Had a 64 plate SD4 SE on loan yesterday for the second time whilst LR serviced my car. Apart from the fact this was a manual SD4 against my Auto TD4 the difference in the cars ride was very noticeable.

Now I know there is a power hike on the SD4 and of course the gearbox but with the same size tyres what would be the real changes between the years to make such a difference.

There was a noticeable lack of roll in the new car and the whole car felt less 4x4 and more evoque, (which I've also had on loan)

Could this be purely down to tyres or other changes I do not know about. I run 235 60 18 Federal Couragia and the new car was on Pirelli of the same size.

My car is in top condition with just over 60k on it, what do you guys think??

A manual SD4 in a Freelander 2

It must have been a TD4 manual MY14 Kahn Converted Dynamic - Fuji White Ebony/Pimento Interior
MY15 Xenon Headlight Conversion

MY17 RRS SVR - Estoril Blue Cirrus/Ebony 🪣💺’s

Yes, would have been a TD4 and the difference in ride will be the difference in miles on the suspension, I don't think anything was changed in respect of springs and dampers, probably just down to them being newer and tighter.

I bow to your superior knowledge, I thought they were all the later engine, hard to tell with the gearbox.


Im sure Ive seen SD4 auto? is this not the case as thats what I want next year.

your car is over 6 years old and has done 60K so there will be a slight difference in handling, etc compared to a new vehicle.


Iain

Pete123 wrote:

I bow to your superior knowledge, I thought they were all the later engine, hard to tell with the gearbox.


Im sure Ive seen SD4 auto? is this not the case as thats what I want next year.

Well they say you should learn something new every day. As Ive only really been interested in the autos I never noticed they are the only uprated engines.

Makes my search for the right car easier next year.


BTW great forum that has helped me on more than one occasion during the two years of owning the Freelander.

Autos can have either engine (£1K premium for the SD4), but the manuals are only available with the TD4.

(N.B. current SE/SE Tech/Metropolis specs are SD4 only for the autos, but prior to that either engine was available.)

taztastic wrote:

Yes, would have been a TD4 and the difference in ride will be the difference in miles on the suspension, I don't think anything was changed in respect of springs and dampers, probably just down to them being newer and tighter.

Like said plus bushes will be worn, bearings may be a little less fresh

Back when I was converting my defender from road to offroad type, I changed all the bushes and suspension and the difference was shocking  Freelander 57 plate XS Blue Auto

Having looked for federal couragia tyres on the net and not finding them that easy can I assume that these are a budget tyre.

I have experience with road tyres and track tyres for sports cars but not really with 4x4.

So the question is, would I get any benefit from changing to a better tyre such as the Perelli verde, would this improve the ride on my freelander.

Also my fuel consumption is awful, perhaps better tyres will help?

Pete, I am on my second FL2. First was a 08 manual SE running on Goodyear Wranglers. Present MY10 HSE auto came to me with Pirelli Scorpions. With both cars I ran/run Avon Ranger Ice over winter. The Wranglers seemed good and lasted well (good for 38-40K per set), although some members report tyre noise @ 4mm & below. The Pirellis seem quieter and hopefully will last as well. My Avons are the best on smooth ride and, as expected, very confident in the wet and ice/snow. Regarding fuel consumption, my averages on the manual were about 33mpg and on the auto 30mpg. If you are getting any better, you are doing well! See the fuel pump icon in my sig for my fuel history. I have not noticed any real consumption differences between tyre brands/types. See the Fuel Consumption thread for more info on forum members fuel usage. The Pirelli Verdes seem to be highly rated for economy so I may try them next when change is due.

Bob 10MY (Sept 09) TD4 HSE Auto in Stornoway Grey (Now Gone)

08 FL2 TD4 SE Manual in Rimini Red (Now Gone)