Enlarge imageThe Land Rover Freelander is getting a new diesel engine, resulting in an improvement in fuel consumption of up to 14 per cent.
A two-wheel drive version of the Freelander, the eD4, with even lower emissions and fuel consumption, is also to appear, with 47.2 mpg and 158 g/km CO2.
There is also an improved intelligent Stop/Start technology as standard on manual transmission models.
The new 2.2-litre diesel engine is available with either 150PS or 190PS outputs as part of the 2011 Freelander 2 model range, which will be on sale in the UK from the end of September 2010. It also has a new look exterior, plus interior alterations including new instrument dials and a new Premium Pack option.
Land Rover's new turbo diesel engine is available in the 4WD TD4 150PS model featuring a manual transmission and intelligent Stop/Start technology as standard (an automatic gearbox without Stop/Start is available as a cost option), or the new SD4 model delivering 190PS (available in automatic transmission only).
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The emissions of the 2.2-litre 150PS TD4 manual have improved by 8 per cent to 165 g/km with a corresponding improvement in fuel economy of 9 per cent to 45.6 mpg.The 2.2-litre 150PS TD4 and 190PS SD4 automatics see a 14 per cent improvement in CO2 emissions to 185 g/km and a matching fuel economy improvement delivering 40.4 mpg.
This new engine is quieter, more efficient and both derivatives have 20 Nm more torque than the outgoing engine. This means the 2011 Freelander 2 offers improved engine response and more mid-range strength for towing. CO2 emissions have been significantly reduced to 165 g/km and 185 g/km respectively with corresponding fuel economy benefits.
The flagship 190PS Freelander SD4 accelerates from rest to 60 mph in 8.7 seconds with an increased top speed of 118 mph. The Freelander 150PS TD4 manual and automatic versions match the performance of their predecessors.
As well as being upgraded from EU4 to EU5, both versions have a new variable geometry turbocharger and have been extensively re-calibrated to deliver new levels of power, meet emissions regulations and reduce CO2 emissions. They are fitted with a catalysed diesel particulate filter as standard and are now compatible with 10 per cent biodiesel rather than 5 per cent.
As an addition to the Freelander 2 range, Land Rover will also offer customers a 2WD derivative, available in the UK from January 2011. This will be called the Freelander 2 eD4 and it will be the most efficient Land Rover ever produced, with fuel consumption of 47.2 mpg combined, and CO2 emissions of just 158 g/km.
"The new Freelander 2 eD4 moves Land Rover into the hugely popular and fiercely contested two wheel-drive SUV market," said Land Rover managing director Phil Popham. "The European market for two-wheel drive SUVs represents 23 percent of the segment and we intend to compete strongly here.”
"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. We will continue to make the 'world's finest all-terrain vehicles' for those customers who require 4WD but will also now offer an alternative."
This groundbreaking Freelander 2 eD4 is powered by the new 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine, delivering 150PS. It is only available with a six-speed manual transmission featuring Stop/Start technology as standard.
The exterior of the latest Freelander 2 also gets a new look for 2011 including a new front bumper assembly, a new front grille finish, improved headlights and tail lamps, and new 18- or 19-inch alloy wheel styles. There are three new colour schemes for 2011: Kosrae Green, Baltic Blue and Fuji White.
Inside the cabin, the instrument dials have been revised, and there are four new seat styles with the option of a Premium Pack that includes Windsor Leather upholstery, an 8/6 way electric seat, plus premium carpet mats and covered centre stowage.
The 4WD TD4 and SD4 models are on sale in the UK from the end of September. Prices start at £21,695 for the 150PS 4WD TD4 S manual, rising to £35,510 for the 4WD 190PS SD4 HSE automatic. Automatic transmission is available as a £1,515 option.
The 2WD eD4 model will be available in the UK from January 2011. Prices will be announced later this year.
Keywords: 2011 Freelander 2, Land Rover Freelander, Land Rover Freelander eD4
