Land Rover Freelander (1997 - 2006)

Land Rover launches Freelander with 118bhp 1.8 litre K Series petrol engine or 96bhp 2.0 Rover L Series diesel. SWB 14' 5" long; LWB 14' 7" long. From 1,480kg.

01-04-1998: Land Rover introduces longer three-year warranty

12-07-2000: New engines added to Freelander range 175bhp/177lb ft 2.5 litre KV6 and 110bhp/192lb ft 2.0 litre BMW TD4 diesel with Steptronic automatic options on both finally arrived. TD4 does 102mph and 0-60 in 13.2 seconds, a useful improvement on the slow old Rover diesel. Still depreciates less than a mass-market estate car.

List prices change to £15,995 for 1.8, from £17,195 for TD4 and from £21,595 for KV6. TD4 5-door recommended. Chip available from Rover (later from X-Part) to boost TD4 to 130bhp.

Unlimited mileage three-year warranty on all new Freelanders sold by official UK dealers. Land Rover owners club reports low 3 out of 9 point death rate from accidents in this model.

Improved interior and exterior, with more comfortable seats and new trim colours and materials. New Sport model optimised for on-road driving performance. Three engines (1.8 and 2.5 Rover K Series petrol and 2.0 BMW diesel) and three- or five-door body styles. Full-time 4x4, plus electronic driving aids such as Hill Descent Control and Electronic Traction Control.

Gearboxes improved. Sport 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.