After a difficult birth, the baby Land Rover has found its feet 4 but has walked into a fiercely competitive and expanding market of premium compact SUVs. NEIL DOWLING reports. July 2011

BMW X1 20d
price
$55,580

VALUE: The X1 is on par with the Freelander on most specs but doesn’t have as many features. The Freelander shouts about its off road ability but don’t dismiss the X1’s brilliant all-wheel drive and sophisticated electronics when things get slippery. But costly engineering isn’t visible and buyers may be let down by the lack of goodies compared with the Land Rover. Star: 3/5

TECHNOLOGY: The everlasting 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine is still on duty and still delivers. It drives a six-speed auto here. If you want to save money, the six-speed manual is a delight. Bigger news is the refinement of the all-wheel drive system that is just so clever. I successfully drove this on snow and ice and couldn’t believe how it found grip. Stra: 4/5

DESIGN: Clearly an evolving family member, the X1 looks like an X3 which resembles an X5. It’s a functional unit but its long snout doesn’t make it as pretty as the Freelander, Tiguan or most other rivals. It has about the same cabin room as the Freelander, meaning short hauls for four adults. The dash is simple, workable and very Teutonic but fails to reflect the car’s price tag. Star: 3.5/5

SAFETY: Well, it’s a BMW – that really says it all. It equates to the Freelander, though has one less airbag, which means all the best plus a brilliant drive system to ensure that it stays on track. Star: 4.5/5

DRIVING: The engine doesn’t have the oomph of the Freelander, is noisier but is still an enjoyable drive.
Handling is sporty. It’s more economical than the Freelander (6.2L/100km average). Steering is direct, the ride is firm-ish and seems to lack compliance over rutted bitumen. Star: 4/5

SCORE: 3.5/5

LAND ROVER FREELANDER TD4 SE
price
$55,310

VALUE: Luxury compact SUVs aren’t cheap and in the case of the Freelander and X1, you have to dig deep to justify value against, say, the $39,190 Tiguan turbo diesel auto. The Freelander wins, however, with a purposeful and attractive body, strong performance, great fuel economy and a sense that this one’s built a lot better than its predecessors. Star: 3.5/5

TECHNOLOGY: New for 2011 is a refined version of the 2.2-litre turbo diesel four mated to a six-speed auto. Terrain Response, a four-mode switch that adjusts engine/gearbox/chassis electronics, adds to its ability to actually go off the bitumen.
Full-time 4WD with a Haldex rear diff is neat, as is the energy recovery system to top up the battery. Star: 3.5/5

DESIGN: It’s a carefully chamfered shoebox in the mould of big sibling, the Range Rover, though now gives way to the Evoque. Definitely well proportioned and looks good at the kerb in a posh suburban shopping strip. Has room for four adults but longer runs can get tight. Good boot, easy access, a load of features, a sensible dashboard with subtle macho overtones and quality textiles. Star: 4/5

SAFETY: It’s up with the best, boasting five-star crash rating, seven airbags, all the possible electronic gizmos for the chassis including hill descent and roll-over mitigation. The safety package shows good attention to detail and embraces off -road conditions. Full-size spare wheel helps. Star: 4.5/5

DRIVING: It’s quick thanks to heaps of low-end torque and the six cogs in the auto box and can surprise other road users with its urgency. Fuel economy is excellent (7.0L/100km) given its verve. Good comfort, brilliant vision, quick steering and quietness at cruising speed all make it feel more a car than an SUV. Star: 4/5

SCORE: 4/5

VERDICT: The BMW is for the driver who wanted a coupe but needed more room. The more refined Freelander is for the Range Rover buyer who has downsized. Emotion, and perhaps a bit of badge appeal, will sway different people each way. For me, it’s Freelander.
Freelander – 19.5pts
BMW X1 – 19pts