23 Jun 06
The Freelander shares its overall interior design theme with the bigger Discovery and Range Rover. This is especially the case with the high-set 'Command' driving position and all the main controls are laid out just as they would be in a Discovery. It's a much cleaner design than the old model, which Martin Buffery - lead interior designer - describes as '110 components thrown together'.
Gone are the Ford parts-bin switches and buttons and in come new bigger, chunkier and higher quality components. The steering wheel (adjustable for rake and reach) is near-identical to the Discovery's, with large horn buttons and additional buttons for the stereo and cruise control.
In what is a growing trend for new cars, the Freelander has a key slot and a starter button on the dashboard. Land Rover's reasoning for this is that it removes the bulky electronics from the steering column, thus helping the Freelander's crash performance by preventing the driver from getting a knee-full of lock barrel.
There are numerous cubbies and drinks holders dotted around the cabin - the dual cup holder between the front seats is designed to hold anything from a can of Red Bull to a super-sized McDonalds milkshake (they've thought of the American market, then). All doors can hold a one-litre bottle and have extra space for other oddments.
The rear seat passengers sit a little higher than those up front to provide a better view out; as a result the roof is raised marginally to still provide plenty of head room. There's plenty of space for all occupants - something which couldn't be said of the old model - and the cabin feels light and airy, especially with the optional twin-panoramic sunroof. Past Freelander owners will be pleased to learn that the new car has height adjustment on the driver's seat - and electric adjust is available on high-end models. Individual front seat armrests also feature on higher spec cars, as does a centre armrest-cum-cubby for the rear seat passengers.
The interior is made from high-quality materials, with soft-touch surfaces used extensively. Trim detail is either silver and black 'pixel' plastic, or Eucalyptus wood-effect trim.
Boot space is increased compared with the old model, even though the spare wheel is now mounted under the boot cover (which is double-sided, carpet on one side, waterproof plastic on the other) with 755-litres of space on offer with the rear seats in place, rising to 1,670-litres with the seats folded flat.
