Tata Motors Land Rover has the Freelander 2 SUV introduced as a CBU until recently. However, Land Rover now enjoys the increased localisation of the SUV just enough to get the Freelander 2 price right, it reduced the prices for the base SE variant to Rs. 33.88 lakhs (ex-showroom, Mumbai). The SUV is imported into the country as a CKD unit now, which is further assembled at the Tata Motor’s manufacturing unit in Pune. As a part of localised assembly, there is a certain variation in the ergonomics side of the compact SUV.
The SUV is now offered with increased ground clearance to suit the Indian roads. The interiors are raised a little bit for higher seating layout. This helps the driver more than anybody with a proper view of the road ahead, while the passengers can entertain themselves with the better roadside view. However, there are not many mechanical changes in the SUV, the engine and transmission being a part of the CKD unit.
Features of Land Rover Freelander 2 SUV in India –
- Terrain Response System
- Xenon Headlamps
- Cruise Control
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof – Electric Sliding Front
- Glass Roof
- Fixed Glass Panoramic Roof
- Front and Rear Windscreen Parking Aid
- Rain Sensing Wipers
- Headlamp Washer
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof – Electric Sliding Front Glass Roof
- Fixed Glass Panoramic Roof
- Front and Rear Windscreen Parking Aid
- Electronic Traction Control
- Dynamic Stability Control
- Cornering Brake Control
- Emergency Brake Assist
- Hill Descent Control
- Roll Stability Control
- ABS and EBD
Freelander 2 SUV has always managed to send the shivers down the spine of its closest rivals BMW X3 and Audi Q5, especially with the unique ensemble of features it comes loaded with. More than anything else, the Freelander 2 gains advantage with its lower price tag. Quite easily, the Freelander 2 sits a notch below its competitors, but only where the pricing is concerned. The localised assembly has given the Land rover a huge pricing advantage against the BMW X3 and Audi Q5, which carry a price tag way above Rs 40 lakh.
Refresher – The Land Rover Freelander comes equipped with a 2.2 litre diesel engine mated to a six speed automatic gearbox with command shift. The engine is capable of churning out 150 PS of power at 4000 RPM on the Freelander SE Variant. The 2.2 litre diesel engine on the Freelander HSE Variant on the other hand produces 190 PS of power at 3500 RPM. On the torque aspect both the variants pump out 420 NM of torque at 1750 RPM.
