Model tested: Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4e 2.2
Price: £32,595
Date tested: November 2009
Road tester: Andy Goodwin

Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 82%
If you've always wanted an eco friendly Land Rover, here's the answer. The Freelander 2 TD4e has a frugal diesel engine with the first stop/start system on an off-roader - yet it's far from slow and wheezy as a result.

1. Looks
The Freelander 2 is bigger than its predecessor, and it looks stockier as well. But it's still small enough for city streets and car parks; parking is surprisingly easy, thanks to good visibility.
8/10

2. Looks inside
It's the baby in Land Rover's range, but the Freelander 2's cabin is light and airy and the driving position is decently elevated. The busy dashboard is logically laid out and the plastics are high-quality.
7/10

3. Practicality
Front occupant space is excellent, but rear passengers have only just enough legroom. The boot offers 755 litres of space compared with just 540 for the Audi Q5 and 480 in the BMW X3. Nice touches include tough rubber mats, and plenty of cubby holes.
9/10

4. Ride and Handling
The Freelander's steering is pleasingly accurate and well-weighted, while the suspension is taut, without being uncomfortable. There's hardly any wallow in bends, so this is one off-roader which shouldn't make passengers feel queasy.
8/10

5. Performance
The 158bhp 2.2-litre diesel engine packs 295lb/ft, so 0-60mph takes a brisk 10.9 seconds. It feels even quicker on the road, and you'll rarely want for more performance. The engine is particularly quiet.
8/10

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6. Running Costs
Our range-topping Freelander HSE costs over £30k, although a more modestly specced car is offered for £21,295 with the same engine. Fuel consumption of 42.2mpg amd emissions of 179g/km are also commendably low.
7/10

7. Reliability
The first Freelander had plenty of reliability woes, but the new one looks to be much better. After trawling owners' forums, we found no stories of faults with the new model.
8/10

8. Safety
The Freelander 2 has a five-star EuroNCAP rating. The only blot is a one-star score for pedestrian safety - 4x4s are intrinsically more dangerous in collisions with humans.
8/10

9. Equipment
The base-level Freelander S has keyless ignition, eight-speaker stereo with MP3 connectivity, alloy wheels and air conditioning. Top-of-the-range HSE models add leather seats, touch-screen sat-nav, Bluetooth connection and 18-inch alloy wheels.
9/10

10. X-Factor
The Freelander 2 is everything a Land Rover should be. It's great off-road, satisfying to drive and rewarding to own - with none of the guilt.
10/10