Quick question if you don't mind.

Went to see a Freelander today, (2004 TD4 HSE Auto) and although I won't be buying this one due to it having too many faults that I could tell straight away (knackered drivers window mech, knackered rear pass window mech, very rusty sunroof frame at the rear edge, blow on the exhaust) although being described as excellent by the dealer...I have a question regarding the HDC

Out for a test drive by myself, and not on an inclination, I put it in 1st, and pressed the HDC button. Light on the dash came on. I set off slowly, say 10 mph tops then backed off.

When I did this, there was quite a bit of 'chattering' noise coming from the box/almost like under your feet area. Repeated a couple of times, and the same happened.

Is this normal, or what is it?

I've yet to try another Freelander, but just wondered if this was the norm?

yes the chattering is normal it is the abs side of the brakes taking over the hdc relies on how much of the gas pedal is being used

Ok thanks.

It's just seamed a bit slower than the ABS noises that I've heard in the past.

At least the HDC worked

The abs activates differently when hdc requests it. The time between pulses (or batches of pulses) is different to emergency braking.

Freelander 1 v6 Hill Descent Control Demo Down Hill On Snow - YouTube

perfectly normal yes. although if you have never felt it before and your not expecting the usual reaction is a cry of 'what the f*** was that'!