Freelander 2 Goes Commercial

Freelander 2 Commercial / Landrover

A bit of luxury for the tradesman

By Grant Edwardson
March 31, 2008 1:24 PM
Filed Under: European, Land Rover

Landrovers luxury Freelander 2 compact Sports Utility is getting the tradesman makeover. Since its launch back in 2006, dealers have been flooded with requests to provide a version of the baby Landrover that caters for the commercial market. Many customers want the utilitarian virtues of a commercial vehicle but don’t necessarily want to forgo the luxuries that their normal car/SUV provides. Landrover believe they have found the solution.

The Freelander 2 Commercial will be available in ‘S’ and ‘XS’ trim. Essentially the models will be exactly the same as a standard Freelander in front of the B pillar with the modifications being applied to the rear compartment only. The Freelander commercial will come equipped with a 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. All this will be separated from the driver’s cabin via a full-height solid bulkhead with an inserted mesh panel. The ‘XS’ model spoils the tradesman even further by offering 17” alloys, climate control, quality ICE system and even part leather trim. The Landrover is fitted with either a 3.2L straight 6 cylinder engine borrowed from its now estranged relative, Volvo, or a 2.2L turbo diesel 4 cylinder engine.

The Landrover will make its first public appearance at the Commercial Vehicle show to be held at the NEC in England on the 15th, 16th and 17th of April.

Source: Landrover

Press Release (Click to expand)

Gaydon, Warwickshire, 28 March 2008 – 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.

To arrange a test drive of or for more information on any of the Land Rover range please contact your local Land Rover dealership or log onto www.landrover.co.uk