Land Rover to Redesign Freelander for 2007

Off-road, it was better than most cute-ute pretenders, thanks to permanent all-wheel drive, a heavy-duty suspension and

While on paper the Freelander was impressive, in the flesh it was less than perfect. (Photo: Land Rover)

advanced electronics like Hill Descent Control. Of course, the famed Land Rover nameplate was a strong selling point, too.

In practice, the Freelander was less than perfect. Marred by a cheap looking interior, slow acceleration, poor gas consumption and a premium price tag, its initial sales boom quickly faded, with sales the last couple of years relying mostly on brand image. Today's recently updated model, while better, still lags behind most compact SUVs, especially in comparison to BMW's sublime X3, and to the Jeep Liberty, which tromps it off-road.

The upcoming Freelander is set to correct what was lacking with the first-generation model. It will be the next phase

Next-gen Freelanders are expected to ride on an all-new platform that's based on the Mk.II Ford Focus, shared with Mazda3 (shown) and Volvo S40. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

in Land Rover's brand overhaul which started in 2002 with the BMW-engineered Range Rover. Just this past year, the British icon pulled the wraps off its all-new Discovery replacement, the LR3, as well as the Porsche Cayenne- and BMW X5-bashing Range Rover Sport.

Next-gen Freelanders are expected to ride on an all-new platform that's based on the Mk.II Ford Focus (shared with Mazda3 and Volvo S40), modified to feature permanent all-wheel drive and a beefed-up suspension for light off-roading.