MY FIRST DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
I had the opportunity to drive some of the first Freelanders available in Canada. Testing grounds were in the James Bay area as described in our Little Bear Adventures. Actually, our type of driving would be closer to what a Land Rover owner would expect. Land Rover has the tendency to bring journalists to very difficult off-road grounds that very few Land Rover owners will ever try. But driving on ice and on bad muddy roads is more realistic.
Naturally, it was not ideal to check out the Freelander's acceleration or passing abilities. But it really felt like real-world testing. Getting behind the wheel, the driver notices that the dashboard is totally different from other Land Rover cars. It is more modern and seating is lower. The front hood seems a little long at first glance but it might be an optical illusion created by the low lines of the small truck. Front seats are comfortable and rear space is good. I sat in the rear for a moment and I appreciated the raised roof that helped a higher seating position and a better visibility. Rear cargo space is not huge but sufficient for a few small luggages. For more space, rear seat backs can be lowered.
The only roads I could drive on were covered with snow or ice. I also drove in mud. The Freelander accelerates with ease and passing power should be as convincing. Driving position is pleasant and the small ute was relatively quiet. Its engine was surely not noisy. On the ice highway to Port Albany, the Freelander gave good performance and its all-wheel drive system helped us keep the car on the road. Traction control on the front and the rear axle provide a safe system in icy curves. ABS braking and sticky Michelin M+S tires helped complete the picture. As the road got worst while it was melting, the suspension handled potholes with ease, bottoming at moments. The holes were rough and speeds were quite high for such circumstances, I must admit.
I had the opportunity to drive some of the first Freelanders available in Canada. Testing grounds were in the James Bay area as described in our Little Bear Adventures. Actually, our type of driving would be closer to what a Land Rover owner would expect. Land Rover has the tendency to bring journalists to very difficult off-road grounds that very few Land Rover owners will ever try. But driving on ice and on bad muddy roads is more realistic.
Naturally, it was not ideal to check out the Freelander's acceleration or passing abilities. But it really felt like real-world testing. Getting behind the wheel, the driver notices that the dashboard is totally different from other Land Rover cars. It is more modern and seating is lower. The front hood seems a little long at first glance but it might be an optical illusion created by the low lines of the small truck. Front seats are comfortable and rear space is good. I sat in the rear for a moment and I appreciated the raised roof that helped a higher seating position and a better visibility. Rear cargo space is not huge but sufficient for a few small luggages. For more space, rear seat backs can be lowered.
The only roads I could drive on were covered with snow or ice. I also drove in mud. The Freelander accelerates with ease and passing power should be as convincing. Driving position is pleasant and the small ute was relatively quiet. Its engine was surely not noisy. On the ice highway to Port Albany, the Freelander gave good performance and its all-wheel drive system helped us keep the car on the road. Traction control on the front and the rear axle provide a safe system in icy curves. ABS braking and sticky Michelin M+S tires helped complete the picture. As the road got worst while it was melting, the suspension handled potholes with ease, bottoming at moments. The holes were rough and speeds were quite high for such circumstances, I must admit.