FreeLander Rover was spellbound by the fellowship of ‘the green automakers’ at this year’s Paris Motor Show as the Brits introduced their most fuel efficient vehicle ever, the Freelander 2 TD4_e Stop/Start. As you may have guessed, this Freelander which uses the standard 160HP 2.2-liter diesel engine comes equipped with start and stop system, a first for Land Rover. The system basically shuts down the engine in appropriate conditions therefore saving fuel that would otherwise be used when idling. But that’s not all as the more eco-conscious Freelander also includes a series of additional enhancements that help improve fuel economy.
Along with the start/stop system, the Freelander benefits from a new gearshift indicator light in the instrument pack that advises the driver when to change gear, low-rolling-resistance tyres and new software developments to the driveline systems.
The first thing is that the Freelander 2 seems bulkier than its predecessor. Cream upholstery is a strange choice for an all-terrain vehicle. There are myriad switches and controls, not very well laid out.The Freelander has the power and technology to cope with Northumberland's hills and roads. The heated front window is unusual, and helpful for a northern winter. The driving position is comfortable and noise from the diesel engine hardly noticeable. However, the business objective of keeping motoring costs as low as possible would not be met with this.
Land Rover is facing a lot of uncertainty at the moment. First, its activities are focused on the market for 4x4s, a sector which, after several boom years, is less fashionable than it was because of environmental concerns. Second, Land Rover's owner, Ford, is considering several bids for the company, and could end up selling it.
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