Free Spirit: Land Rover Freelander 2005

Once upon a time, the Magsajo family went SUV-shopping. Riding the crest of and being engulfed in the pre-Asian crisis car boom, we figured we’d take a look at every available SUV in the market and consider all our options. Back then, the only Japanese choices were Honda’s CR-V, Toyota’s RAV4, Mitsubishi’s Pajero, Nissan’s Patrol and Isuzu’s Trooper. The only European brand available at the time was the Range Rover — no BMW X5s and X3s, no Volvo XC90s. There were also no Korean SUV alternatives like the Sorento or the Korando. Back then, the Rover’s price range approximated that of our modest 350 square meter home in booming Pasig. Obviously, the Rover’s price was way beyond our budget. I remember telling myself then how we’d probably never see the day when the Rover was within our purchasing capacity — hence the decision to go for the then brand new (compared to the rest of the choices, at least) Isuzu Trooper. I also remember vividly how much I thought I would appreciate a chance behind a Rover’s steering wheel, no matter how fleeting.

Fast forward to the present. A few weeks back, the father and son tandem of Willie and Mark Soong of Land Rover Philippines called this writer over to their office in Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue in Makati. Their aim was to send this writer off with a test drive made in heaven. They’d lend me one of the most affordable Land Rover models to ever hit Philippine streets and have me enjoy the beautiful beast for at least five days. I obviously did not need much convincing for such a tempting offer, which is why straight from the Domestic Airport, this newly-tanned writer — shorts and all — walked right into the Jaguar/Land Rover office. They sent me off, father and son, with these words, "Enjoy your drive." The Soongs, apparently, have a knack for stating the obvious.

The vehicle they allowed me to call my own for at least five days was actually not the most affordable Rover model available. That distinction belongs to the Freelander 1.8L S, which at P2.4M, is the one Rover model that can actually go toe-to-toe price-wise with the current Japanese crop of SUVs — albeit the high-end variety. I was sent home with a 2.5LV6 HSE, which sells for a more pocket-wrenching P3.25M. Of course, the big price jump also means a lot more goodies to go along with the car.

The Freelander V6, already blessed with a handsome facade, included such enticing goodies like leather seats, 17-inch wheels, illuminated vanity mirrors, a sunroof and a kick-@$$ harman/kardon® six disc sound system. After three years of test driving vehicles almost on a weekly basis, you’d think this writer would be beyond the point of getting impressed with mere looks, but a Rover will always have that certain mystique — hence the obvious appreciation and approval of this writer where the Freelander’s dimensions — both exterior and interior — are concerned. In fact the only drawback inside the Freelander V6 is the rather limiting headroom — which is understandable given the fact that it has a sunroof.

Driving the Freelander V6, one can get mesmerized at the disparities in terms of performance on different road conditions. For example, its five-speed automatic transmission seems to take to Metro Manila’s traffic-infested roads with ease — nothing stunning, nothing wildly impressive. But, shift out onto the manual shiftgate via the Commandshift™ EPA, and the Freelander V6’s 174 horses suddenly wake up, giving that extra boost you might find dandy when the need to overtake arises. The Freelander’s solid monocoque construction and independent suspension ensure tight response on paved roads at high speeds. Drive out to an off-road track, press the Hill Descent Control button, shift into the lowest gear, and watch as the Freelander does the thinking and the braking for you. Electronic Traction Control will also come in handy at this point. A recent day trip to nearby Tagaytay proved all this.

Now, here’s the caveat. If you are able to shell out a little more than three million bucks for a car that looks and drives this good, does it necessarily follow that the continuous oil price hikes matter little to you? It should. The Freelander V6 is one thirsty animal. It’ll do around six kilometers to a liter (maybe eight if you’re really well behaved) on any given day. Other than that, maintenance costs should be negligible. All Land Rover models are, after all, backed by a three-year/100,000 kilometer new vehicle warranty, a six-year/unlimited mileage corrosion perforation limited warranty and the Land Rover Road Recovery 24-hour service.

So, ten years after dreaming of driving a vehicle that would’ve cost as much as a small house, what did we find when we finally got to drive one that now costs as much as a small condo? A vehicle worth all the hype. The Freelander V6 is good-looking, responsive, and comfortable — if not really frugal. If I had the money, this is one vehicle that would be in my list of things to buy. Unfortunately, I’d have to sell my 86 square meter condo to do such a thing now. Still, the five days I had as a Freelander owner were five days that I’ll take with me to my grave. Damn, it felt good!