover’s managing director. “The 2008 Freelander 2 sets new standards in the sector, combining the advantages of a premium car – such as polished ride, accomplished performance, attractive cabin and ease-of-use – with the attributes of a robust 4x4, including go-anywhere ability, toughness, panoramic seating, cabin versatility and spaciousness.
We believe that no other compact 4x4 gets closer to blending these best-of-both-worlds abilities.”
The original Freelander (launched in 1997) is seen by many as having created a whole new class of vehicle: the compact premium 4x4. It was the top-selling 4x4 in Europe for five years and remained the UK’s best-selling 4x4 from launch until the end of 2005. The all-new 2008 Freelander 2 is improved in every way: better performance, more economical, more refined, higher quality and substantially roomier. It is more capable both off-road and on-road, with transformed handling, ride and comfort.
2008 Freelander 2 is Land Rover’s fourth all-new vehicle in just over four years, and follows the new Range Rover (2002), Discovery 3 (2004) and Range Rover Sport (2005). Their highly successful introductions contributed to record Land Rover sales worldwide in 2005 and 2006. Technical highlights of the 2008 Freelander 2 include two brand-new engines: a 3.2-litre straight-six petrol and a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel. Both feature advanced technologies to deliver outstanding combinations of performance and economy.
Two all-new engines improve performance and economy
The 233 PS (171 kW) i6 petrol engine provides a top speed of 124 mph (200 km/h) and 0-60 mph acceleration in 8.4 seconds (0-100 km/h in 8.9 seconds). Combined fuel economy is 25.2 mpg (11.2 litres/100 km). The engine is matched to a new six-speed automatic transmission, with Land Rover’s CommandShift™ offering manual sequential gear changes when required. There is also a driver-selectable sport mode, for livelier performance.
Straight-six engine configurations are ideal for delivering engine smoothness, and the very compact new unit in 2008 Freelander 2 is small enough to mount transversely, a first in the compact 4x4 sector and one of the vehicle’s many innovations. The benefits of transverse fitment include improved interior package and safety performance.
The diesel engine chosen for 2008 Freelander 2 is an all-new 2.2-litre four-cylinder. The 160 PS (118 kW) unit delivers peak torque of 400 Nm (295 lb ft), with over 200 Nm (148 lb ft) of torque from 1000 rpm all the way to 4500 rpm. The engine is easy and responsive to drive, as well as highly refined and economical, with a combined average fuel consumption of 37.7 mpg (7.5 l/100 km). An optional catalysed Diesel Particulate Filter (cDPF) is also available for even cleaner performance. Two transmissions are offered: a new six-speed manual gearbox and the same six-speed automatic used on the petrol engine.
Roomier, more premium cabin gives greater comfort and refinement
The interior package of 2008 Freelander 2 is a major improvement over the outgoing vehicle. Although only 50 mm longer, the 2008 Freelander 2 has more generous head, shoulder and legroom, in both the front and rear. Large glass areas emphasise the spacious feel and complement the elevated ‘command driving’ position – a Land Rover hallmark – and ‘stadium seating’, where rear passengers sit slightly higher than front occupants, for a clearer view of the world outside. Boot space is also among the best in class and 38 per cent larger than that of the outgoing Freelander (with rear seats up – 755 litres vs 546 litres).
The exterior and interior design of 2008 Freelander 2 is completely fresh, integrating the company’s unique design language with a form that is instantly recognisable as the latest Land Rover.
The body is a five-door monocoque structure, with a high level of torsional rigidity that benefits refinement, comfort and handling on-road as well as ensuring the vehicle is fit for serious off-roading. The suspension is fully independent and uses the most modern stability control systems, including Roll Stability Control (RSC), a new and sophisticated technology that helps mitigate the risk of roll-over.
New technologies improve on- and off-road performance
2008 Freelander 2 is packed with new technologies to improve both on-road and off-road performance, many new to the class. Land Rover’s unique Terrain Response™ is standard on all but the entry-level model, to make off-roading easier. Other interesting technologies include a new full-time intelligent 4x4 system for superior traction and better on-road fuel economy, and the patented Gradient Release Control, which improves driver confidence and control when releasing the brakes on steep and slippery slopes.
