How to spec a Land Rover Freelander

The Land Rover Freelander is a classy, desirable 4x4 that offers a good driving position and a smooth ride.

Power comes from a 2.2-litre diesel engine with either 148bhp or 188bhp. The 148bhp unit gets a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, along the choice of two- or four-wheel drive. The 188bhp engine comes with a six-speed automatic 'box and four-wheel drive.

Here's our guide to help you choose the best combination of trim, engine and options for your requirements.

Which engine should you go for?
We'd recommend the 148bhp 2.2-litre unit over the 188bhp engine, because it is powerful enough and the better average economy will help keep down costs.

Front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual gearbox are standard on the 148bhp TD4 engine. However, we would recommend selecting the four-wheel-drive version, because it is more capable both on- and off-road.

The 0-60mph dash takes 10.9 seconds, with top speed at 112 mph. There is plenty of low-down pulling power thanks to the 310lb ft of torque.

Manual cars come with a stop-start system as standard. The TD4 has average economy of 45.6mpg and CO2 emissions of 165g/km.

All versions of the Freelander have a comfortable ride; it wafts along the motorway like a luxury car and its suspension is brilliant at flattening bumps. However, the Freelander tends to lean in corners and bounce around a bit when tackling twisty B-roads.

Refinement is pretty good up to 50mph, but any faster and the boxy shape and large door mirrors generate a lot of wind noise. The engine can sound rather agricultural at low revs, too.

Which trim should you go for?
Four trims are available. Entry-level S trim comes with air-conditioning, alloys, CD player and DAB radio. In addition, four-wheel-drive models get Terrain Response, which allows the driver to change the way the Freelander handles depending on the surface it's on.

GS trim adds climate control, rear parking sensors and leather upholstery. XS brings heated front seats, a better stereo system and sat-nav. Range-topping HSE models get more speakers and a sunroof as standard.

We think that GS trim makes the most sense; striking a good balance between equipment and price.

The Freelander is more expensive to buy than other compact 4x4s, but it also benefits from strong resale values.

Which options should you pick?
GS trim gets everything that most people will need.

We recommend:
Land Rover Freelander 2.2 TD4 150 GS 4WD

Options:
None

Total price:
Land Rover Freelander 2.2 TD4 150 GS 4WD 27,255

What should you pay?
Discounts are available on the Freelander. You should be able to get 2000 off the list price of our favourite version.

Customers who purchase with Land Rover finance can get about 4000 as a deposit contribution towards their Freelander.

Read the full Land Rover Freelander review >>

By Matthew Burrow