THE most obvious change in the 2001-model Freelander facelift is the switch from four-cylinder petrol engine power to V6, and the introduction of a new turbo-diesel engine. But there are many others improvements. The engine has forced improvements in the transmission (now auto only with the V6), front-end structural design, and steering, braking and suspension systems. Other improvements centre on the air-conditioning system, standard dual front airbag deployment, switchgear placement and the number of standard luxury items on the ES spec. More specifically, the new V6 engine brings with it a new five-speed Steptronic semi-automatic transmission, the braking system has been substantially upgraded, the front-end has been redesigned and restyled to accommodate the new V6 engine, and the standard driver's airbag capacity was increased from 45 to 60 litres with the front passenger airbag increasing from 120 to 150 litres.