Groove Magazine Zimbabwe Issue 1 | Page 50

The instrument cluster has also been revamped with a new fiveinch screen displaying vehicle data like temperature and fuel levels, gear positions and Terrain Response mode, sitting between the twin display dials. Steering wheel toggle switches operate several easy-to-read drop-down menus and set-up instructions. It’s all very intuitive. There’s push-button start across the entire Land Rover Freelander 2 line-up replacing the old-school key docking system employed by the previous iteration. A reversing camera is now standard across all but the entry-level Freelander 2 TD4 manual and features a marvellous bit of technology that allows drivers to accurately guide the vehicle’s tow ball into the perfect docking position. TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE TRENDY LANDROVER FREELANDER LOG ON TO WWW.LANDROVER. COM WHERE YOU CAN EXPLORE YOUR FINANCE OPTIONS. 48 Also new to Freelander for 2013 is a 380-watt Meridian sound system with 11 speakers and subwoofer for lower and midspec variants, while the rangetopping SD4 HSE Luxury boasts a more powerful 825watt 17-speaker Meridian unit. There’s also a revised satellite navigation system with seveninch touchscreen available as an option on all but the top-spec HSE models where it’s standard. It’s a cleverly integrated unit that also features step-by-step prompts for the ‘Say What You See’ voice activation system. Bluetooth phone and music streaming is also standard across the entire 2013 Land Rover Freelander 2 line-up. While interior space remains unchanged from the outgoing Freelander, the rear seats have been lifted for a stadium seating experience. DRIVETRAIN The 177kW/340Nm Si4 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged power plant joins the Land Rover Freelander 2 line-up as the only petrol engine in an otherwise an all-diesel family. It’s almost identical to the one used in the Evoque. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, the Freelander’s new four-cylinder drivetrain cruises at 110km/h effortlessly and with very low noise levels heard inside the cabin. Turbocharging ensures there’s plenty of torque on tap from 2000rpm, providing plenty of punch for safe high-speed overtaking – even in these conditions. Progress from rest is equally brisk with the new Freelander able to sprint from 0-100km/h