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Top makeover for Freelander 2

Cousin Range Rover’s Evoque (which is based on the Freelander) has had the lion’s share of attention in recent times and Land Rover’s trusty softroader has pulled in for a deserved makeover. 

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Land Rover said its Freelander 2 has received a “premium overhaul” with the automaker promising better comfort, convenience and driving enjoyments. New derivatives, fresh design features and upgraded equipment levels will all be included in the update.

KEEPING UP WITH FAMILY MEMBERS

The revised softroader will have its global debut at the Moscow auto show on August 29, 2012 and will be available in South Africa early in 2013.

Land Rover also recently revealed details of its all-new Range Rover.

The Freelander 2’s exterior design, however, has been updated with new front and rear light clusters incorporating LEDs and daytime running lights. New 17” alloy wheels are also included along with new colour options.

New interior equipment includes a new centre console where the Land Rover’s Terrain Response dial has been replaced by switches, a 7” touchscreen for the infotainment unit with satellite navigation, a voice activated system and a rear view camera that incorporates “Hitch Assist”, a graphic superimposed on the display showing the position of the tow ball.

A new “intelligent” electric parking brake adjusts the Freelander’s brake force to suit the slope on which the softroader is parked and, as an extra feature, the brake cannot be released unless the driving seat is occupied.

John Edwards, Land Rover’s global brand director, said: “The Freelander 2’s equipment levels bring a more premium look and feel to the overall driving experience.

“It’s another step forward for the Freelander 2 where outstanding equipment levels, superb design, safety and all-terrain capability continue to set the standards in this class.”

MORE EFFICIENT


For the driver, a new instrument cluster with a 5” screen displays primary vehicle-related information and now sits between the dials across the Freelander range; it is complemented with toggle switches on the steering wheel to operate the drop down menus.

For the first time on Freelander 2, the premium Meridian audio system is available with a choice of 380W (with 11 speakers) or 825W (with 17 speakers) options and equipped to support CDs, DVDs, iPods and USB players. There’s also an aux jack for music players and a “virtual CD” that stores music to a hard drive.

The two four-cylinder turbodiesels currently in use will continue unchanged although all will be fitted with an Intelligent Power System Management system that includes regenerative braking for better efficiency.

Land Rover’s signature Terrain Response four-wheel drive system is also unchanged with its four settings – general driving, grass-gravel-snow, mud & ruts and sand – providing the best response for the conditions.  

Safety features, in the event drivers do get things wrong, include anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic brake force distribution, cornering brake control, brake assist and stability control.

The revised Freelander 2 will make its global debut at the Moscow auto show on August 29, 2012.
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