I've just traded up my three year old pre-facelift HSE TD4 for a new SD4 HSE. I got a standard HSE with the reverse camera and one of two bits of extra black plastic.

My first impressions are pretty good. The fuel efficiency has taken a nice bump upwards and the performance increase is welcome. I really enjoy the heated steering wheel and am looking forward to winter.

However, there are a few niggles.

I keyless system is pointless. I had an 06 Scenic that was properly keyless in that you did not need to take the key out of your pocket to get in and out the car and start it up. The new keyless system is pointless.

The electronic handbrake is similarly poorly thought out. On my old Scenic it came on automatically when you powered off. Instead on the Freelander you have to activate it, which is slower than pulling the lever. Again it seems like a job half done.

Another odd thing is the engine response when reversing. There is a lot of lag which makes you push the pedal more. Then you get scared a little in case you woosh backwards. It's a step down from the old model. I don't know if there's something wrong with it, but I'll mention it on my next trip to the dealer.

Also, another very minor niggle is that the boot takes more of a slam than the old one. About half of the time I fail to close it and have to reopen and go again. I guess I'll get used to giving it a bit of a slam.

On the whole, great new car, but some of the new features are poorly implemented.

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moved to my freelander

GuineaMac wrote:

Also, another very minor niggle is that the boot takes more of a slam than the old one.

I just switch my one off and the park brake comes on, without touching the switch.

EDIT- just realised its only manual cars that have automatic EPB  21MY Defender 90 S 3.0 D200

Welcome to the forum.

Hopefully you can get those niggles and enjoy the car.

Oh, and make sure to get some pics up.

Keyless start a big improvement on the old system of having to dock the key.
Agreed nowhere near as good as keyless entry but a step up. (Coming) 2016 RR Evoque td4 180 HSE Dynamc
(Going) 2013 TD4 GS Auto - Santorini Black with black leather. Cold Climate, UK Lighting & Armrest Packs. Privacy Glass. LR Rubber Mats. Full size spare.
60 000 miles averaging 35mpg

(Gone) 2010 TD4 Manual GS - Stornoway Grey. Sold at 3yrs old & 64k miles. Final average consumption 39.2mpg.

Think I'd prefer to press a button to get in. At least you know for definite if it is open and closed!

As for the EPB, I drive an auto and only apply the hand brake probably 50% of the time, so again I think it is probably a good thing it does not always engage automagically

As for the reverse gear thing, it's probably just a programming thing to stop people reversing too quickly and crashing!

Hope you enjoy your new HSE, I'm very tempted but still a bit pricey for me! Freelander 2 TD4 Auto, SE, Narvik Black, Alpaca full leather, Rear Headrest Entertainment System, 6 CD, 18 HSE Wheels, Privicy tints

Captain Worm wrote:

Think I'd prefer to press a button to get in. At least you know for definite if it is open and closed!