Toyota Land Rover Freelander 2001 2.5-Litre ES V6 4WD Wagon PDF Road Test Report

Land Rover’s mid-size four wheel drive wagon has been given a performance lift in both the petrol and diesel powered versions, plus new transmissions, upgraded suspension, brakes, safety and security, and discreet exterior styling updates. There are a multitude of vehicles now available in the commonly referred to ‘soft-roader’ class, with no fewer than sixteen competitors and only a handful of manufacturers that do not have an entrant. Dual range transmissions are an obvious omission in most vehicles of this class. There are currently two three door and two five
door models in SE and ES equipment levels with the V6 engine, while the diesel powered variants are available only in five-door and SE trim. The
five-door diesel SE is available with manual transmission, the rest being automatic only. Pricing begins at $38,950 for the base model and peaks at $44,950 for the five door SE V6.

Only the discerning observer will notice the subtle exterior differences compared with the previous model Freelander. Turn signals with clear front lenses blend with the headlamps to give the appearance of a wider stance, and minor changes to bumper profiles and badging are the telltale signs. The Freelander’s front view is quite aggressive with large openings in the deep front bumper. A variation of 15”, 16” and 17” diameter alloy
wheels with three different tyre profiles are spread across the six vehicle range. The standard equipment list is impressive with all models featuring dual airbags, remote central locking, alarm, immobiliser, heated power mirrors, five three-point seatbelts with front pre-tensioners, anti-lock brakes, traction control, hill descent control, electronic brake force distribution, electric windows, power steering, heated rear window with wiper, air conditioning, power tailgate glass and theft protected radio cassette with CD stacker.

Five door models add adjustable driver’s lumbar support, seatbelt height adjusters, rear seat armrest, loadspace cover and roof rails. Optional metallic paint is available for an additional $350. The petrol engined version has been given an all alloy 2.5 litre, V6, quad cam, 24 valve power unit with boosts of almost 50 kW in power and over 80 Nm of torque compared with the previous model. The V6 engine is much quieter and smoother, benefiting from extra cylinders, plus improved mountings and insulation. The Td4 diesel alternative, although still classed as a two litre, is actually of slightly less capacity than its predecessor. However, adding two extra valves per cylinder, an additional camshaft, and adopting a common rail type injection system more than compensates for the reduction, raising its power by 10 kW and torque by 50 Nm, both at more usable lower engine revs.

The most common transmission used with both engines is a ‘Jatco’ five speed ‘Steptronic’ unit that can be operated as a full automatic or aternatively as a clutchless manual by moving the lever to the right and then forward for upshifts and rearward for downshifts. This transmission also features a ‘sport’ mode to boost acceleration with later upshifts and earlier downshifts. Its adaptive control enables it to recognise varying load and driving conditions, adjusting the shift pattern to suit the situation and the driver’s style.

Download Toyota Land Rover Freelander 2001 2.5-Litre ES V6 4WD Wagon PDF Road Test Report