Following my recent test drive, I have been trying to understand the differences between the two models, as the HST in not based on the HSE as I thought.

The salesman told me it is based on the SE with a Leather pack, plus the bodykit, wheels, tints etc - Is this correct?

According to the April 2008 brochure I have, the HST misses out on the following from the HSE:

Memory function for seats
Six disc CD player
Alpine Audio 7.1 Dolby Pro logic system

If that's true, what sound system/CD player will it have?

Must admit I do like the look of the HST, but doesnt the kit hamper its potential off roader abilities? Plus they dont really seem worth it for the price premium. Am I missing something?

Also, the HSE car I test drove had perforated leather seats. Is this always standard or was this only introduced on 2008 models?

My only other problem is why arent xenons standard? I really want them and its going to make finding a used car much more difficult, as they seem as rare as hens teeth!

It is true that the HST is a SE with extras

or the way i look at it its a SE with a body kit they couldn't sell

Yes you will lose the 7.1 surround sound stereo, but in a car why would you want that in a car?

With the leather been added you may find the car comes with memory seats, but i am sure you will only get the standard electric seats.

Due to the body kit lowering the front and rear leading edges you will lose some degrees in the appraoch and departure angles.

Also you will lose the auto air recirulation and humidity sensors that the HSE has.

I not sure on the leather perforated seats, and the Xenons I think LR are the ones that would be able to answer why they are not standard, but then they maybe busy counting the money for those who have paid extra for them Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

There's a rundown of the differences here: http://www.freel2.com/forum/topic2219.html but you're right its based upon the SE so you just have to look at the SE spec and then the HST extras.

Yes, the kit will hamper off-road abilities, but be honest with yourself...will you take it off-road? your answer will depend on whether you should have the kit or not.

And I agree about Xenons, they should be standard and can only be ordered on a new vehicle unless you manage to find one second hand. Dealers tend to order stock without them. Phil

But the SE has a Six Disc CD Changer, but its not Dolby Pro Logic

So saying it's an SE with extras in not 100% true.

Chris.

Cheers all.

I didnt realise about the auto air recirulation and humidity sensors. And no arm rests either.

Agree with ChricC, if it hasnt got a 6 CD changer, how can it be based on the SE - which has one! It seems they are trying to make it as confusing as possible.

Agree about the xenons too, my last 4 cars have had them so dont want to be without them, and you would really expect a top of the range premium car to have them. There's a really nice black 57 plate HSE with Xenons and provacy glass on autotrader at the moment, hope it will still be around when I come to buy.

Have you taken a testdrive in a FL2 with armrests? - they make a BIG difference - much more comfortable! Now - 2017 BMW X3 M Sport Carbon Black
Gone - 2014 BMW X3 M Sport Space Grey, faultless!
Gone - 2011 Freelander 2 SD4 HSE Bali Blue with xenons
Gone - 2008 Freelander 2 TD4 HSE Rimini Red with bodykit

I've just purchased my second FL2 (see "My Freelander thread" and have a pretend HST. It is an SE with the full body kit. I have added Colour coded mirror caps and about to fit the 19inch chrome alloys. Once complete there will not be a massive diiference to my pretend HST and the real thing, apart of course the price tag.

I have the HST.

I can confirm that it has the arm rests, 6CD interchanger, as some peeps out there thought they may have been excluded.

On top of the SE spec you have as standard:

Metallic paint

19" Alloys

Privacy glass

The full body kit

Hope this helps Freelander 2 TD4 HST - With Santorini Black, Auto, Bi-Xenons, DAB Radio

Ooops forgot

The perforated leather seats too. Although the memory function is omitted Freelander 2 TD4 HST - With Santorini Black, Auto, Bi-Xenons, DAB Radio

It does all seem a bit smoke and mirrors from LR regarding the HST.

Why they didn't just take the HSE and throw on the bodykit and every other option available to make a HST I will never know. Once you've tasted GREY you'll never go back!

[quote="Gambba"]It does all seem a bit smoke and mirrors from LR regarding the HST.

Why they didn't just take the HSE and throw on the bodykit and every other option available to make a HST I will never know.[/quote]

............Because the price would be too high and there would be less HST's sold. By tarting up a cheaper model (HST"arted-up") LR will earn more dough by selling more.
It is still possible to purchase all the "chuck on bling and panels" on a HSE but you wont get the distinctiveness of an individual name on the boot if that is what turns you on - But it is still possible to stick an extra E (for Extra/Equisit/Extravagant/etc.) after HSE if that will make your ego shine a bit more
Personally I think it would be better if it was possible to order an FL2 without a model name on the boot door so that it was possible to be anonymous  2007 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Manual with Premium Pack & Moonroof.
Stornoway Grey with Ebony Black Pleather, Clear Indicators, Body Side Mouldings etc.

I think you can can't you? Pretty sure debadging the 'variant' as they call it is a no cost option in the book. 09MY FL2 Td4 XS, Style Pack, Privacy Glass, Martinique Blue.. oh so very blue..

I agree if they HST'ed the HSE it would be little over priced. Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

Frobius wrote:

I think you can can't you? Pretty sure debadging the 'variant' as they call it is a no cost option in the book.

Did'nt see that option when I was shopping, but ended up with one off the self anyway
I could remove the model name I suppose but I guess I like to let em know I gotta HSE  2007 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Manual with Premium Pack & Moonroof.
Stornoway Grey with Ebony Black Pleather, Clear Indicators, Body Side Mouldings etc.

I already think the HSE is overpriced  Phil