Other features and options rare in this class include: keyless starter button, bi-xenon headlamps, adaptive front lighting, rain-sensing wipers and park distance control (front and rear). A two-part panoramic sunroof increases the cabin’s airiness: air-conditioning is standard on all models and a full colour touch-screen DVD satellite navigation system is also available. The choice of top-level audio systems includes DAB digital radio and 12-speaker Dolby™ Prologic IIx Surround Sound with fibre-optic interconnects. An auxiliary audio connection (for iPods and MP3 players) is standard on all vehicles.
Designed and engineered by Land Rover at Gaydon, near Warwick, 2008 Freelander 2 is built at the Halewood plant in Liverpool, where outstanding build quality has been acknowledged with a JD Power European Plant Quality Gold Award in 2005.
ALL-NEW FREELANDER 2 IN BRIEF
Exterior Design
- Fresh and more premium exterior, designed to reflect both on-road and off-road capabilities
- Long wheelbase and short overhangs help deliver purposeful 4x4 proportions
- Dynamic stance, chiselled lines and smooth, simple surfaces
- Distinctive Land Rover genes, including clamshell bonnet and stepped roof
- Watch-like detailing in the wrap-around headlamps and tail-lamps
Powertrain
- Two new engines, delivering excellent combinations of performance, refinement and fuel economy
- More powerful and more economical than the previous Freelander engines
- Extensively developed to meet Land Rover’s tough off-roading requirements
- Smooth, powerful and compact new 3.2-litre i6 petrol engine
- Maximum power 233 PS (171 kW); maximum torque 317 Nm
- 0-60 mph in 8.4 sec; 0-100 km/h in 8.9 sec
- Combined average fuel consumption 25.2 mpg (11.2 l/100 km) – 10% better than previous Freelander petrol engine
- Exceptionally compact straight six-cylinder configuration
- Transverse engine mounting improves cabin space and helps efficiency of safety systems
- Advanced technologies include Cam Profile Switching and Variable Valve Timing
- Responsive, refined and torquey 2.2-litre TD4 turbodiesel
- Maximum power 160 PS (118 kW); maximum torque 400 Nm
- 0-60 mph in 10.9 sec; 0-100 km/h in 11.7 sec – reduced by 2.3/2.7 sec compared with outgoing Freelander diesel
- Combined average fuel consumption 37.7 mpg (7.5 l/100 km)
- New, variable-nozzle turbocharger helps deliver excellent response, huge mid-range torque and flat power curve
- Latest common-rail injection system aids economy and refinement
- Both engines available with new six-speed automatic transmission
- Six-speed manual also available with the TD4 diesel
- CommandShift™ manual sequential gear changes and sport mode available on both petrol and diesel auto models
Driving Dynamics
- Class-leading breadth of capability – combining agile, predictable and refined on-road behaviour with outstanding off-road ability
- New, fully independent suspension system, with front and rear coil-sprung struts
- Responsive rack-and-pinion steering, reach- and rake-adjustable
- Supple suspension and torsional body stiffness contribute to the excellent on-road comfort
- Full-time intelligent 4x4 transmission optimises traction and economy, featuring new electronically-controlled centre coupling
- Land Rover’s unique Terrain Response™ system aids off-road driving – standard on all but entry models
- 210 mm ground clearance and wading depth of 500 mm
- Advanced stability and traction aids, including ElectronicTraction Control, Dynamic Stability Control and Hill Descent Control
- New Gradient Release Control system improves driver control on steep hills
- Large vented disc brakes with latest-generation four-channel anti-lock brakes
- Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Emergency Brake Assist and Corner Brake Control
- Roll Stability Control system – the most sophisticated roll-over prevention technology ever fitted to a Land Rover
Body
- Five-door monocoque body – almost twice as stiff as some competitors
- Great strength and torsional rigidity for excellent vehicle refinement and safety
- Seven airbags
- Large areas of glass for excellent visibility, with optional panoramic sunroof
- Choice of headlamp technologies, including optional Adaptive Front Lighting (AFS) that swivels with the direction of travel
Interior Design and Features
- Premium cabin, designed to be comfortable, well equipped and spacious
- Elegant interior design, executed with high-quality materials
- Generous interior space with good head, shoulder and leg room
- Elevated ‘command view’ driving position, plus easy-to-reach main controls
- Rear ‘stadium seating’ allows passengers a better view
- Multi-way adjust front seats – electric power adjust and seat heating also available
- Asymmetric-split rear seat folds to provide a completely flat load area
- Large luggage capacity – 38 per cent more than previous Freelander (with rear seat raised)
- Wide choice of audio systems and premium equipment
