Freelander Comprehensively Improved For 2004

As before, there is a choice of three engines. The two engines first unveiled in the 2001 Freelander are carried over: the 2.5-litre petrol V6 and the award-winning 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel. The original but much-improved 1.8-litre lightweight four-cylinder petrol engine also continues, as the entry level option. The five-speed manual and five-speed automatic gearboxes are both improved for 2004.

For Europe, there is also a new Freelander model, the Sport. It rides on new 18-inch alloy wheels and uses lowered and firmer suspension to reduce roll and improve driver feedback. The result is more responsive driving behaviour on tarmac, and on smooth dirt or gravel roads.

The 2004 Freelander remains the king of off-roading among compact 4x4s. Its full-time four-wheel drive and a host of high-tech electronic systems, such as Hill Descent Control and Electronic Traction Control, allow the Freelander to wade through water, climb and descend slippery slopes, and give superb driver control when the going gets tough.

"The Freelander’s off-road engineering translates into real on-road driving benefits too," said Matthew Taylor. "Its higher, ‘command’ driving position allows driver and passengers to see more, and the full-time 4x4 system plus electronic controls offer more security when conditions turn treacherous – in snow, heavy rain or when hitting slippery patches on tarmac.

"The Freelander offers the traditional benefits of a premium 4x4, but with the handling and practicality of a premium car.

"Most important, it comes from Land Rover. We only make 4x4s. This engineering pedigree, we believe, gives the Freelander a big advantage over rivals from conventional car makers, whose 4x4s are usually full of compromises."

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