October 1998 Volume 79 Number 10 "serving the protectors"
Motoring
By Jim Barnett

With eye-catching good looks, the widely-acclaimed Freelander has been thrust into the recreational four-wheel-drive market by Land Rover. This new “Landy” will compete well against its opposition.

With a choice of two equipment grades and two 4-cylinder engines, Freelander comes in three-door and five-door configurations. All models feature:

• Full-time four-wheel drive.
• Monocoque construction.
• Five-speed manual transmission.
• Four-wheel independent suspension.

Five-door models offer a conventional wagon set up with seating for five. Three-door models offer seating for four with either a detachable “cabrio” style soft top or a detachable hardtop.

Freelander’s small appearance results from clever design. But it’s very spacious inside and built with a longer wheelbase and wider track than its big brother, Discovery.

Leg, shoulder and head room is ample. The wide cabin and large windows create an airy environment. Seats are firm but very comfortable; and the driver’s comfort is enhanced by an adjustable lumbar support.

Freelander is powered by an all alloy 1.8-litre, DOHC, multi valve, EFI petrol engine producing 84kW @ 6000 rpm and 158Nm @ 2750rpm.

Alternatively, five-door models come with a 2.0-litre turbo-charged diesel with intercooler and direct injection, delivering 71.6kW at 4200rpm and 210Nm @ 2000. This makes Freelander the only compact four-wheel-drive in Australia with a diesel option. Both engines are transversely mounted in a large engine bay with all major components easily accessible.

Some of Freelander’s features include:

• Power assisted, rack-and-pinion steering with a turning circle of 11.6 metres.
• Front disc brakes.
• Rear drums brakes with ABS standard on some models and optional on others.
• Independent suspension consisting of MacPherson struts with coil springs at front and rear.
• Monocoque construction incorporating two full-length longitudinal box section members with eight cross members and extensive underbody protection of major components.

Other standard features on all models include:

• Power front windows.
• Central locking with keyless entry.
• Alarm.
• Immobiliser.
• Three-position adjustable front headlamps.

One press of the remote entry unit unlocks the driver’s door; push the button twice and all doors unlock. By holding the button down, the electric tailgate window slides down.

Safety is enhanced with:

• Reinforced door sills.
• Diagonal side intrusion beams.
• Front and rear impact-absorbing crumple zones.

Dual airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners and lap-sash seatbelts in all seating positions are standard. Front seat belt anchorages are adjustable as is the steering wheel.

The dashboard is low, uniquely colour coded and incorporates two glove boxes and five separate trays to store small items. Drink holders are located in large front door pockets and a handy 12-volt accessory socket is found in the console.

Overhead map reading lights up front and small roof stowage nets in the back are also handy. The cargo area features a lockable compartment large enough for handbags and cameras.

Although Freelander doesn’t have a two-speed transfer case (hence no low range), Land Rover has developed Traction Control and Hill Decent Control (HDC) systems which work in conjunction with the Antilock Braking System. All three systems are standard on luxury models and optional as an $1,800 pack on base models. HDC can be selected in first or reverse gears and uses the four-channel ABS to maintain a maximum speed of up to 9km/h on steep descents.

The base five-door petrol model Freelander proved to be smooth, quiet and very pleasant to drive under test conditions on various surfaces. Although not the quickest in acceleration, its free-revving engine provides ample power and good cruising. Under harsh acceleration the engine sounds busy but little noise occurs at cruising speeds.

On rough surfaces, Freelander remains stable and predictable with no hint of axle-hop on corrugations. It corners extremely well even on loose surfaces, and its fit and finish don’t allow even a hint of dust to enter the cabin.

Its 220mm ground clearance is generous, while its unladen mass is 1465kg. Fuel tank capacity is 59 litres; towing capacity is up to 2000kg with brakes.

Freelander is priced at:

• $27,950 for three-door softback.
• $30,950 for five-door wagon.

Prices are increased by $2000 for airconditioning.

Test vehicle supplied by Prestige Walkerville.