Vehicle Tests > Driven - Freelander Stop/Start

Land Rover is claiming an improvement from 37.7 to 42.2mpg, which as a result of something as simple as shutting down the engine briefly is quite a difference and one that will make the potential Freelander owner think twice. There's a requisite reduction in emissions too from 194 to 179g/km though LR engineers say the improvement is as significant as 18 percent in heavy traffic. The Stop/Start feature is activated every time you turn the engine on, however it can be deactivated completely via a dashboard mounted button. The engine will only shut down if the ECU deems it necessary to do so, so in the event of a hot summer day, the engine will keep running to make sure the AC works as intended. The only other interior addition is an indicator in the instrument cluster known as the 'gear shift up' light that indicates the optimum section of the rev range to shift gears and maximise efficiency.
Given that the system operates via the Freelander's starter motor, there's more load placed on it and as such, it's been replaced by a significantly uprated unit with a revised ring gear and a long life battery. While this Stop/Start system is undoubtedly clever, there's already a newer version in the works that delivers almost silent start up.

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In short, the Stop/Start feature is clever and almost unnoticeable from the get go. And if you're keen to improve your fuel economy around town, but still want to own a 'proper' off road capable vehicle, it's well worth thinking about. Taking into account the fact that there will be no increase in retail price, the Stop/Start is definitely something to consider. It's only available on manual models though so that unfortunately precludes auto buyers.

 

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