With the firm’s future seemingly secure following Tata’s takeover, how are the last generation of Ford-owned Freelander’s looking?

You may have noticed over recent times that Land Rover have been undergoing something of a design overhaul. If you don’t know what I am talking about, the next time you are out and about take the time to observe the latest Land Rover and Range Rover models.

I am sure you will reach the same conclusion as most of us in that they are all strikingly similar. The Range Rover is the daddy of the range, the Range Rover Sport the younger brother, right down to the baby of the family, the Freelander 2. The baby, however, has really grown up. It is a far cry from the rather frumpy and uninspiring Mark One, coming across more as a compacted version of the Range Rover Sport.

The exterior is bold, sporty and stylish and there is absolutely no mistaking that this is a Land Rover. With its wide shoulders and a wheel planted firmly on each square corner it implies a feeling of strength and masculinity, something that could not be said of its predecessor.

The model tested was the 2.2 Diesel HSE, which at a price of £30,960 OTR is not exactly cheap, although entry models start at £20,960 for the more frugal would-be owner.

So what do you get for your money besides good looks and solidity? A quick look in the cockpit gives an insight into how much effort has gone into the design and specification.

Luxurious cream leather seats welcome with you open arms into an excellent driving position while, as you would expect for the price, satnav, keyless ignition, in-car entertainment with MP3 compatibility, heated seats and dual climate control all feature in a stylish dashboard.

On and off road , the performance is exemplary. Independent suspension ensures that the ride is smooth and comfortable no matter what the terrain, the handling is agile and precise and the power supplied from the 2.2 turbo diesel engine is effortless and instantaneous. I was particularly pleased with the instant response I received from a standing start, something a lot of manufacturers have struggled to achieve with a diesel automatic.

Land Rover has built its reputation on an ability to produce models fit for all terrains and weather conditions, and having been doing so since 1948 they have got quite good at it.

The most recent addition to the portfolio is the Land Rover Terrain Response system. The marketing team describe this as having your very own Land Rover expert sitting alongside you. Unsurprisingly, that’s a little OTT, but what you do get is a small knob situated in front of the gearshift that allows you to instantly alternate between four different
settings dependant upon the type of surface you are encountering. You can switch from the general driving mode into grass/ gravel/snow, mud and ruts or sand. A pretty good piece of kit if you are on a hilly, seaside building site in the middle of winter.

Finally, from a safety perspective the Freelander is every bit as protective as its sturdy exterior implies. Emergency brake assist, traction control, cornering brake control, dynamic stability control and roll stability control are all standard, as are seven airbags, strengthened inner cell and rear crumple zones. All in all, then, one of the safest models in a traditionally safe (for occupants at least) class.

Bearing in mind the likely school run demographic of many future owners, this is likely to prove as much of a selling point as its undeniable off-road capability.

Verdict
Daddy’s little girl ain’t a girl no more. This baby’s now a fully fledged member of the family.