Test drive Land Rover Freelander 2000 - 2003 SUV

Passenger Land Rover

Appearing a few years ago, Freelander seemed to be a mysterious figure: is this really a professional all -terrain vehicle or a lightweight mass consumption SUV? Judging by the results of voting by wallets, in Europe Frelander went to the people. Still would! Time, thoroughbred car - and you need to try for relatively little money!

Freelander will never let you forget what you are. No matter where you look, the familiar oval logo will definitely be present everywhere. There are seven seven of them only! Perhaps, by the number of emblems per square meter, Frelander has no equal. Outwardly, the small Land Rover makes a very pleasant impression. The designers tried to fame: Frelander cannot be confused with anything. A characteristic superstructure of the roof, branded eyebrows that determine the shape of the hood is still a small Land Rover is also Land Rover. Outwardly, the machine has all the canonical attributes of a modern SUV - a plastic skirt around the perimeter and a spare tire placed on the back door. A powerful front bumper with an integrated false radiator grill makes a car like a good -natured English bulldog. Outwardly formidable, but with a lazy one.

The interior of the Frryender is made in a typically Landrover straight-brutten style. But on the materials of the interior decoration, the British clearly saved. Torpedo - typical Soft Look: It looks good, it is to touch hard plastic. In general, the impression is as follows: the salon is extremely functional and pleasantly surprises with an abundance of all kinds of secluded places. So, for example, in addition to two full -fledged gloves, one of which, the driver’s driver, is located under the steering column, niches and shelves of varying degrees of capacity are scattered across the cabin. In this case, on each shelf there is no fail there a rubber rug on Velcro with an unchanged logo.

Special mention is deserved by the most convenient bottle holders in the doors, in which dishes of any container are placed without any problems - from fry to celli. Above the heads of the rear passengers there are comfortable nets for something not very large, and in the trunk, a box was locked with a key. By the way, access to the trunk is organized rather in American, rather than European: the rear window can be lowered with a servo, without opening the entire door entirely, which allows you to transport large-sized items that are not completely placed in the salon, for example, a surfing board.

From the point of view of ergonomics, the most serious drawback of the freeender can be recognized as some neglect of tall people acting as a driver. Highly located seats are not adjusted vertically, and as a result of such an Archigerian landing, the driver sees an anti -linen visor in front of him tall above the average. But for a less lifting person, landing will seem close to ideal - the visibility of the driver's place is magnificent. The rear seats are even higher. But sitting there is more pleasant than in front. Firstly, they account for the same Landrover superstructure that removes all the problems associated with a high landing - there are plenty of air around the head. Secondly, there are also enough legs for the legs. And finally, the height of the seats is such that the rear passenger can easily look forward over his head in front of the ride. In the movement, Frelander finally asserts us in the thought of his city purpose. The car is heavy on the rise - an inexperienced driver when touched risks stall. But even starting, the car looks leisurely. The engine's fault is not in doubt: possessing a typically passenger character of character, the motor up to 3000 rpm is openly lethargic. Then, however, he wakes up and begins to show activity, and does it a little louder than we would like.

Although this motor is quite for a measured city ride. The suspension is also designed for calm movement in space - the best option for urban conditions: not too tough, but quite energy -intensive and impenetrable. In combination with multi -turn steering, active driving is not recommended. When turning the steering wheel, the car leans in thought and only after some time begins to turn actually. And, I must say, does this without much enthusiasm, but so smoothly and predictable that it will not in any way frighten a beginner. At the same time, Freelander always holds the driver in the know what is happening with the wheels - reactive effort on the steering wheel is visibly present. We can only say that they are perfect about the brakes, and ABS works at the very last moment and is very tactful. But the process of gear shift could be organized better. The lever seems to be cotton, and switching does not indulge in clarity. However, the lever itself is good in shape, and the algorithm for activating the HDC system (about it below) through the key located on it is quite logical. Freelander, as it should be, has certain inclinations for off -road driving. Despite the lack of a lowering row in the box, the transmission allows the car not to feel flawed on light off -road. And the reason for this is two systems. The first of them, using the capabilities of the ABS, distributes the traction effort on wheels, imitating the operation of the interdose and inter -axle locks.

The second, purely Landrover, chip - the descent system from the Hill Descent Control (HDC). It is activated by the yellow button on the gearbox lever and in the descent braces a particular wheel, not allowing the car to accelerate more than 9 km/h. The system works only in the first and rear gear and it works, I must say, perfectly, allowing you to confidently land even if you are bare ice under the wheels. Nevertheless, the language does not turn to call Frelander an all -terrain vehicle. This is a typical representative of the current class of urban SUVs, that is, the car is essentially a passenger. This car with a courageous look, but with a doubt, will no doubt evaluate those residents of the metropolis who move from asphalt only several times a year. And which are very respected by the Land Rover brand.
 
   
 

 

A source: Wheel magazine [No. 55/2002]