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Freelander

The Land Rover Freelander is a compact crossover SUV with a variety of models based around the five-door estate and three-door softback. Launched in late 1997, it quickly became Europe's best-selling four-wheel drive car, with buyers attracted to its smooth ride and a great driving position, along with its undoubted quality off-road.

The Freelander 2 debuted at the 2006 British International Motor Show. The new 2011 model, the Freelander TD4_e, is the first SUV in Britain with stop-start technology to improve fuel economy and reduce carbon emissions. It uses the latest 2.2-litre EU5 friendly diesel engine that's both quieter and smoother than the one it replaces. The top-of-the-range 187bhp SD4 hits a respectable 40.4mpg combined, whilst the less expensive variants travel at up to 45.4mpg. For the sturdiness of an off-roader without the complexity of a 4wd system, the 148bhp eD4 2wd version provides 47mpg.

Every Freelander uses a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine, but you can choose between outputs of 148- and 188bhp. A six-speed automatic gearbox is standard on the 188bhp model, and an option on the 148bhp unit, which comes with a six-speed manual as standard. Base models and 2WD versions do not have Land Rover's Terrain Response System, which lets you optimise the car's set-up for different surface conditions via a simple rotary knob.