Land Rover has released engine and pricing details for the facelifted Freelander 2 - with fresh looks, a revised diesel engine and a new eco-friendly two-wheel drive option. Due on sale in the UK from September 2010, the current entry level model in the Land Rover family benefits from a new 2.2-litre diesel engine available with either 147 - or 187bhp outputs, a new look exterior plus interior improvements including redesigned instrument dials.

Land Rover's new TD4 turbodiesel engine is available with 147bhp and is mated to a manual transmission with stop-start technology as standard. The new SD4 engine, producing 187bhp, is available with an automatic transmission only. Emissions of CO₂ are 165- and 185g/km respectively. The Freelander 2 SD4 accelerates from 0-62mph in 8.7 seconds with a top speed of 118mph.

Land Rover will also offer a front-wheel drive model, available from January 2011. A must, to be competitive with its rivals and help the brand to reduce its average CO₂, the new version will be badged Freelander 2 eD4 and will return a combined fuel consumption of 47.2mpg with CO₂ emissions reduced to 158g/km. A six-speed manual transmission featuring stop-start technology will be standard.

Land Rover managing director Phil Popham said: "The new Freelander 2 eD4 moves Land Rover into the hugely popular and fiercely contested two wheel-drive SUV market. The European market for two-wheel drive SUVs represents 23 percent of the segment and we intend to compete strongly here" A revised front bumper with new fog lamp bezels, a redesigned front grille and updated lights front and back give the mid-size SUV a fresh look for 2011. New look 18- and 19-inch alloy wheel are also available. A Premium Pack featuring leather trim and electric adjustment seats is available as an option.

Prices are as follows:

Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4 S: £21,695
Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4 GS: £24,995
Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4 XS: £28,495
Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4 HSE: £32,995
Land Rover Freelander 2 SD4 GS: £27,510
Land Rover Freelander 2 SD4 XS: £31,010
Land Rover Freelander 2 SD4 HSE: £35,510

An automatic gearbox is standard on the SD4 model and a £1,515 option with the TD4 engine. The two-wheel drive eD4 model will be available in the UK from January 2011. Prices will be announced closer to launch.

Shane Hickey - 4 Aug 2010