Land Rover: Freelander forges ahead in style

Dubbed the eD4, Land Rover claim the Freelander is the most fuel-efficient Land Rover ever produced. Photo / Supplied

Land Rover's updated four-wheel-drive Freelander will offer better performance and economy from its 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine when it arrives in New Zealand in December.

It will also come with improved refinement and a range of cosmetic enhancements, including a new-look Land Rover logo that has changed from gold on green to silver on green.

Two new variants might also make their way into the New Zealand market: a two-wheel-drive version and a four-wheel-drive six-speed manual variant running stop-start technology.

The front-drive model is dubbed the eD4. Land Rover claims it is the most fuel-efficient Land Rover ever produced, with a town-and-around fuel consumption of 6 litres/100km, or 47mpg, and CO2 emissions of 158 grams per kilometer from the entry-level 110kW engine.

Russ Reynolds, the chairman of Land Rover importers Motorcorp Distributors, said he would bring front-drive and 4WD stop-start models into New Zealand for evaluation.

"The market for two-wheel-drive models like the Freelander is growing," he said. "People are finding they still want a mid-sized SUV but they don't need four-wheel drive."

In Europe, the market for two-wheel drive SUVs represents 23 per cent of the segment. Land Rover managing director Phil Popham said: "A 2WD option is just one way in which we are developing our vehicles' efficiency whilst adding to the Land Rover range and expanding our appeal to a broader group of customers."

The 2011 Freelander will be offered in two states of tune for the 2.2-litre diesel, both boosting torque from 400 to 420Nm.

In addition to the standard TD4, which climbs 2kW to 110kW, the Freelander will also be available in SD4 guise, which boosts maximum power to 140kW.

The SD4 will be fitted standard with a second-generation Aisin Warner SWF21 six-speed automatic transmission, which Land Rover says offers more efficiency and refinement, and faster shifts.

The stop-start model under evaluation runs a Getrag M66 EH50 six-speed manual gearbox. Both gearboxes have been upgraded to be more efficient in below-zero temperatures.

A range of modifications to the 2.2 litre 16-valve four-cylinder common-rail turbo-diesel include a new water-cooled variable geometry turbocharger and a more powerful ECU.

Both improvements contribute to improvements in the Freelander's environmental performance, despite the extra grunt. The new engine meets Euro 5 emissions requirements.

For the first time, Freelander's diesel engine is also now compatible with 10 per cent bio-diesel, up from 5 per cent, while refinement should also improve with a cover now fitted to the sump to reduce radiated noise from the bottom of the engine.

A redesigned front timing cover, an "injector sock" and other measures were also undertaken to reduce noise, vibration and harshness levels.

The 2011 upgrade has brought a number of revisions to the Freelander.

On the outside, there is a redesigned front bumper, revised grille, new halogen projector headlights, modified tail-lights, bigger wing mirrors, fresh 18- and 19-inch alloy wheel designs and three new exterior colour options.

Inside, the SUV has new seat trim options and revised instrument dials.