Efficient Land Rover Freelander revealed

Aug. 5, 2010 - PRLog -- Christened the Freelander eD4, the two-wheel drive model will be the most efficienct Land Rover ever produced when it goes on sale in January 2011.

It will be powered by a new 148bhp 2.2-litre diesel engine and will offer fuel consumption of 47.2mpg and CO2 emissions of 158g/km.

It will only be offered with a six-speed manual gearbox and will be fitted with start and stop – which cuts power to the engine when the vehicle is stationary to improve efficiency – as standard.

Until then, an updated four-wheel drive Land Rover Freelander(http://www.autotrader.co.uk/carmakes/land-rover/freelander) goes on sale this September. The outgoing model’s 158bhp 2.2-litre engine has been replaced with a new economical 2.2-litre diesel engine, which will be offered in two power derivates: 148bhp and 187bhp.

The entry-level 148bhp version – which will also power the eD4 version – is capable of returning 45.6mpg and emitting 165g/km of CO2 – a nine per cent improvement in fuel economy and an eight percent drop in emissions. Despite the drop in horsepower, pulling power has been increased by 15lb/ft.

A six-speed manual gearbox and start and stop system are fitted as standard.

The flagship 187bhp version emits 185g/km of CO2 and delivers fuel economy of 40.4mpg. It can accelerate from 0-60mph in 8.7 seconds, has a top speed of 118mph and is fitted with a six-speed automatic gearbox as standard.

The new Freelander gets a new front bumper, lights and grille, redesigned tail lights and a revised interior, which includes new instrument dials.

The 2011 Freelander goes on sale in the UK in September with the two-wheel drive version to follow in January.

Pricing:

2.2-litre 148bhp TD4 S manual 4WD: £21,695
2.2-litre 148bhp TD4 GS manual 4WD: £24,995
2.2-litre 148bhp TD4 XS manual 4WD: £ 28,495
2.2-litre 148bhp TD4 HSE manual 4WD: £32,995
Automatic transmission is available for a £1,515 premium

2.2-litre 187bhp SD4 GS automatic: £27,510
2.2-litre 187bhp SD4 XS automatic: £31,010
2.2-litre 187bhp SD4 HSE automatic: £35,510

Two-wheel drive prices will be announced later this year.

By Rhian Angharad Jones