The 2013 Land RoverFreelanderhas received a complete makeover which includes new colours, revised exterior design features, upgraded interior equipment levels and a new, more powerful and efficient engine.
Engine Capability
Like the Evoque, the 2013 Land Rover Freelander is now powered by a lightweight 2.0-litre, direct-injected, four cylinder engine that produces 177kW at 5500rpm and 340Nm of toque at 3200rpm. This engine replaces the previous 3.2-litre six cylinder engine. Transmission comes in the form of a six-speed Aisin automatic transmission and is coupled to a full-time four-wheel drive system which features a Haldex rear axle differential.
The 2013 Land Rover Freelander is equipped with Land Rovers Intelligent Power System Management (IPSM) which features Smart Regenerative Charging. This feature ensures that where possible, the alternator only charges the battery when the vehicle is decelerating, recovering kinetic energy from deceleration, rather than consuming energy during engine operation.
Interior Features
The Freelander features grained leather covered electric seats and dual sun roofs as standard. A new centre console with a 7-inch colour touch screen allows the driver to control the Meridian surround sound system as well as the optional satellite navigation system.
A new instrument cluster with a 5-inch screen displaying vehicle information is positioned between the dials across the Freelander range and is complemented with steering wheel toggle switches to operate the menus.
Other new features include an intelligent electric parking brake which adjusts brake force according to the slope the vehicle is parked on and Passive Start replaces the key docking system where now the key only needs to be present in the car and can be started at the touch of a button. A new Say What You See voice activation system will prompt the driver visually with specific commands to be spoken to control audio, navigation and phone systems.
Exterior Features
The changes to the exterior are mainly cosmetic and three new colours are available namely Aintree Green, Havana and Mauritius Blue. Xenon and LED technology is incorporated into the re-styled headlights and tail lights giving the Freelander a new look. The grille and fog lamp bezels now have a bright finish and paint detailing changes to the front grille surround, insert bars and fender vent harmonize the different elements. The 2013 Freelander rides on 18-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels as standard with two additional 19-inch wheel options.
The newly revised Land Rover Freelander will make its debut at the Paris Motor Show on the 27 September 2012 and can be expected in South Africa in the first quarter of 2013.