"Land Rover claims its revised Freelander will offer lower emissions when it goes on sale next month — and the eco push will extend to the first ever two-wheel-drive version. The company also say it will offer better interiors, greater refinement and stronger performance. A revised version of the PSA-sourced 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine is at the heart of the revised line-up. It’s now available in two states of tune — 148bhp and 187bhp — and both specs have 15lb ft more torque than the outgoing 158bhp motor. The changes to the 2.2, including a variable-vane turbocharger and a reprogrammed ECU, help it to meet Euro5 emissions rules.

The 148bhp TD4 comes with a manual gearbox as standard; the more powerful model, badged SD4, is available only with an automatic ’box. Land Rover claims the entry-level unit matches the outgoing engine’s performance, while offering lower CO2 emissions (165g/km instead of 179g/km). The SD4 emits 185g/km but accelerates from 0-60mph in 8.7sec — almost two seconds quicker than the old car — and reaches a top speed of 118mph, an increase of 6mph.

The biggest news is the arrival of a front-drive Freelander next January. Badged eD4, it is available only with a six-speed manual ’box and the 148bhp diesel engine. The reduction in weight from losing 4WD, and the addition of automatic stop-start, help the eD4 to deliver 47.2mpg and 158g/km of CO2.

Land Rover MD Phil Popham said, “The European market for two-wheel-drive SUVs represents 23 per cent of the segment, and we intend to compete strongly. A two-wheel-drive option is just one way in which we are developing our vehicles’ efficiency while adding to the Land Rover range.” Styling tweaks include a new front bumper with revised foglights, a new grille, different headlights and tail-lights, a full-width tailgate appliqué and fresh designs of 18in and 19in alloy wheels.

The interior features revised instrument dials, four new styles of seat upholstery and the option of a Premium Pack that includes Windsor leather upholstery, covered centre stowage and greater adjustability in the seats. The TD4 range starts at £21,695 for S trim, rising to £32,995 for the HSE (automatic transmissions cost £1515 extra on all TD4s). The more powerful SD4s start at £27,510 for the GS, rising to £35,510 for HSE. Prices for the eD4 will be announced later in the year."

Source [Autocar]

 

I am very surprised they left the old radio/electronics on this update. Full press release thanks to Autoblog!

LAND ROVER OFFERS CUSTOMERS MORE CHOICE WITH EFFICIENT 2011 FREELANDER 2
04/08/10

* New upgraded diesel engine available with either 150PS or 190PS
* Stronger performance and improved efficiency throughout the range
* The 2.2-litre 150PS TD4 manual has improved by 8 per cent to 165g/km with a corresponding improvement in fuel economy of 9 per cent to 45.6mpg
* The 2.2-litre 150PS TD4 and 190 PS SD4 automatics see a 14 per cent improvement in CO2 emissions to 185g/km and a matching fuel economy improvement delivering 40.4mpg
* Revised exterior with new front bumper assembly plus three new colour schemes and new alloy wheel options
* Interior tweaks with new instrument dials and Premium Pack option
* Customers offered more choice with addition of 2WD eD4 derivatives
* Frugal eD4 model capable of 47.2mpg and 158g/km CO2
* Improved intelligent Stop/Start technology as standard on manual transmission

The 2011 Freelander 2 model range, on sale in the UK from the end of September 2010, benefits from a new 2.2-litre diesel engine available with either 150PS or 190PS outputs, a new look exterior plus interior alterations including new instrument dials and a new Premium Pack option.

Land Rover's new turbo diesel engine is available in the 4WD TD4 150PS model featuring a manual transmission and intelligent Stop/Start technology as standard (an automatic gearbox without Stop/Start is available as a cost option), or the new SD4 model delivering 190PS (available in automatic transmission only).

This new engine is quieter, more efficient and both derivatives have 20Nm more torque than the outgoing engine. This means the 2011 Freelander 2 offers improved engine response and more mid-range strength for towing. CO2 emissions have been significantly reduced to 165g/km and 185g/km respectively with corresponding fuel economy benefits.

However, despite reductions in consumption and emissions, there has been no compromise in performance. The flagship 190PS Freelander SD4 accelerates from rest to 60mph in 8.7 seconds with an increased top speed of 118mph. The Freelander 150PS TD4 manual and automatic versions match the performance of their predecessors.

As well as being upgraded from EU4 to EU5, both versions have a new variable geometry turbocharger and have been extensively re-calibrated to deliver new levels of power, meet emissions regulations and reduce CO2 emissions. They are fitted with a catalysed diesel particulate filter as standard and are now compatible with 10 per cent biodiesel rather than 5 per cent.

As an addition to the Freelander 2 range, Land Rover will also offer customers a 2WD derivative, available in the UK from January 2011. This will be called the Freelander 2 eD4 and it will be the most efficient Land Rover ever produced, with fuel consumption of 47.2mpg combined, and CO2 emissions of just 158g/km.

"The new Freelander 2 eD4 moves Land Rover into the hugely popular and fiercely contested two wheel-drive SUV market," said Land Rover managing director Phil Popham. "The European market for two-wheel drive SUVs represents 23 percent of the segment and we intend to compete strongly here.
"A 2WD option is just one way in which we are developing our vehicles' efficiency whilst adding to the Land Rover range and expanding our appeal to a broader group of customers. We will continue to make the 'world's finest all-terrain vehicles' for those customers who require 4WD but will also now offer an alternative."

This groundbreaking Freelander 2 eD4 is powered by the new 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine, delivering 150PS. It is only available with a six-speed manual transmission featuring Stop/Start technology as standard.

The exterior of the latest Freelander 2 gets a new look for 2011. Marked out by a new front bumper assembly incorporating new front fog lap bezels, a new front grille finish, improved headlights and tail lamps, new full width tailgate appliqué and new 18- or 19-inch alloy wheel styles. There are three new colour schemes for 2011 Kosrae Green, Baltic Blue and Fuji White.

Inside the cabin, Land Rover's design team have revised the instrument dials, and there are four new seat styles with the option of a Premium Pack that includes Windsor Leather upholstery, an 8/6 way electric seat, plus premium carpet mats and covered centre stowage.

The 4WD TD4 and SD4 models are on sale in the UK from the end of September.