Vehicle: 2002 Land Rover Freelander S with 5-speed Steptronic transmission. S model comes with base cloth seats instead of leather seats, 15″ instead of 16″ wheels and a few other minor features.
Performance: The sole powerplant for North America is based on Rover’s worthy K-Series engine series. The KV6 engine underneath the Freelander is a 2.5L V6 that bumps out 174 hp and 177 lb/ft of torque. The power delivery is smooth and linear. There are plenty of low-end torque. As you rev pass through the red line, it doesn’t feel breathless as some of its competitions. The throttle response is quick. Interestingly, it doesn’t have usual Land Rover throttle trait which feels rather weird as you full throttle. As many of you probably know, Land Rover’s weird throttle design is due to the fact that its designed for off-roading. Freelander is designed more toward the urban jungle instead of Freelander or Range Rover’s Camel Trophy challenge.
My pet peeve has to go to the BMW-supplied Steptronic tyranny, which Land Rover called it Command Shift. The shifts feel rather rough as I rev it before I upshift a gear, same goes for downshift. The gearchange response is not as responsive as what I expected from a tyranny originated from BMW. I have driven a 3 and 5-Series with Steptronic, both don’t have this issue.
Handling: Its probably the most “car-like” of all Land Rovers. The steering feels German which means its communicative with the solidty you expect from Land Rover. Considered Freelander’s center-of-gravity and suspension tuning, both body rolls and understeer are more than acceptable. Dynamically, it has a solid feel that lacks in some of its competitors. The Hill Descent Control works well when I tried a pretty steep downhill section during weather like today.
Brakes: It got an assurance feel that make you feel confidence during panic stops. Its ABS doesn’t kick in inappropriately on wet road. Overall pedal feel is excellent.
Interior: There are mix reviews regarding Freelander’s interior. The cloth seats are comfortable with nice support. Despite the space is slightly smaller than its competitors, the rear seat space feels spacious. Now here comes the pet peeves or “Land Rover quirks”. Although I never drink in my car, I found the cupholder location placed very far reach above center vents. The CD/stereo provides nice sound quality but the switches are just too tiny. The rotary climate control works effectively. Heated seats and rear defroster switches are all blocked by the tyranny. All the power window switches all placed near the 2 switches I mentioned which are very awkwardly placed considered they are frequently used items. The worse of all, the center console area feels plasticky and cheap with one single, hard black plastic.
Overall: If you are looking for a mini-SUV that provides a decent on/off-road capability with European solidty, Freelander is for you. It handles relatively well. Too some extent, it handles better than 2 other mini off-roaders which are Xterra and Liberty “on road”. The V6 is silky smooth and very comfortable inside. Considered what Land Rover priced the Freelander, they should fix the cheap interior and rough transmission.
OVERALL VERDICTS FOR 2002 LAND ROVER FREELANDER S
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Performance: 3/5
Handling/fun-to-drive: 3.5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 2/5
Built quality/fit-and-finish: 3/5
Value-for-money: 2/5
Overall rating: 3/5