As things stand, Audi Q3 S isn’t the only new budget end model in the premium SUV space. Tata Group owned British premium SUV maker Land Rover too has launched a cut-price variant of its Freelander 2.
Christened as the Land Rover Freelander 2 S Business Edition, the new variant of the Freelander 2 retains its auto ‘box, powerful motor and four wheel drive. It may be noted that Audi India decided to deprive the Q3 S off an automatic transmission, 4WD and gave it a less powerful engine.
Powering the Freelander 2 S Business Edition is the same 2.2-liter TD4 diesel engine that powers the regular variants. This engine has a max power of 150PS, along with a peak torque of 420Nm, and comes mated to a 6 speed auto box. Power is transmitted to all four wheels and the S Business also benefits from Land Rover’s Terrain Response system.
The new Freelander 2 S Business Edition misses out on sunroof, rear camera, puddle lamps for front door, armrest for driver and front passenger and electric adjustment for the driver and passenger seats.
However, the car continues to offer auto headlights, Xenon lamps, rain sensing wipers and front/rear parking sensors. The S Business comes with a 4.2-inch color display (vs 7-inch touchscreen unit with navigation on other variants) and an 80W 6 speaker unit (compared to 380W 11 speakers model for other variants).
The new Land Rover Freelander 2 S Business Edition goes on sale for a price of INR 37,63,111 (ex showroom, New Delhi), which means that the budget end model is as much as INR 3.5 lakhs cheaper than the earlier entry level variant of Freelander 2.