Paris motor show - Land Rover Stop-Start

This is the most fuel-efficient Land Rover ever.

It is a Freelander 2 fitted with Stop-Start, and is called the Freelander 2 TD4_e.

The Stop-Start function only operates when the vehicle is stationary, the gearbox is in neutral and the driver lifts off the clutch. The engine restarts when the driver presses the clutch.

Although drivers can switch the system off, Land Rover has fitted an auxiliary water pump in order to keep the air-con working when the engine is off.

The system reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 8% compared to the outgoing manual diesel Freelander, which equates to 15g/km – or 179g/km compared to 194g/km.

Fuel economy is improved by up to 20% in heavy urban traffic, with average fuel consumption falling from 7.5litres/100km to 6.8.

Other technology incorporated to improve efficiency include a gear change warning light, a remapped ECU and low-rolling-resistance tyres.

The system will be incorporated on all Freelander 2 TD4 manual models from mid-2009, with Land Rover pledging not to increase list prices.