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2012 Land Rover Freelander 2. For the first time on Freelander 2, the premium Meridian audio system is available with a choice of 380W or 825W. The outstanding Meridian sound system is delivered with a new 7-inch colour touch-screen and either the 380W, 11-speaker system for exceptional stereo sound quality or the impressive 825W surround sound 17-speaker system with Trifield technology to provide a natural, enveloping concert-like experience for all occupants. Both are equipped with subwoofers for a deep, bass sound and Audyssey MultEQ audio tuning system. A new and upgraded 80W 8-speaker unit with 5-inch colour display screen is also available at entry-level.

The exciting news on the engine front is that the six-cylinder Si6 petrol is replaced by the turbocharged Si4, four-cylinder engine. Essentially the same engine used in the Range Rover Evoque, this lightweight Si4 GTDi produces more power than the Si6 yet is more economical and sees a 14 percent reduction in CO2 to 224g/km.

With this generation of Freelander 2, models are simply differentiated by trim level and not by powertrain specification. Entry level to the range is the Freelander S with cloth seats as standard. The SE has been enhanced with distinguishing detail features such as a gloss black grille surround and comes with full leather* and the Meridian sound system. The Dynamic version based on the SE, has gloss black fender vents and grille bars with black grille surround, complemented on the interior with three colourway choices of sport-themed electric leather seats. Top of the range is the HSE with a grained leather and wood interior as standard. There’s the option of 19-inch Diamond Turned wheels and Grand Black Lacquer finisher and also Windsor leather seats with premium carpet mats for that extra special touch.

The new 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine joins the Freelander 2 line-up, reducing CO2 emissions by 14 percent compared to the outgoing Si6 engine. Powering the Freelander 2 GTDi, the new direct injection, turbocharged Si4 engine now delivers 240PS and an increase of seven percent on torque to 340Nm, providing a broader spread of torque for relaxed cruising and strong low-speed response. The all-aluminium engine is a full 40kg lighter than the previous six-cylinder and returns a competitive 224g/km CO2 while meeting the stringent EU5 emissions regulations. Service intervals have been increased from 15,000 miles to 16,000 miles (26,000km)*.

Freelander buyers can continue to choose from two outstanding and highly refined diesel engines, the 2.2-litre 150PS TD4 and 190PS SD4 with four-wheel drive. For extra economy, the 2.2-litre 150PS engine is also available in eD4 two-wheel drive form. Equipped with six-speed manual transmission and Stop/Start, the eD4 achieves an impressive 47.1mpg (6.0 L/100km) and CO2 emissions of 158g/km.

The diesels were updated for 2011, a new turbocharger improving response and increasing maximum torque by five percent to 420Nm. They were also equipped with a standard DPF, reducing particulates by 80 percent. At the same time NOx emissions were reduced by 28 percent and the response time of the Stop/Start system was improved by 22 percent. Other improvements aimed at improving efficiency included a revised shifting strategy on the automatics, low drag engine oils and revised bearing designs whilst noise levels were reduced by 2dB.