The little Freelander is basically an all-wheel drive wagon that sends 90 to 95% of its power to the front wheels under normal circumstances but instantly transfers up to 45% of the power to the rear wheels if front slippage occurs. There is no lever on the floor to put it or keep it in four-wheel drive but there is a switch on the console that allows the usage of the famous Hill Descent function pioneered by Land Rover in low gear or reverse. Thus, in more serious conditions, a Freelander can tackle a steep incline without barreling down the hill. It could be considered as a form of LO4 gear.
Power comes from a totally new all aluminum 2.5-litre DOHC V6 that delivers 175 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. This very smooth and quiet power plant is coupled to a 5-speed Jatco automatic transmission that includes the Steptronic characteristic that allows manual shifting. Suspension is independent all around and once again, Land Rover took great care in creating robust control arms with a variable form of travel (up to seven inches or 180 mm). Note that the axles going to the wheels are of bigger diameter than those of the competition. Remember, it's a Land Rover and it has to go off-road. Braking is done through four-wheel disks and that includes ABS, a system that combines also as the traction control and the Hill Descent Control.
Only the four-door version will be sold in North American (there is a three-door and a convertible version in Europe). Land Rover told us that more than 70% of the original Freelander unveiled in 1998 was changed. When the car goes on sale next fall, it will have a uniform interior colour treatment (black, grey or beige) and some other parts will also be redesigned (as the cup holders, the gas cap and the tail lamps). Land Rover Canada is aiming at a $35,500 to $43,000 price range that will compete with high end Foresters, Escapes, Tributes and RAV 4's. In a typical Land Rover positioning, the Freelander will be upscale and luxurious and should bring over buyers of European cars such as Volvo or BMW. There will be three models starting from the S, the SE and the HSE. Base model will have 16-inch wheels and the two top versions will be equipped with 17-inch wheels but all will have Michelin tires. Harmon Kardon sound systems will be offered as options.
Power comes from a totally new all aluminum 2.5-litre DOHC V6 that delivers 175 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. This very smooth and quiet power plant is coupled to a 5-speed Jatco automatic transmission that includes the Steptronic characteristic that allows manual shifting. Suspension is independent all around and once again, Land Rover took great care in creating robust control arms with a variable form of travel (up to seven inches or 180 mm). Note that the axles going to the wheels are of bigger diameter than those of the competition. Remember, it's a Land Rover and it has to go off-road. Braking is done through four-wheel disks and that includes ABS, a system that combines also as the traction control and the Hill Descent Control.
Only the four-door version will be sold in North American (there is a three-door and a convertible version in Europe). Land Rover told us that more than 70% of the original Freelander unveiled in 1998 was changed. When the car goes on sale next fall, it will have a uniform interior colour treatment (black, grey or beige) and some other parts will also be redesigned (as the cup holders, the gas cap and the tail lamps). Land Rover Canada is aiming at a $35,500 to $43,000 price range that will compete with high end Foresters, Escapes, Tributes and RAV 4's. In a typical Land Rover positioning, the Freelander will be upscale and luxurious and should bring over buyers of European cars such as Volvo or BMW. There will be three models starting from the S, the SE and the HSE. Base model will have 16-inch wheels and the two top versions will be equipped with 17-inch wheels but all will have Michelin tires. Harmon Kardon sound systems will be offered as options.