Test Drive Land Rover Freelander 2000 - 2003 SUV

English character

The smallest Land Rover Freelander has become more cute and more

Having lost two doors, Freelander as if shook himself with himself raid the notorious British primacy and became in the full sense of the word youth car. Moreover, truly English elegant and compact, as if capable of recklessness, although not shouting about it at every corner. It has a highlight that distinguishes a real gentleman: he is scary to look immaculately in a secular reception, but the adventures are eager and ready to change the fracture to the windbreaker at any moment. No wonder the word freedom is present in his name. And no reason the legendary Camel Trophy is now held on Freelander.

This has a great point to maintain the original national traits in the cars of companies that have long joined global concerns. In the context of universal unification of platforms, components and parts, when the main characteristics of the machine of the same class are almost identical, wherever they are produced, style and filling are crucial in competitive struggle. Land Rover, as you know, belongs to Ford, but Freelander -Vestrian on all articles English, continuing the long tradition of the famous brand. So let me forgive me the reader for the involuntary comparisons of the car with the features of the nature of the inhabitants of Misty Albion.

Personally, I freelander and before I improved my appearance. However, the 3-door version looks at my taste, still organic. In addition, there are many characteristic trifles in it. For example, the rear windows are not lowered, but are opened outside, as on old models.

The rear of the roof is removable, which should like the lovers to ride with the breeze on a picnic or to the country. Moreover, in the standard package, Freelander has a soft roof, but, given our climate, Russian dealers offer cars with hard metallic riding, and without any surcharge.

Wide doors open convenient access to the salon, even with the landing on the back seat, thanks to the folding backs of the front chairs, difficulties do not occur. It immediately strides the difference from the five-door version of the back of two separate seats, not a sofa. The seats are separated by a plastic partition, which can be successfully used as a small table for soft drinks due to flat form 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 still special rubber mats, so that the kid do not chop during the trip. And since it is an SUV, a handle is located before the passenger, for which you can stay if necessary.

Landing No complaints causes the driver's seat and front passenger in moderation soft, comfortable. True, it is impossible to change the height of even the driver's seat. But this is compensated by an adjustable steering column and, perhaps, the presence of a lumbar backpage is also adjustable. All controls are grouped logically, it is not necessary to stretch to the buttons and the levers. Requires addiction except the buttons of the windows located between the driver and the passenger. On the other hand, this is a family trait of all Land Rover.

The mechanical gear lever seemed slightly breaking, but it is still difficult to make a mistake in the choice of the desired transmission. On this lever, the yellow button activating the HILL Descent Control system, which supports low speed (no more than 10 km / h) on cool descents and has already become a signature mark of most Land Rover brand cars. In general, the Freelander equipment is quite rich. Already in the database, the buyer receives a driver's airbag, electric drive glasses and mirrors (heated mirrors), air conditioning and a central locking with remote control.

Good manners

By the way, the concept of good manners is very relative. Say, pay attention to the behavior of the British. First, they are independent and do not pay absolutely no attention to the world around, and often on the road that follows. It is easy to make sure that you are watching them, let's say, in London. And Freelander is exactly the character. Thanks to a decent clearance (190 mm) and 1 5-inch wheels with a rather high profile (195/80), you can not particularly take care of the quality of the roadway or not pay attention to the borders. Here and passability by the way. Confidence instinct four-wheel drive (rear wheels are connected when the front) and short sinks both in front and rear of the machine.

Secondly, the British, believe me, rather loudly (especially after a pair of a nice ale). Freelander at high motor turnover also declares itself. However, the sound of a power unit penetrating into the salon does not prevent normal to communicate normally, it only contributes to the feeling of reality. If there is good gasoline in the tank, then the dynamics of even the weakest version of Freelander with a motor volume of 1.8 liters, which went to the test, can envy many competitors. Confident overclocking is perfectly controlled even on slippery coating.

Thirdly, the British are amazingly moving people. According to expressions of gestures and facial expressions (especially in pubs), they will probably give odds to the Italians. I happened to visit one of the London nightclubs, and it was an unforgettable spectacle. Locals, like fish in aquarium, did not stop moving for a moment, moving together between people, tables and chairs. Here and Freelander on maneuverability is unlikely to give way to a passenger car, and many surpasses. Well-tuned steering, a large angle of rotation of the front wheels and modest dimensions make it easy to maneuver in the urban stream and park in places inaccessible even for some passengers. And the side mirrors are so great that they provide an excellent overview around.

Yes, and on the deviras, a small SUV as the same Briton after Pinta Ale: His crinas in turns, but it retains stability. Rolls, of course, not frightening, but because of the high center of gravity, like most of the jeeps, with brakes in the deviras should be careful. In any case, the ABS and EBD system (brake force distribution), which are also included in the standard package, will help in a difficult moment. In addition, it is not necessary to forget that in the character of Freelander, the habits of a front-wheel drive car under the gas discharge the radius of turn is noticeably reduced. The brakes themselves will not disappoint.

SUVs will be greater

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

First, the price. The cost of the basic version of the vehicle with three doors is $ 25,713. She although not lower than most competitors, but still is at an acceptable level. The 6-cylinder motor will increase the cost of Freelander almost up to 32 thousand dollars. Five-door, and dared to say, a more relaxed version of the car costs another and a half thousand more.

The second reason why Freelander can count on success is the image of Land Rover in many years. For no accident, used cars under this brand are not suiced.

And last. Land Rover Freelander Single European in a rather long list of competitors. And it also plays the English to the English manufacturer. The love of our citizens to cars from the old world has long known, and it is unlikely that the addiction will be strongly changed in the coming years. In addition, in many markets of developed countries, Freelander has already occupied the top lines of sales in its class, which also allows us to talk about the prospects for the model in Russia. It is also worth noting a three-year warranty on Land Rover cars than not many manufacturers can boast, especially when it comes to SUVs.

In short, there are prospects. Well, for those who have been in England, Freelander on our roads will be an excellent reminder of this wonderful country.

Andrei Osipov
 
 

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