The full-time, all-wheel drive comes with an electrically controlled Terrain Response system, where one is able to set ride height, throttle response, transmission, traction control and the Hill Descent control.

While the Freelander 2 easily accommodates up to 4 1.8m tall adults in comfort, a BMW X3 feels slightly more spacious. Land Rover claims 59 cubic feet worth of junk storage when the rear seat is folded flat, and 26.5 cubic feet when the second seat is fully upright.

A Volvo engine?

That's right. The transversely mounted DOHC 3.2 litre inline-6 is essentially the same thing you might find under the bonnet of an XC90, XC70 and an S80. It has been conditioned for all-terrain use with a high mount air intake, presumably so you can take the bottom half of it snorkeling.

The engine develops 230 horses at 6,300 rpm and 317 Nm of torque at a low 3,200rpm. The 6 speed, Aisin-Warner automatic also feels suspiciously Volvo, and it has a sport mode, which effectively enables you to select the gear ratios in your own time.

Land Rover claims that the Freelander 2 sets itself in concrete in terms of stiffness, where the Range Rover and the Porsche Cayenne are the only things in it's class that are more rigid.

The independent suspension package comprises MacPherson struts up front and a four-linked rear. The all-wheel-drive gets Ford's electronic stability control with special roll sensors.

Driving Impressions

The engine, thankfully forges the best of friendships with the 6 speeder. The nature of an inline 6's lack of low end torque must be had here, and it doesn't help that the car weights in at 2000kg!

The handling though, belies its dimensions, not to mention weight, and will put many smaller cars to shame in, which is scary when you think about it. Rightfully so, as the steering turns from lock to lock just over two and a half times.

The Freelander 2 possesses a very compressive, not to mention impressive set of skills in it's repertoire that very few Singaporean owners will realize, not to mention fully utilize.

All-in-all.

Luxury, all-terrain capabilities, and very much an affable drive for it's price. Land Rover has managed to dispel the terrible aura of the old Freelander, and in it's place introduce a vehicle capable of dishing out the muck in style and extreme comfort. Simply put, step out of a similarly priced BMW X3 2.5i, and into the Freelander 2. You will not for one second, feel shortchanged the minute you swap seats.

Specifications

Price: $169,900
Engine: 6 Cylinders, Inline, 24-valve
Power: 233Bhp @ 6300rpm ( 73.0bhp/litre)
Torque: 317Nm @ 3200rpm
Transmission: 6 -speed Auto

Length/width/height: 4500 / 2005 / 1775 mm
Wheelbase: 2660 mm
Kerb weight: 1770 kg
0-100km/h: 8.9 sec

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