2009 Land Rover FreeLander 2 Review
January 9, 2009 by Alborz Fallah
After a few tense moments and some deep sand pockets, the FreeLander 2 was free and roaming the beach.
The Pajero in front of us, one of the many 4WDs that offered to help when (not if) I got stuck, was now trying his hardest to pull away just to save face, which wasn’t going to happen. Guess I wasn’t going to be sleeping on the beach.
An hour of driving around the softest sand only built more confidence. At one stage the FreeLander 2 was essentially swimming and the satellite navigation was starting to freak out.
I’ll admit, with the sand sinking, there were a few ‘moments’ were I was looking at my phone wondering if I had to make the ‘call’ but never fear the FreeLander 2 pulled through without any issues.
It’s hard not to like the FreeLander 2 as a great fun SUV. The chassis is very rigid and stiff. There is limited body roll thanks to its monocoque construction as well as the use of ultra-high-strength steel (used more extensively in the FreeLander 2 than in any previous Land Rover).
It’s brilliant around town and although it probably won’t cross the Simpson desert, oh wait, yes it will.
I had one of the first Freelanders a 98 or 99. 2l Turbo Diesel. Was the best car I have ever owned. Yes it had some problems but they were minor and lets face it every car has issues. There has not been another car that has equalled that Freelander for comfort, drivability or fuel consumption. Best 21st gift I got myself. While it certainly couldnt compare on the beach to my Patrol it certainly could go far more places then anybody gave it credit for. More places then my sister in laws xtrail thats for sure! I am now looking to get out of my TI Patrol and am going back to the Freelander. They are a fantastic car!
Following Bret’s request for info on the pulling power of the FL2…can anyone update us on how the FL2 copes with pulling 1.5 tonne or more?