Fuel economy
Diesel economy is my only disappointment. Advertised 7L/100km, gets 8.2L/100km best ever, usually ~9.1L/100km. That's: 40mpg IMP or 33mpg US advertised, actual is 34mpgIMP/29mpgUS best, 31mpgIMP/26mpgUS worst
Ride smoothness
Ride - for an AWD with genuine off-road ability - is excellent, and is always commented on by passengers.
Front seat support & comfort
It's the ONLY car I've ever owned in 42 years where you can drive 500km, unpack, and cheerfully 'go for a drive'.
Powertrain performance
Turbo-lag is pronounced, followed by a massive torque surge. Passengers mistake this 110kw/420nm 2.2L diesel for a V8!! Relatively low power is only sometimes an issue in high-speed highway overtaking.
Reliability & durability
has been utterly reliable; has coped with serious off-road usage.
Price or payments
At ~AUS$50,000 drive-away they are about $5000 more expensive with anything comparable for on-off-road use. VW Tiguan/Subaru Forester diesel are about $45,000, but Audi & BMW are more expensive ($60-$75K) and the BMW in particular is a joke off-road.
Quietness
Wonderfully quiet - good on tar, stunning on gravel
Brand reputation & image
Land Rover have really, really lifted their game in the last 5-10 years. See the JD Powers surveys!
Exterior styling
Is ... a little non-descript, EXCEPT! - the back windows are designed for passenger comfort, particularly children can see out, and reversing vision is better than the trendoid Evoque. Evoque = Be Seen; Freelander = be used, loved, taken anywhere.
Interior styling
Is a little 'bitty' - ergonomics are buttons-hard-to-find for accessories like radio or air-con. Driving buttons like cruise or wipers are OK, though.
