And clearly, Freelander is the best-handling, most sportive Land Rover ever built. With less ground clearance to control and a four-wheel independent suspension, the Freelander is relatively nimble and precise yet supplies the steady and secure sense of much heavier SUVs. Much of that sensation is generated by touchpoints like the steering wheel, which is well insulated from road vibration. Transient response is not truly sports-car like, but the car is definitely fun to drive on narrow, winding roads. The availability of 17-in. alloy wheels and 225/65 tires are among the cues that Land Rover is determined to make Freelander something more than the average compact SUV when its owners decide to take the long way home.
A good part of the sport character is due to the five-speed automatic, which has a sport shifting mode, allowing the driver to hang onto a gear longer and quick-shift up or down as road conditions demand.
Recognizing that pricing has everything to do with entry-level products in the competitive U.S. market, Land Rover has been aggressive about making the Freelander affordable. Freelanders start at $25,000 for the S model, which includes as standard equipment permanent all-wheel drive, four-channel ABS, four-wheel Electronic Traction Control, air conditioning, heated windshield and rear window, quartz halogen headlamps and a long list of safety and security features. Such amenities as tilt steering, "Optikool" glass, power windows, rear window wiper and washer, and power folding heated exterior mirrors are all standard.
On the SE model, 17-in. alloy wheels are added, along with privacy glass, roof rails and illuminated mirrors. If you want a power sunroof, you will have to order the HSE, which would also include a premium 240-watt Harman/Kardon audio system, Becker in-dash CD and navigation system, and a six-disc CD changer. I'm not personally addicted to sunroofs, but I've savored the premium audio system with my own ears, and the major difference-aside from nine speakers and the power to run them at low distortion-would be the subwoofer, which adds a satisfying resonance and depth of sound quality consistent with premium European tastes.
For those interested in personalizing their Land Rover, there exists a wide array of Land Rover Kit accessory items, which can be installed at any of 110 Land Rover Centers around the country.