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Overall Rating |  |
A4 promises quality, refinement, safety, comfort and prestige. It's satisfying to own and drive, though less blatantly sporty than 3-Series. Never cheap, new or used, but holds its value well.
- Discreetly elegant 3 Series alternative
- Tauter and more responsive handling than previous A4
- Refined cabin is roomy for four
- 1.6 engine works hard in this heavy body
- High new prices, starting at over £18k
- Low-speed ride is slightly too firm
A4 shares its chassis platform and most engines with the Passat, but its price and profile aspire towards the prestigious A6, while its subtle styling lifts it into an altogether classier sector. It's very well built, very safe and very sturdy the kind of car can be driven hard with complete confidence. Interior space is quite generous for four adults, and just about adequate for five. The cabin is quiet and the seats are large and supportive. Luggage space is family-sized, though the Avant estate isn't as spacious as Mondeo, Vectra or Passat. Handling is crisp and almost agile considering the car's size. Ride is supple at all except low speeds on poor surfaces, and it remains composed even when pushed. Engines are well proven, though the 100bhp 1.6 and 1.9 TDi offer little excitement. Best balance between performance and economy comes from the 1.9 TDi 130 and 2.0 FSi units.
JD Power stars: 4
NCAP: 4
Best Models: 1.9 (130) Tdi SE, 2.0 Sport, 3.0 V6
Worst Models: 1.6
Replacement: 2008
Handling
Comfort
Quality & Reliability
Performance
Roominess
Running Costs
Value for Money
Stereo/Sat Nav
Reviews - Land Rover
Land Rover Freelander (1997-06) |
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The original Freelander is a practical alternative to a family estate car. Its smart looks, status and civilised manners are appealing but it's quite pricey to run. For
Against
Road Test
The Land Rover badge assures Freelander buyers that their money is going into quality 4x4 technology; it also boosts the desirability of this likeable 'lifestyle' 4x4. But with CR-V, RAV 4 and Forester (to name but three) breathing down its exhaust pipe, is Freelander really worth the extra? Two facelifts and many evolutionary changes since its 1997 launch have kept Freelander fresh. It holds its value well; costlier high specification cars are actually preferred by used car buyers. But reliability isn't up to Honda/Toyota/Subaru levels, and some rivals are also roomier. More than capable off-road, Freelander also drives sweetly around town - where many of them spend their lives. It rolls when cornered hard but is otherwise fairly agile and car-like. Most popular engine choice is the BMW-sourced 2.0 Td4, which pulls well and gives nearly 35 mpg. The 1.8i is quite adequate, but the livelier auto-only 2.5 V6 is thirsty. Need To Know
JD Power stars: 1 NCAP: 3 Best Models: 2.0 Td4 ES 5-door Worst Models: Thirsty V6 Auto models Alternatives
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