Land Rover has released details for the facelifted Freelander 2 - with fresh styling, a revised diesel engine line-up and a new two-wheel drive option. The entry-level model in the Land Rover range benefits from a new 2.2-litre diesel engine available in either 150 - or 190hp outputs, a restyled exterior and interior improvements including new dials.
A revised front bumper with new fog lamp bezels, a redesigned front grille and updated lights front and back give the mid-size SUV a fresh appearance for 2011. New look 18- and 19-inch alloy wheel are also available. A Premium Pack featuring leather trim and electric adjustment seats is available as an option.
Land Rover's new TD4 turbodiesel engine produces 150hp and is mated to a manual gearbox with stop-start technology as standard. An automatic is available as an option. The new SD4 engine, producing 190hp, is available with an automatic transmission only. Emissions of CO2 are 165- and 185g/km respectively for Band D and E taxation. The Freelander 2 SD4 accelerates from 0-100km/h in 8.7 seconds with a top speed of 190km/h.
Land Rover will also offer a front-wheel drive model badged Freelander 2 eD4, which will use 6.0 litres/100km on the combined cycle and emit 158g/km of CO2. Although this model will be more fuel efficient than the four-wheel drive equivalent, it will still remain in tax Band D. A six-speed manual transmission and stop-start technology will be standard.
Land Rover managing director Phil Popham said: "The new Freelander 2 eD4 moves Land Rover into the hugely popular and fiercely contested two wheel-drive SUV market. The European market for two-wheel drive SUVs represents 23 percent of the segment and we intend to compete strongly here"
Prices and further details will be announced before the new Freelander's launch in 2011.