On top, there are roof rails that run down the back of the vehicle that not only give the SE3 a distinctive appearance, but are ideal for hauling the kind of equipment Freelander SE3 owners are likely to take with them -- like snow and surf boards, kayaks and mountain bikes.
Freelander SE3 comes standard with air conditioning, power windows, cruise control, power steering, heated front windscreen, side view mirrors and rear window. The interior provides room for five, with supportive front bucket seats, a 60/40 split rear bench and convenient storage space throughout the cabin. There is 46.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded.
EUROPEAN HANDLING
The SE3 shares the 5-door Freelander's variable intake 24-valve, 174hp V6 engine and CommandShift(TM) five-speed automatic transmission. Factor in a fully independent suspension and Freelander SE3 drives more like a small sports sedan than a traditional SUV.
Freelander uses four-wheel independent MacPherson strut suspension with coil springs all around. This design provides generous amounts of wheel travel and outstanding bump control. The steering is rack-and-pinion with a 38-foot turning circle. The actual steering rack is mounted on the firewall, up and away from road hazards.
Freelander is also exceptionally surefooted. Land Rover engineered the company's innovative Hill Descent Control (HDC) to act in place of low range gearing, thus assuring safe, sure travel down steep slopes. HDC uses the ABS sensors to repeatedly pulse the brakes -- particularly on the downhill wheels -- thereby allowing the vehicle to descend at no more than 5.6 mph.
In keeping with Land Rover's off-road reputation, Freelander SE3 has four- wheel electronic traction control (4ETC) and anti-lock brakes (ABS) that work both on- and off-road.