Freelander is a world title contender

Not content with being the best-selling 4x4 in the UK and Europe, Land Rover now has sights set on a world title with their ubiquitous Freelander.

Of course, the small British manufacturing company was never in a position to contemplate this without help. It was thought BMW would lay the groundwork for Land Rover to spread its international wings, but we all know what happened between Rover and the Germans last May.

However, it did not take long for a major player in the shape of Ford to come on board and take over the Land Rover reins. Knowing all too well the potential this marque offered, Ford had the dotted line signed by 1st July.

Last November, I was introduced to the new owners of Land Rover and drove the first updated Freelander models to emerge under the new regime.

Ford are big and powerful, but it should be pointed out most of the changes to the Freelander were ready to go before the Americans arrived on the scene.

While the Bavarians have no act to play in footing Land Rover’s weekly wage bill, they still have a major role in the workings of the new Freelander.

For customers of the new 4x4, the relationship between the British, Germans and Americans has to be the best thing to have happened since the Land Rover was born back in 1948.

The wealth of technology from the three companies and the purchasing and marketing power of Ford are bound to have benefits for potential buyers.

Way back in 1997 when the Freelander was first introduced in Ireland, we all thought it was good - but we knew it had the potential to be greater. Yes, it had lots of technology on board including the revolutionary new Hill Descent Control (HDC) but there were a few rough edges which mainly concerned the quality of fit and finish.
Driving the Freelander again before Christmas week we were able to see on Irish soil what had been gained in the short BMW and Land Rover marriage and how eager Ford is to exploit this authentic four-wheel-drive, new-age, ‘life-styler’.

While Land Rover and BMW may no longer be married, it’s fair to say they have a very amicable agreement signed up and Ford is happy to go along with things at this moment and time.

Part of the agreement, which Ford also negotiated with BMW, concerned supply of engines. Among the many changes carried out to the Freelander is the fitting of one of the nicest 2.0 litre diesel engines in the world. Already found in the 3 Series BMW and the Rover 75, the inclusion of this new 2.0 litre engine has to open the sales doors even wider for this SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle).

Apart from the new diesel engine, Freelander has been given a new 2.5 V6 petrol engine, a new manual gearbox and, for the first time on this type of vehicle, a 5-speed automatic system with Steptronic.
While the whole identity of the Freelander has been retained, huge modifications were carried out. The new flagship V6 is 70 per cent new or modified. The existing 1.8i engine version has had 40 per cent of all its components changed or adjusted. Besides offering better equipment and minor trim changes, extensive improvements were carried out to the chassis and braking system.

Changes to the Freelander body style, such as the inclusion of clear direction lenses, are merely cosmetic. The V6 has an extended bumper and grille to accommodate the bigger engine. The Td4 and 1.8 models have a slightly revised bumper design and larger air intakes.

Changes to the inside consist of a new high centre console with a stowage box, improved ashtrays and the inclusion of an auxiliary power socket. Electric windows are now standard on five-door versions and trim level designations have changed to S, GS and ES.

The fact that the Freelander now has a V6 unit and standard Steptronic transmission means that it can go where it never went before, in other words, America. Ford believes the latest technology will make it a world player in the SUV markets of the US and Asia.

The BMW-built and designed Td4 engine is an advanced 4-cylinder twin camshaft 16-valve unit with common rail direct injection and variable nozzle turbo charged technology. Injection control is fully electronic, and pilot injection is used for low noise levels. Proving exceptionally refined, power output has increased from the previous engine’s 97bhp to 112bhp. Maximum torque is produced at only 1,750rpm.

Refreshing to drive on normal road conditions, this engine also proved ever so willing on our all too infrequent off-road skirmishes. ABS four-channel anti-lock braking with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) is now standard across the Freelander range with Electronic Traction Control (ETC) and Hill Descent Control (HDC).

The braking system now features larger (ventilated) front discs and wider rear drums. The suspension revision includes larger struts and new geometry and the steering has new valves that allow it to operate under higher pressure for improved response.

The Freelander has larger airbags, new front seat belts with load limiters and revised pretensioners. Heating and ventilation systems are also new, as is the air conditioning found on the GS and ES models.
Seldom have I come across a vehicle with such extensive underbonnet and cabin modifications where the design team have left shape and form virtually untouched.

The beauty of it is that all the new bits and pieces work so well - and with Toyota having cut loose with a new RAV4, Land Rover’s timing couldn’t have been much better.