Skip advert
Advertisement

Land Rover Freelander

All-new compact 4x4 takes fight to BMW’s X3

Land Rover Freelander
Evo rating
RRP
from £20,935
  • Best of the compact SUVs
  • Still an SUV, though

Strange to think that Jaguar and Land Rover nowadays share the same dynamics development team, and it must be hard for those steeped in the Jaguar way. But it’s good news for the new ‘Freelander 2’, based on the S-Max/S80/next-Mondeo platform, powered in the top model by a 229bhp Volvo straight-six, and built at Jaguar’s Halewood factory.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The new Freelander is wider and roomier, because corpulent Americans couldn’t get into the old one. It has a much classier cabin, albeit short of soft surfaces and design originality. And, as ever, it’s capable off-road, with Hill Descent Control and, now, Discovery-like Terrain Response.

We tried the potential better-seller, the 2.2-litre TD4 diesel with a 158bhp PSA engine. It’s quick, quiet and relaxed, with unexpectedly sharp steering and extraordinary understeer resistance. A firm ride is the acceptable payoff; at least it isn’t as choppy as an X3, whose upper price-point the top Freelanders now invade. A Freelander at £33K-plus? Amazing but true.

Specifications

EngineIn-line 4-cyl, 2179cc, t'diesel
Max power158bhp @ 4000rpm
Max torque295lb ft @ 2000rpm
0-6010.9sec (claimed)
Top speed112mph (claimed)
On saleNow
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Cupra Leon for £13k off – save over 25 per cent on the Spanish super estate
Cupra Leon deal
News

Cupra Leon for £13k off – save over 25 per cent on the Spanish super estate

With just 10 miles on the clock, this Golf R-beating super estate is priced to sell
25 Jul 2025
Jaguar C-X75 – dead on arrival
Jaguar C-X75 front
Features

Jaguar C-X75 – dead on arrival

It's unimaginable now but here was a Jaguar concept that absolutely everyone loved... and mourned when it didn't make production
22 Jul 2025
Best cheap track cars – affordable performance cars for your track day fix
Cheap track cars
Best cars

Best cheap track cars – affordable performance cars for your track day fix

We pick the most affordable routes to big circuit driving fun with our best cheap track day cars
25 Jul 2025