SA Freelander gets new toys for 2013

Published Nov 28, 2012

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Land Rover's latest Freelander is aiming to take another step up the premium ladder, with the 2013 model year upgrade bringing fresher styling, a new 2-litre turbopetrol engine and a glut of new interior features in the top model.

No need to question your eyesight when looking for changes to the exterior of the new Freelander as there aren't many.

Enhancements are limited to revamped headlight innards, LED running lights, paint detail changes to the grille surround, LED taillights and a new 17-inch alloy wheel option on S and SE models.

TURBOPETROL POWER

Under the bonnet, however, buyers now have the option of a more economical petrol engine, with Jaguar-Land Rover's new 2-litre Si4 turbopetrol motor replacing the previous 3.2 Si6 motor. The new engine, which will be familiar to Evoque owners, is good for 177kW at 5500rpm and 340Nm from 1750rpm.

The direct injection engine with dual variable valve timing is said to be capable of an 8.8-second 0-100km/h sprint, 200km/h top end and combined fuel consumption of 9.6 l/100km on the unrealistic EU cycle.

A more economical option remains in the form of Land Rover's 2.2-litre turbodiesel, which is available in two output levels - 110kW and 140kW - with both producing 420Nm of torque.

Numerous small design changes have taken place inside the cabin, where you'll find a redesigned centre console, new switches that replace the previous Terrain Response dial, an instrument cluster with a new five-inch screen, electric parking brake and a keyless start system.

COLOURFUL CABIN

For those seeking a bit more distinction, Land Rover has added the 'Dynamic' trim level to the range, and this option allows customers to choose between three distinctive interior colours - Ebony, Ivory and Pimento.

This model, along with the SE, can be equipped with a rear view camera that's linked to a seven-inch infotainment screen (with navigation and voice activation being available too). All of this is standard on the range-topping HSE.

Another fresh feature you might want to splash out on is the premium Meridian surround sound system that comes in 380W and 825W guises.

PRICES

TD4 S - 110kW - R432 400

SD4 S - 140kW - R448 000

SD4 SE - 140kW - R495 200

SD4 HSE - 140kW - R544 200

Si4 Dynamic - 177kW - R498 400

Si4 HSE - 177kW - R544 200

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