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.