First look: Freelander heads upmarket

YOU’RE looking at the comprehensively updated, 2004 Freelander. Due on sale in both Europe and Australia during the first quarter of 2004, the keenly anticipated Freelander facelift comprises new front and rear styling and an all-new interior.

The UK’s top selling off-roader since its launch in 1997, Freelander will sport a new front bumper, grille and twin-pocket clear-lens headlamps, providing it with the distinctive family face pioneered by the new Range Rover.

While the restyled front bumper is now body coloured, the Range Rover-style headlights are said to deliver 70 per cent better light intensity.

The rear bumpers are also now body coloured, while Freelander’s tail-lights have been repositioned higher on the bumper.

“As well as being an international best-seller, the Freelander also invented a new segment – the compact premium 4x4 sector,” said Land Rover’s managing director Matthew Taylor in a press release.

“The latest changes are designed to improve the premium nature of the Freelander – and make it an even more desirable and successful vehicle,” he said.

Even more changes have taken place inside Freelander, with the significantly revised cabin featuring a new facia, instruments, switchgear, door trims, upholstery fabrics and seats that are claimed to offer better body and under-thigh comfort.

Mr Taylor said the new interior, which is also said to offer greatly improved material quality, was comprehensively re-styled to improve comfort and the feeling of luxury.

“We’ve paid particular attention to the interior. It’s where our customers spend most of their time with the car and the area where we knew there was room for improvement,” Mr Taylor said.

“Premium car buyers expect premium cabins and we are confident they will be impressed with the new Freelander’s interior.”

While European markets will be offered a new Freelander Sport derivative featuring firmer suspension and 18-inch alloys, the Australian Freelander range should continue to comprise V6 and turbo-diesel power in two body styles: a three-door featuring a detachable hardback or fold-up softback, and a five-door wagon.

Pricing and specification for Australian Freelanders is yet to be decided.

• Land Rover recently announced that production of the next generation Freelander will move to Halewood, alongside Jaguar's X-Type, from its current location at Solihull.