LAND ROVER REVEALS UPGRADES TO EUROPE'S BEST-SELLING 4 X 4

Land Rover Freelander, 2002 model year.

Freelander, first launched in 1997 received significant revisions in 2000. These revisions included new engines - a 2.5-litre, 177 PS V6 petrol engine and a 2.0-litre, common rail, Td4 112 PS turbo diesel engine. The V6 engine is mated to a 5-speed automatic gearbox with Steptronic, which is available on the diesel engine as an option. More importantly these changes opened the way for the introduction of Freelander into new markets such as Japan and the Middle East.

Freelander will make its debut in the US market in December, 2001. The US introduction will be marked by improvements in feature levels, revisions to interior trim and exterior styling updates that will be available world-wide.

Exterior Update

Freelander external styling is revised for 2002 with a colour change on exterior mouldings to black. This includes front and rear bumpers, wheelarches, sill finishers, tail door cladding and fuel filler cap. Rear indicator lamp lenses located in the rear bumper change to a clear/smoke effect to refresh the external appearance. Two new colours are introduced for 2002 – Vienna Green and Zambezi Silver replacing Kent Green and Blenheim Silver. Exterior appearance is also enhanced by a new range of alloy wheels. The 16 inch 'Active' alloy wheel is fitted to 1.8 litre, 4-cylinder models while the 17 inch 'Trek' wheel is optional on 1.8 and Td4 diesel models. The 17in 'Evolution' wheel is fitted as an option to V6 models only.

Increased Choice for Interior Trim

Freelander models for 2002 will be offered with an additional trim colour with the introduction of black in addition to the current Smokestone. Black enhances the premium feel of the Freelander interior and can be combined with pale beige Alpaca for a contemporary, high-contrast, prestige interior. Black seat trim will be available in cloth, leather and Alcantara and leather. With the introduction of the black interior the centre console and instrument binnacle will become black as standard. This cuts down on reflections – important in Freelander's new markets and keys in with both black and Smokestone. To differentiate between the 3 and 5 door models the current Teal accents on the air vents, heater control surrounds, and speaker surrounds are replaced by gunmetal on 3 door and black on 5 door models. Centre panels on leather seats on the 3-door will be in gunmetal. The black and Alpaca trim will be available on top-of-the-range models newly introduced for 2002. Alpaca is used on a new premium sports seat, door casings and door pulls and is combined with black on the leather-trimmed steering wheel. A new beige carpet is fitted with this trim colour.

New Convenience Features

Essential to the US market but now offered as optional equipment world-wide are new front and rear cupholders. The front folding cupholder is integrated into the centre of the facia and opens at the touch of a button to reveal receptacles for two beverage containers. The rear retractable cupholder is built in to the centre arm rest and can also cope with two containers. Both cupholders are capable of taking containers of any size – including 'gulp' size cups.

In Car Entertainment Improvements

The base in car entertainment package is now standardised on a CD-compatible head unit with six speakers. A new premium head unit with single CD capability is added to the range. A new top-of-the-range Harman/Kardon branded system features the premium head unit, steering-wheel mounted remote controls, 9-speaker sound system including a sub-woofer and additional power amplifier. An optional, dealer-fit CD autochanger is available with this system.

Satellite Navigation

New for 2002 is a Becker Satellite Navigation System for Freelander. The system is packaged in a DIN sized head unit that offers premium sound quality with dual mode CD player that can interpret both navigation and audio CDs. The display shows key navigational data and offers visual and audio guidance. The Satellite Navigation System is offered as a factory-fit option and is available for all territories that have software coverage. This includes North America and Western Europe.

Revised Instrumentation

2002 model year Freelanders benefit from a new instrumentation pack that features white graphics with revised font on a black background for a more sporty look. The instrument pack features a new microprocessor that provides the driver with the ability to monitor vehicle functions easily as well as acting as a 'gateway' for information flowing between vehicle systems.

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