Not Satisfactory

Ever owned something that is all hype and zero substance? Well, if you haven't, then the Land Rover Freelander 2 is exactly what it is. Thoroughly disappointing on several fronts, it is an absolutely substandard product. Let me do a complete review for you and save you from wasting several millions like me.

1. The seats are very small for an SUV (or so they call it). Even hatchbacks these days provide comfortable, decently large seats but not the Land Rover Freelander 2.

Their size is 19”*19” whereas the average seat size in other SUVs is 19”*21”. A person taller than 5 feet 10 inches will definitely be very uncomfortable. It is not a car for a family of tall people. Another glitch: it offers zero thigh support. 2. Who moves out of the home without their cell phone, wallet and sun glasses? No one. And yet this car does not provide any space to place these articles of basic requirement. So if you think this automobile has been created with a lot of thought and planning, you’ll be left unsatisfied.

3. For places where it gets moderately warm any time of the year, this car is a complete no-no. With no cooling compartment, you have no place to store away water, juices and sodas while going on a long journey under the summer sun. SUVs priced in the range of Rs. 15-25 lakhs provide you with this facility but not the highly priced Land Rover Freelander 2.

4. The car does not provide roof-rails which even a small car such as Maruti Suzuki’s Wagon R has. Even I asked for the same, I was told that it’s an added accessory. I fail to fathom how. Luggage carrier is an accessory which is totally understandable but not roof-rails.

5. Sunroof is appropriate for the weather of European countries but definitely not where the sun is hardly ever mellow such as in India. No hardcover is provided to protect the people sitting inside the car from outside temperature that can reach to an unbearable 45 degrees in the tropics.

6. Boot space is the size of four cabin baggage which is very small considering the fact that it is a vehicle meant for off-roading and long trips. If a family of four wishes to take a 7 day road trip, there is no chance they will ever able to take all their desired belongings with them.

7. Apparently, the SUV is for off-roading. But the company fails to provide mud flaps. And imagine the irony; the option of driving in mud is given. I mean seriously?

8. The window control is way above the elbow level which further mars a comfortable driving experience.

9. The Land Rover Freelander 2 is not value for your money. I think it is only the brand name behind this poorly planned and created vehicle which has been driving sales so far.

10. The basic accessories which other SUVs provide free of cost are not given by Land Rover, if one wishes to purchase them later, the amount equals the price of a hatchback.

11. The air conditioner does not have a rear vent which implies that all the four passengers in the automobile will have to bear with the cold in equal measure. If a person sitting on the front seat is cold and wishes to turn up the temperature, he/she is rendered helpless in order to keep the rear seat passengers from feeling uncomfortable. If a moderately ranged Tata Safari can provide this amenity, I wonder what was stopping the ostentatious Land Rover from doing the same.

12. I previously owned a Hyundai Santa Fe and I must say that it has better comfort and more facilities than the Land Rover Freelander 2 which is more computerized and apt for a robot. The only positive about the car is that it offers the driver a smooth driving experience and has a sturdy, powerful engine. The sales personnel advised me to take a test drive of the vehicle, but my blind faith and trust in brand Land Rover prevented me from doing so. I suggest you do not make a mistake as grave as mine. Before you spend an overwhelming amount of money on this car, I would definitely suggest you to compare it t other SUVs in the same price bracket and only then take a call. Nothing brag-worthy about the Land Rover Freelander 2.