Category: Small 4x4s 
Price Range: £15,995 to £26,595
Still has one of the best images going, even if BMW is trying to spoil the party with its X3. Updates have addressed criticisms of the interior, which is now more ergonomic and upmarket in feel.
Hasn't yet shed reputation for unreliability. No seat height or steering wheel reach adjustment. The V6 is too thirsty and the 1.8 too slow, leaving the 2.0 diesel as the only engine to go for.
In spite of everything, the Freelander inspires huge loyalty among many of its customers. It is, arguably, the most characterful 4x4 at this end of the market, even if it is no longer the best.
Even though the Freelander is five years into its life, it's still a good two years away from replacement. And while it had been Europe's best-selling SUV, it lost that title in 2002 to the Toyota RAV4. The competition has become even stiffer for the Freelander, with BMW's X3 turning up the heat considerably. Hence, the 2004 model gets significant upgrades, especially to the oft-criticised interior. Cosmetically, the exterior gains a more robust-looking body-coloured bumper, twin-pocket, clear lens headlights a la Range Rover and a fresh grille. The taillights have been positioned higher, too, to make them more visible and reduce the grime they pick up.
Mechanically, there aren't any significant changes - the Freelander has retained its old Rover 1.8-litre K-Series petrol engine, a 2.5-litre V6 and 2.0-litre 16-valve diesel. And it's still available as a three-door Softback (with removable canvas roof section), three-door Hardback or five-door Station Wagon format. Significantly, though, you can now specify your Freelander in Sport guise, which lowers the ride height by 30mm, stiffens up the suspension and fits 18-inch alloy wheels - Land Rover says it's the best handling car they've ever made.
15 versions from £16,800 to £25,800 (estimated).
Latest Readers' Drives About the Land Rover Freelander
wrote on 09 11 2007
wrote on 13 09 2007
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wrote on 03 07 2006