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Land Rover Freelander 2 Commercial: less sport, more utility
Land Rover's versatility is legendary, but its detractors claim that its vehicles' utility has been sacrificed on the altar of luxury. Never willing to compromise, newly-acquired Land Rover has answered with the Freelander 2 Commercial.
The vehicle is essentially the same as the regular Freelander 2, only with some equipment removed and other features added to optimize the little truck's utility. The rear seats and side airbags have been jettisoned, replaced with a solid bulkhead, floor support frame, rubber cargo bay mat, lashing points and other handy features geared towards moving cargo instead of schoolkids. The Freelander 2 Commercial will make its official debut next month at the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham, England, and will be available in base S and loaded XS trim levels. More details in the press release after the jump.
[Source: Land Rover]
PRESS RELEASE:
Freelander 2 goes commercial
Due to significant customer demand, Land Rover will introduce a commercial derivative to the Freelander 2 product line-up. It will be showcased for the first time at the Commercial Vehicle Show at the NEC, Birmingham from April 15-17.
The Freelander 2 Commercial will be available in 'S' and 'XS' versions. The specification will be as a standard Freelander 2 at the respective trim levels, without rear seats and side airbags but with the addition of a full-height solid bulkhead with mesh panel, floor support frame, floor panel with lashing points, fixed rear side glass, rubber loadspace mat, tail door and side window guards and rear cargo lighting.
The 'XS' derivative benefits from Land Rover's acclaimed Terrain Response system, 17" alloys, powerfold mirrors, a full size spare wheel, front park distance control, part leather trim, automatic climate control and branded ICE.
"Since the launch of the Freelander 2 in November 2006, there has been high demand for a commercial derivative from our customers and dealers," commented John Edwards, managing director for Land Rover UK. "The Commercial offers supreme loadspace capability together with levels of ride, handling, comfort and equipment which will further re-define the compact 4x4 commercial segment."
The Freelander 2 Commercial goes on sale in the UK this month and will be priced from £20,775 on the road. As a commercial vehicle, it will benefit from being VAT and Company Car Tax exempt, adding to the appeal for business customers.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Joe 3:15PM (3/30/2008)
The rear wheel wells invade the cargo space. This was one of the primary reasons why I avoided the LR2.
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The Luigiian 3:20PM (3/30/2008)
Is this an LR2, or a different model entirely? I like its looks.
Couldn't afford it even if I wanted one, but it looks kinda nice in a cute way.
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Joe 3:29PM (3/30/2008)
Freelander 2 = LR2 in USA
The Luigiian 3:30PM (3/30/2008)
Thanks.
John 3:24PM (3/30/2008)
Darn, not yet. I was hoping to see some Tata's on Land Rover vehicles.
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Mwmorph 3:37PM (3/30/2008)
I don't understand the point, it's expensive, small, now lacks any people carrying capability and isn't exactly a good off roader, more of a soft roading vehicle.
What you've got is a work truck that fails at the 2 things work trucks need, cost effectiveness and off road ability.
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Irfan 3:54PM (3/30/2008)
that horse aint gonna fit.
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JR 4:01PM (3/30/2008)
It would help to change the title, as I thought that you meant "commercial" as in a tv advertisement.
That confused me for a good three minutes.
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teeb 6:22PM (3/30/2008)
Err, it's the name of the car.
Next thing you know, you'll want to change the name of the Ford Five Hundred in case you confuse it with the sequel to 300...
Sunny Brar 8:58PM (3/30/2008)
Well, in that case 300 was a prequel to Ford Five Hundred. 300 came after. =P
John 6:20PM (3/30/2008)
When I was in Norway, certain cars (like Range Rovers) had funny green plates. It was explained to me these were commercial vehicles with just two seats and were taxed at a lower rate. So it apparently made sense to use Range Rovers as work trucks there.
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Stuka 8:37PM (3/30/2008)
Isn't this basically an overpriced Ford Escape underneath the Land Rover skin? In which case the Ford can be had for quite a bit less money, even when fully loaded?
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Joe 12:01AM (3/31/2008)
not at all
Goober 12:14PM (3/31/2008)
Might as well be.
Chaz 8:39PM (3/30/2008)
I'd sooner an Astra van. I'd have big questions about reliability on this.
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MikeW 9:58AM (3/31/2008)
The rear strut suspension demands a little too much space.
Come on, look at the RAV4, no rear struts.
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