The Freelander is a compact crossover SUV from Land Rover. Introduced in 1998, during the preiod where Land Rover was part of BMW group, it competes with the Jeep Liberty, Toyota RAV4 and similar vehicles, and in North America in 2002 where it pioneered the premium compact SUV segment (since joined by the BMW X3 and others). There are a variety of models on the market, 3-door removable-top (SE3) and 5-door versions, diesel and petrol engines. Current US Freelander models are powered by MG Rover K-Series V-6 engines, and have mixed Auto/manual Tiptronic-style gearboxes; most have air conditioning, power steering, power windows and other amenities standard. Diesel and 1.8 petrol Engines are also offered in Europe.
While the Freelander is quite suitable for moderately rugged roads, it does not have a low range gear selection to master serious inclines or sufficient clearance for broken terrain. Its ABS, traction control, hill descent control features however make driving off-road a pleasant experience.
While some reports show the Freelander to be the most popular Land Rover model in Europe, sales of the Freelander in the United States have been slow. Just 5,430 were sold in 2004, adding up to just over 33,000 sold in the three years the car was offered in that market. Just 13 Freelanders were sold in the entire United States in the first two months of 2006, making it one of the slowest-selling vehicles available.
Production of the Mk I Freelander at the Lode Lane plant in Solihull is currently being run down, mostly due to the difficulty of obtaining engines after the failure of engine supplier and former sister company MG Rover. The car is in process of being replaced within the next 12 months.2007
A new 2007 Freelander will debut in September 2006 at the Paris Motor Show, sharing a stretched version of the Ford C1 platform with other Ford vehicles, and sharing substantial components with the Volvo XC60. It will be larger in every dimension than the current vehicle, with four doors and a transverse engine, possibly a Volvo-supplied straight-6 or Jaguar AJ-V6.
Unlike previous Land Rovers, this car will be manufactured alongside the Jaguar X-Type at Haleswood.
Freelander
Category:Crossover SUVs
Category:All wheel drive vehicles
Category:Ford C1 platform[ Visit the complete Wikipedia entry for Land Rover Freelander ]
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