Test drive Land Rover Freelander 2000 - 2003 SUV

English character

The smallest Land Rover Freelander has become even prettier and frozen

Having lost two doors, Freelander seemed to have shook off a raid by the notorious British stiffness and became in the full sense of the word youth car. Moreover, truly English elegant and compact, as if capable of recklessness, although not screaming about it on every corner. There is a highlight in it that distinguishes a real gentleman: he is taught to look impeccably at a secular reception, but he craves adventures and is ready at any moment to change the tailcoat to the windbreaker. No wonder the word freedom is present in his name. And for a reason, the legendary Camel Trophy is now held precisely on Freelander.

This is a great sense to maintain primordially national features in companies that have long been joined in global concerns. In conditions of general unification of platforms, components and details, when, according to the main characteristics of the machine of the same class, they are practically identical, wherever they are produced, style and filling are crucial in the competition. Land Rover, as you know, belongs to Ford, but Freelander is the importer in all respects English, continuing the long -standing traditions of the famous brand. So let the reader forgive me for the involuntary comparison of the car with the character traits of the inhabitants of the foggy Albion.

Personally, Freelander had previously impressed with his appearance. However, the 3-door version looks more organic to my taste. In addition, there are many characteristic little things in it. For example, the rear windows do not fall, but open outward, as on old models.

The back of the roof is removable, which should appeal to lovers to ride with a breeze on a picnic or to the cottage. Moreover, in the standard configuration, Freelander has a soft roof, but, given our climate, Russian dealers offer cars with a hard metal top, without any surcharge.

Wide doors open convenient access to the salon, even with landing in the rear seat, thanks to the backs of the front seats, there are no difficulties. Here, the difference from the five -door version from behind is immediately striking here, not a sofa. The chairs are separated by a plastic partition, which can be successfully used as a small table for soft drinks due to a flat shape and a special rough surface. By the way, the same surface in the glove compartment, and in the recesses on the torpedo, and on the armrest, and there are also special rubber rugs so that the luggage does not erase during the trip. And since this is an SUV, a pen is located in front of the passenger, for which you can hold on if necessary.

Planting no complaints causes the driver and front passenger to be mild soft, comfortable. True, even a driver's seat is impossible to change the height. But this is compensated by the adjustable steering column and, perhaps, the presence of a lumbar support, also adjustable. All governing bodies are logically grouped, it is not necessary to reach for buttons and levers. Only the windows buttons located between the driver and the passenger are added to the addiction. On the other hand, this is the family line of all Land Rover.

The lever of the mechanical gearbox seemed slightly cracked, but it is still difficult to make a mistake in choosing the right transmission. The yellow button that activates the HDC (Hill Descent Control) system, which maintains low speed (no more than 10 km/h) on steep descents, has already become a branded sign of most Land Rover brand machines. In general, Frelander equipment is quite rich. Already in the database, the buyer receives a driver’s airbag, electric windows and mirrors (heated mirrors), air conditioning and a central remote control.

Good manners

By the way, the concept of good manners is very relative. Say, pay attention to the behavior of the British. Firstly, they are independent and do not pay absolutely any attention to the world around him, and often to the road that they follow. It is easy to verify this, watching them, say, in London. And Freelander is just that in nature. Thanks to a decent clearance (190 mm) and 1 5-inch wheels with rubber of a rather high profile (195/80), you can not really care about the quality of the roadway or not pay attention to the curbs. There is cross -country ability by the way. Confidence inspire all -wheel drive (the rear wheels are connected when the front slipping) and short overhangs both in front and behind the machine.

Secondly, the British, believe me, are rather loud-haired (especially after a couple of Pint of good ale). Freelander at high speeds of the motor also declares itself. However, the sound of a power unit that penetrates into the salon does not interfere at all to communicate normally, it only makes a sense of reality. If the tank has good gasoline, then even many competitors can envy the dynamics of even the weakest version of Freelander with a 1.8 liter engine, which went to the test. Confident acceleration is perfectly controlled even on slippery coating.

Thirdly, the British are an amazingly mobile people. In terms of expressiveness of gestures and facial expressions (especially in pubs), they will perhaps give the blossom to Italians. I happened to visit one of the London nightclubs, and it was an unforgettable sight. Locals, like fish in the aquarium, did not stop moving for a moment, moving agilely between people, tables and chairs. So Freelander in maneuverability is unlikely to be inferior to a light car, and many are superior. Well -tuned steering, a large angle of rotation of the front wheels and modest dimensions allow you to easily maneuver in the city stream and park in places inaccessible even for some cars. And the lateral mirrors are so large that they provide a wonderful overview around.

Yes, and on the bends a small SUV like the same Briton after a pint of El: he is crucified in corners, but he retains stability. The rolls, of course, are not frightening, but because of the high center of gravity, like most jeeps, with brakes in vihi should be more accurate. In any case, the ABS and EBD system (the distribution of brake efforts), which are also included in the standard equipment, will help in difficult times. In addition, do not forget that in the character of Frelander the habits of the front -wheel drive car under the discharge of gas radius are significantly reduced. The brakes themselves will not disappoint.

There will be more SUVs

The popularity of compact SUVs in most world markets is growing steadily. Russia is no exception to the rules, which, in general, is understandable, given the quality of our roads, climatic conditions and traditional love for jeeps. Accordingly, competition in this market segment is also tightened. Among Land Rover Freelander rivals are models such as Honda HR-V and CR-V, Mitsubishi Pajero Pinin, Toyota Rav4, Suzuki Grand Vitara and Nissan X-Trail. However, Freelander has the chances of taking a worthy place in the Russian market and, perhaps, even to be in the forefront.

Firstly, the price. The cost of the basic version of the car with three doors is $ 25,713. Although it is not lower than most competitors, it is still at an acceptable level. The 6-cylinder engine will increase the cost of Freelander to almost 32 thousand dollars. Five -door, and dare to say that a more calm version of the car costs another one and a half thousand more expensive.

The second reason Freelander can count on success is the Land Rover image that has already developed over many years. For good reason, used cars under this brand are expensive.

And the last. Land Rover Freelander the only European in a rather long list of competitors. And it also plays into the hands of an English manufacturer. The love of our citizens for cars from the Old World has long been known, and it is unlikely that the addictions will change greatly in the coming years. In addition, in many markets of developed countries, Frelander already occupies the upper lines of sales in its class, which also allows us to talk about the prospects of the model in Russia. It is also worth noting a three -year guarantee for Land Rover cars, which not many manufacturers can boast so far, especially when it comes to SUVs.

In a word, there are prospects. Well, for those who have been to England, Frelander on our roads will be a wonderful reminder of this wonderful country.

Andrey Osipov
 
 

A source: Newspaper "Automobile Izvestia" [No. 8 (11), 2002]