Land Rovers Freelander 2 breaks cover

Land Rover’s Freelander 2 breaks cover

Late September, Land Rover (LR) launched the Freelander 2 at an ex-showroom cost of Rs 33.8 lakh for the base-trim. The compact, premium 4x4 platform undercuts the other LR offerings by almost over Rs 30 lakh and makes the marquee accessible to a whole new customer base. It would compete directly with Audi’s Q5, BMW’s X3 and Mitsubishi’s Montero.

Powered by a 2.2 litre common rail turbodiesel engine, the smallest LR in India boasts of a transversely mounted engine to provide extra space for better crash protection, front end styling and allows a shorter bonnet for more cabin space. The Freelander 2 boasts a strong monocoque body and inner safety cell, with front and rear crumple zones that absorb energy on impact. It received a five-star rating in the rigorous Euro NCAP tests for Adult Occupant Protection — a first in its class. This, along with Dynamic Technology Systems, Airbags and Command Driving Position complete the all-terrain, all weather package of the SUV.

LR claims outstanding on-road performance as well as class-leading off-road ability, a dynamic design, purposeful stance, smart and spacious interior, and an abundance of advanced technologies such as Terrain Response, which allows drivers to select a combination of terrain options to maximise grip levels as a standard fare.

Head – Premier Car Business, Tata Motors, Rohit Suri said, ‘The 2010 range of vehicles will gradually be availed to Indian customers starting with Discovery 4. The upcoming range will be launched in a staggered fashion over the next three months.’

However, he refused to confirm or deny the prospective imports of Land Rover Defender in the Indian market. A dealership source told Auto Monitor that importing the ‘almost bare-bones Defender is not a viable business opportunity as the duty structure would make the pricing skewed.’

In other developments, Suri also confirmed that the sole dealership in Mumbai will be complemented with a dealership each in Ludhiana, Delhi, Bangalore, Pune and Chennai. The Mumbai outlet witnessed a brisk sale of 20 units, equally split between Jaguar and Land Rover cars, the most popular being the XF sedan.