Land Rover Freelander 2 2.2 TD4 HSE Auto 5dr Car Review - February 2012

One of the most favourable features of the Freelander is the high driving position, and this means that visibility to the front is good, and so is visibility to the rear. Another positive aspect of the driving experience is the fact that the supple suspension disguises the majority of the bumps in the road, but it also means that there is very little feedback through the wheel. Unfortunately, the vehicle does have a lot of lean when cornering, and the steering isn’t as quick to respond to the wheel as it should be.

Considering the sheer bulk of the Freelander and the weight of the car, it is impressive that the 2.2 litre diesel engine can take the vehicle from 0-62mph in a reasonable 11.2 seconds. The top speed of 112mph is also very good, and means that it can deal with cruising on the motorway comfortably, at least in terms of the work that the engine has to handle.

The Freelander is a car that hasn’t changed its appearance much since it first appeared on the market, and the distinctive grille and oblong headlight clusters leave you in no doubt that this is a Freelander. The overall shape of the body is inevitably quite boxy, but the look is not at all bad with the slightly flared wheel arches and detailing helping to soften the look. Inside the car the focus is definitely on comfort, and the leather seats that come as standard with this version are very nice.

Alloy wheels are also included as standard, which help to further enhance the Freelander's look, and satellite navigation and Bluetooth connectivity are also welcome additions. Heated power seats are a welcome luxury that help to make the vehicle comfortable even on a cold winter morning, and the electric panoramic sunroof will be great for summer days too.

In terms of the safety of the car, the Freelander was awarded five stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests, and has an impressive array of airbags to keep passengers safe should there be a collision. It is also supplied with a range of driver aids to help keep the vehicle stable and under control on the road. Although the Freelander hasn’t always had a good reputation for reliability, this is something that is improving.

One disappointing aspect of the Freelander is that it is not as practical as you might expect for such a large car, with the space available in the boot a concern. However, passengers in the front and rear are given ample headroom and legroom, and the ability to deal with various terrains as well as the tarmac does make it more practical than the average family car.

The HSE level of trim does add a lot of luxuries to the Freelander, but it does come at a price, with the vehicle listed at £35,260.

However, once you have paid for the Freelander running costs are quite reasonable, with the 2.2 litre diesel engine able to achieve an average 40.4mpg, which is very good considering the automatic gearbox. The insurance group is also quite reasonable, and strong resale values mean that much of the purchase price will be recouped when it is sold. This package is completed by a three year unlimited mileage warranty, and a three year roadside breakdown assistance package.