I read on one of the forum posts that post MY13 the FL2 incorporates a lot of what goes into the Evoque, presumably to reduce costs by use of common parts and systems as much as possible. Does anyone know what bits are identical? Is it just electronics or are there mechanical changes as well?
Apart from the instrument panel I know from my own experience that my 14 reg SD4 seems to be quieter than my previous FL2s and the suspension feels different too. 3 x FL1 2 manual + 1 auto
5 x FL2 4 manual + 1 auto
Now Discovery Sport P250 MHEV SE

Speaking of quieter yesterday I had a small drive in an i6. It was an identical model to mine but a very early 2007 model (56 plate). At a similar mileage (80K), it was, as expected, quieter than my TD4 but also very willing ( I didn't push it, but I know they are quick). Steering lighter too, but brakes soft (mine has braided hoses). Nice toy! 10MY (Sept 09) TD4 HSE Auto in Stornoway Grey (Now Gone)

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

ive had 2 manual TD4 and an auto TD4. The auto was huge amounts better than the manuals

Now ive got an SD4 Auto and it is even better than the TD4 auto.... it seems LR finally got the combination right.

I had the SD4 Manual Evoque and that was a nice drive, quick, handled really well and IMO the best all round car ive ever owned (even over the FL2 SD4 Auto)..... but the manual Evoque clutch set up was still fragile so the auto would win there for me again.

SD4 auto every time.

why does anyone want a manual?

My first F2 was a TD 4 manual, and I liked it a lot. I moved to a D3 which my bank loved, then when I came back into the fold I drove a TD4 manual back to back with an SD auto (well they are all auto) and it was a no brainer for me, the SD4 won hands down. The torque is better for towing the tin tent as well. Updated- Waiting for a Scotland v England 6 Nations home win. 24th Feb 2018
Gone-1972 88 SWB Soft top
Gone-1981 24v FFR Lightweight
Gone-2009 Freelander 2 TD4 GS manual
Gone before it bankrupted me- 2008 Discovery 3 TDV6 Auto
2013 Freelander 2 SD4 GS Auto

Its not just the engine spec which needs careful selection. Over its time the FL2 has got better and quieter. Below are some links to the changes.
Personally I would go for the latest, best equipped, SD4 you can find.

http://media.landrover.com/news/2010/08/la...eelander-2

https://www.whatcar.com/news/2013-land-rover-freelander-revealed/

http://media.landrover.com/news/2014/03/la...eelander-2

I have owned SD4's for the last 5years and I find it is a fantastic motorway cruiser, as well as having plenty of power to place yourself where you want to be. FL2 XS SD4 Auto 2010 2012-2017 (21k - 91k miles) (MY2011)
FL2 Metropolis SD4 Auto 2014 2017- (16k - 76k+ miles) (MY2015)

AW14 wrote:

why does anyone want a manual?

Reading the reports it appears that the consumption with the TD4 is significanly better than the SD4, can anyone confirm this

Depends how you drive it as well.  Updated- Waiting for a Scotland v England 6 Nations home win. 24th Feb 2018
Gone-1972 88 SWB Soft top
Gone-1981 24v FFR Lightweight
Gone-2009 Freelander 2 TD4 GS manual
Gone before it bankrupted me- 2008 Discovery 3 TDV6 Auto
2013 Freelander 2 SD4 GS Auto

BothyBob wrote:

Reading the reports it appears that the consumption with the TD4 is significanly better than the SD4, can anyone confirm this

In my experience the SD4 averages about 33 mpg actual (measured tank to tank), which reads about 34.5 mpg on the trip computer. (over about 5 years)
The best I have seen over any distance is about 40 mpg cruising about 60 mph on a motor way.

The FL2 is a capable vehicle, but not that economical.

Capability, visibility, and luxury come at price. FL2 XS SD4 Auto 2010 2012-2017 (21k - 91k miles) (MY2011)
FL2 Metropolis SD4 Auto 2014 2017- (16k - 76k+ miles) (MY2015)

agreed... but we don't expect economical when we buy a ''full time'' AWD Land Rover weighing 2.5 tons (and that's before we add people, cargo, dogs, tin tents, trailers.... )

those MPG figures are about what I get even with my concrete right foot , normal daily driving average 32-34mpg indicated

Lightwater wrote:

AW14 wrote:

why does anyone want a manual?

Agree!

I went for one! Must be an age thing with auto drivers  MY14 Kahn Converted Dynamic - Fuji White Ebony/Pimento Interior
MY15 Xenon Headlight Conversion

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

Well my 25 year old son is thinking of an SD4 Metropolis Auto as he enjoyed driving mine for a weekend(but wants to beat me on the age/spec )

He currently drives a manual Audi A5 2.0 TDi S-line convertible but is happy to have a FL2 Auto......