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Land Rover New Freelander 2:

Expected Launch Month: February 2013

Expected Price: Rs 34.00 L - 40.00 L

The gorgeous Evoque may have stolen its thunder but the new freshened up Freelander 2 takes care of that to some extent. The new Freelander 2 has new colours, exterior design features, upgraded equipment levels. The exterior design details have been revamped including a more contemporary lights front and rear using the LED technology and a new signature graphic in the front running lights. The XS model gains all-new 17-inch alloy wheels and an enhanced bodystyling pack. The new colours are Aintree Green, Havana and Mauritius Blue. The grille and fog lamp bezels now sport a bright finish and there are paint detailing changes to the front grille surround, insert bars and fender vent to harmonise the different elements. While as you can see the basic design is same to the current Freelander it looks more upmarket and sleeker.

The first thing you notice when entering the Freelander 2's contemporary looking cabin is a brand new centre console. The original Terrain Response dial has been replaced by switches and a shutter reveals additional storage space. An optional 'Dynamic' theme is based on the SE models and this comes in three new colours, Ebony, Ivory or Pimento, each with matching stitching and co-ordinated door casings to complete the look. A new instrument cluster with a 5-inch screen displaying primary vehicle-related information, such as temperature and fuel levels, gear positions and Terrain Response mode, now sits between the dials across the Freelander model range, complemented with steering wheel toggle switches to operate the clearest of drop down menus and vehicle set-up details.

Cabin space and safety are improved with the introduction of an intelligent electric parking brake which adjusts brake force according to the slope the vehicle is parked on. The system is so intelligent it even takes into account whether the brakes are hot or cold. If hot, the system 'wakes up' periodically to ensure clamping force is not lost as the brakes cool down. Despite being operated by a single switch, the electric parking brake may still be used as an emergency brake, automatically selecting the most stable braking method by employing skid prevention techniques.

An additional safety feature ensures the brake cannot be released unless the driving seat is occupied. More convenience comes in the form of Passive Start which replaces the key docking system, meaning that as long as the key is somewhere inside the car, the engine starts at the touch of a button. Another new feature for Freelander 2 is the screen operated, 7-Day Timed Climate allowing you to warm up the engine before you step inside your vehicle.

Rear view camera capability is also introduced in 2012. The view from the back of the vehicle is displayed on the Infotainment screen with dynamic lines representing the boundaries of the vehicle and your predicted path as you reverse. The system also incorporates 'Hitch Assist', a graphic superimposed on the camera showing the position of the tow ball. The new 'Say What You See' voice activation system will prompt the driver visually with the commands he or she needs to speak in order to control functions in the audio, optional satellite navigation, climate and phone systems. The prompts are displayed in an easy-to-follow 'step by step' format on the screen.

For the first time on Freelander 2, the premium Meridian audio system is available with a choice of 380W or 825W. The Meridian sound system is delivered with a new 7-inch colour touch-screen and either the 380W, 11-speaker system for exceptional stereo sound quality or the impressive 825W surround sound 17-speaker system with Trifield technology. Both are equipped with subwoofers for a deep, bass sound and Audyssey MultEQ audio tuning system.

A new and upgraded 80W 8-speaker unit with 5-inch colour display screen is also available at entry-level. Equipped with AM/FM and DAB radio tuners, the music players support CD, DVD, Virtual CD, iPod and USB. There's also a 3.5mm aux jack input for music players and Bluetooth audio streaming to any supporting devices including headphones. The virtual CD comprises a hard drive which can store the equivalent of up to 10 Audio CDs identifiable using Gracenote.

With this generation of Freelander 2, models are simply differentiated by trim level and not by powertrain specification. Entry level to the range is the Freelander S with cloth seats as standard. The SE has been enhanced with distinguishing detail features such as a gloss black grille surround and comes with full leather* and the Meridian sound system. The Dynamic version based on the SE, has gloss black fender vents and grille bars with black grille surround, complemented on the interior with three colourway choices of sport-themed electric leather seats. Top of the range is the HSE with a grained leather and wood interior as standard. There's the option of 19-inch Diamond Turned wheels and Grand Black Lacquer finisher and also Windsor leather seats with premium carpet mats for that extra special touch.

Engine wise the petrol has been changed but has no relevance to the Indian market as the diesel is sold because diesel engines are of high importance in our market and though the petrol will be a good addition to the range do not have high hopes to get this engine in India. Still, new 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine makes 240PS and 340 Nm of torque.

The diesels remain the same and include the 2.2-litre 150PS TD4 and 190PS SD4 with four-wheel drive. All Freelander 2 models are equipped with six-speed manual transmission and Stop/Start. As is with any Land Rover there is the Terrain Response system which optimises the electronic systems for conditions and there are four settings, General Driving, Grass-Gravel-Snow, Mud & Ruts and Sand. Gradient Release control. As you know Land Rovers are famous for their go anywhere ability and this one is no different thanks to all that tech I just talked about!

Safety too is well covered with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Traction Control (ETC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Roll Stability Control (RSC) and Engine Drag Control. Phew!

All Freelanders are equipped with Land Rover's Intelligent Power System Management (IPSM) which includes Smart Regenerative Charging. This feature ensures that, where possible, the alternator only charges the battery as the vehicle is decelerating, recovering kinetic energy rather than consuming fuel. IPSM was designed as part of Land Rover's e_TERRAIN TECHNOLOGIES programme which aims to continually improve engineering efficiency in every Land Rover.