Freelander Opens Its Doors

[BMWDave]

Freelander Opens Its Doors


The Freelander's back! Auto Express revealed pictures of Land Rover's all-new entry-level SUV in issue 855, but the current issue of the mag features the best pics yet of the newcomer, including an exclusive look inside the cabin for the first time.

Clearly taking its inspiration from the recently launched Discovery 3, the Freelander has a slab-sided look similar to its big brother. Much of the styling ahead of the A-pillar appears to be carried over from the current model. But underneath the thin disguise, it's clear the car will be given a boxier rear end with larger light clusters.

Inside, our picture of the centre console is a world first, and reveals a substantially upgraded interior. The cabin will shift upmarket with higher quality materials and luxurious new equipment, while the dashboard will house the controls for a simplified version of the Discovery's Terrain Response System, which will guarantee off-road capability to match class rivals.

Surprisingly, the new Freelander will be based on the same platform as Ford's next-generation Mondeo. The increased chassis size will be reflected in the SUV's external dimensions, which will be bigger all round compared with the existing model. In an effort to move the 4x4 upmarket, Land Rover has taken the decision not to build a three-door variant. And with the demise of MG Rover, the Freelander will no longer be powered by its K-Series engine. That unit was supplied by Powertrain, a division of the failed firm. The car seen here will use brand new powerplants from Ford. Whether buyers choose either petrol or diesel versions, refinement will be significantly improved over the outgoing car.

Although bosses have yet to make an official announcement, it's thought the new Freelander will make its official debut at the British Motor Show in London next July. The 4x4 will then appear in dealerships before the end of 2006 - but buyers should expect a price hike. The rise is designed to distance the Freelander from budget rivals, such as Suzuki's latest Grand Vitara and Hyundai's forthcoming new Santa Fe.
Chris Thorp

[ifcar]

Where are the pictures?

[TBR]

What engine do you guys think this will have, the new 3.5l Duratec or the new Volvo I5?  

[BMWDave]

Where are the pictures?

The pictures are only in the magazine.

[BMWDave]

What engine do you guys think this will have, the new 3.5l Duratec or the new Volvo I5?

Maybe both, but the I5 I think is more compact, so it may be used.

[TBR]

Where are the pictures?

The pictures are only in the magazine.

Do you get the magazine? If so, scan it in. Afterall, this thread is useless without pictures!  

[BMWDave]

Where are the pictures?

The pictures are only in the magazine.

Do you get the magazine? If so, scan it in. Afterall, this thread is useless without pictures!

I dont get the magazine, as its a British Publication only published overseas, so I cant scan them

[TBR]

Where are the pictures?

The pictures are only in the magazine.

Do you get the magazine? If so, scan it in. Afterall, this thread is useless without pictures!

I dont get the magazine, as its a British Publication only published overseas, so I cant scan them

That is unfortunate, maybe wimmer gets it...  

[TBR]

Now I am really pissed, Dodge has dropped their yellow too!  

[ifcar]

Wrong thread.

Oh well, there's still the F-150, the yellow is still widely available there.

[BMWDave]

Wrong thread.

Oh well, there's still the F-150, the yellow is still widely available there.

Wow, that rarely happens...TBR must be having a bad day  

[TBR]

Wrong thread.

Oh well, there's still the F-150, the yellow is still widely available there.

Oh crap, I just realized that I was the one that posted in the wrong thread, I was trying to figure out what yellow F-150s had to do with Land Rovers .  

[BMWDave]

Wrong thread.

Oh well, there's still the F-150, the yellow is still widely available there.

Oh crap, I just realized that I was the one that posted in the wrong thread, I was trying to figure out what yellow F-150s had to do with Land Rovers .

Wow, thats a first too....doubly bad day for you