Freelander 2 scores 5 ENCAP stars

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media bulletin – Land Rover

Freelander 2 scores 5 ENCAP stars

26 March 2007

Land Rover's all new Freelander 2 has been awarded the top five star rating in the European New Car Assessment Programme (ENCAP) for adult passenger safety. It also achieved four stars in the child protection category.

In both the adult and child ratings it achieved the highest points of any vehicle in its category, making the Freelander 2 best in class for occupant safety.

"Safety is of paramount importance for Land Rover and for Freelander 2 to be the only compact SUV to be awarded the maximum five star rating is a fantastic achievement," said Wallis Dumper the Managing Director of Motorcorp Distributors, the New Zealand importer of Land Rover vehicles.

Other safety features on Freelander 2 include advanced stability and traction aids, including Electronic Traction Control, Dynamic Stability Control and Hill Descent Control and the new Gradient Release Control system, which improves driver control on steep hills.

Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Emergency Brake Assist and Corner Brake Control all help avoid accidents – as does the command driving position that provides improved visibility, giving the driver a better view of the road ahead.

Secondary safety starts with the strong monocoque body and its inner ‘safety cell’. Front and rear crumple zones are designed to help absorb as much energy as possible during an impact. The ultra-high-strength steel door beams further assist side-impact protection. Front seat belts have dual pre-tensioners, and all Freelander 2 models feature seven airbags.

Despite not being launched in New Zealand until June, the ENCAP award is one of several already received by the Freelander 2. Top Gear magazine recently named the Freelander 2 as ‘SUV of the Year’. It has also been voted Best Compact 4x4 by WhatCar? magazine.

The Freelander 2 will be available in New Zealand in both petrol and diesel engines. Customers can chose between the 3.2 I6 petrol engine or the 2.2 TD4 engine. Both models share the same price of $69,990.

ENDS

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