Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV
Key Selling Points:
Compact size, off-road capability (for its class), distinctive styling, Land Rover brand heritage.
Direct Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra (depending on market and specific trim).
Drivetrain:
Typically AWD (Freelander's 'Intelligent On-Board Drive' system) with viscous coupling unit (VCU).
Terrain Response:
Features like Hill Descent Control (HDC).
Interior Layout:
Compact five-door body style, practical seating arrangements.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (all variants), fuel system, cooling system, lubrication system, ignition system, exhaust system, engine management (ECU), transmission (manual and automatic), transfer box, driveshafts, differentials.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear, including springs, dampers, control arms), steering system (power steering pump, rack and pinion), braking system (discs, calipers, ABS, DSC, parking brake), wheels and tires, chassis and frame.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses and relays, instrument cluster, power windows, central locking, audio system, HVAC controls, engine control module (ECM), ABS/DSC module, SRS (Airbag) module.
Body:
Body panels (doors, hood, tailgate, fenders), interior trim, glass, exterior trim, bumpers, seals, body sealing, collision repair information, paint and coatings.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks), lubrication, inspection points, tire rotation, brake inspection.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
System-specific fault finding, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, wiring harness testing, component testing.
Repair Rebuild:
Component removal and installation (engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, electrical components), internal engine/transmission repair, body panel replacement, interior component repair.
Special Procedures:
Wheel alignment, brake bleeding, diagnostic tool usage, airbag system service precautions, body repair techniques.
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers everything from basic maintenance and fluid changes to detailed component disassembly, repair, and reassembly. Includes diagnostic procedures and specifications for professional technicians and advanced DIYers.
Engine Type Petrol:
2.5L V6 DOHC 24-valve
Displacement Petrol:
2500 cc (2.5 Liters)
Horsepower Petrol:
Approx. 174 hp @ 6000 rpm (may vary slightly by market/spec)
Torque Petrol:
Approx. 177 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (may vary slightly by market/spec)
Engine Code Diesel:
420D/420Di
Engine Type Diesel:
2.0L Inline 4-Cylinder Turbo Diesel (Rover L-Series)
Displacement Diesel:
1994 cc (2.0 Liters)
Horsepower Diesel:
Approx. 101 hp @ 4200 rpm (Di variant may have slightly more)
Torque Diesel:
Approx. 150 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm (Di variant may have slightly more)
Petrol Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Diesel Fuel Delivery:
Indirect Injection (IDI) or Direct Injection (DI) depending on specific diesel variant
ECU Type:
Lucas/Jaguar (e.g., Jaguar JSM or similar, depending on engine variant)
Type:
5-speed Manual (Getrag/Rover G-series) or 4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22)
Type:
4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22)
Transfer Case:
Integral transfer box with viscous coupling unit (VCU) for AWD engagement.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF Dexron III/VI equivalent
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 Gear Oil, SAE 75W/90 (check specific manual for exact type)
Length:
Approx. 4354 mm (171.4 inches)
Width:
Approx. 1784 mm (70.2 inches)
Height:
Approx. 1724 mm (67.9 inches) with roof rails
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2560 mm (100.8 inches)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1550 kg - 1650 kg (3417 lbs - 3638 lbs), depending on engine and trim
Towing Capacity:
Approx. 1500 kg (3307 lbs) braked, 750 kg (1653 lbs) unbraked
Cargo Volume:
Approx. 370 liters (13.1 cu ft) with rear seats up, expandable when seats are folded.
NHTSA Rating:
Likely not rated by NHTSA in all markets or at the time of its release with the same rigor as current standards.
Euro Ncap Rating:
3 out of 5 stars (for early models, later revisions may differ)
Driver Assistance:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) - standard on later models or higher trims, HDC (Hill Descent Control).
Airbags:
Front airbags for driver and passenger. Optional side airbags on some models/trims.
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front seats. 3-point seatbelts for rear seats.
Body Structure:
Integrated safety cage, crumple zones.
Oil Change Petrol:
Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Oil Change Diesel:
Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000 miles or 24 months.
Spark Plug Replacement Petrol:
Every 60,000 miles (check specific plug type for exact interval).
Timing Belt Replacement Petrol:
The KV6 engine uses a timing *chain*, not a belt, requiring inspection but typically not routine replacement unless worn or noisy.
Timing Belt Replacement Diesel:
Every 60,000 miles or 4 years (critical for diesel engine longevity).
Engine Oil Petrol:
SAE 10W/40, API SJ/SL or ACEA A2/A3
Engine Oil Diesel:
SAE 10W/40 or 5W/40 (synthetic), API CF-4/CG-4 or ACEA B3/B4
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water. (Specify Land Rover spec if available, e.g., Texaco XCL-150/Havoline XCL).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Viscous Coupling Unit:
VCU can degrade over time, leading to poor AWD performance or binding. Replacement is often required.
Head Gaskets Kv6:
The KV6 engine is known for potential head gasket issues, particularly if maintenance intervals were not strictly followed or if the engine was overheated. Requires careful diagnosis and potentially significant repair.
Diesel Engine Glow Plugs:
Glow plugs and their control module can fail, leading to cold start issues on the diesel models.
Air Conditioning System:
Leaks in the AC system, particularly at the condenser or pipes, are common.
Rear Differential Oil:
Rear differential oil should be checked and replaced according to the schedule to prevent wear.
Heritage Focus:
Land Rover's reputation for off-road capability and robust construction, adapted for a more compact and urban-friendly SUV.
Development:
Developed by Rover Group (later BMW ownership) as a compact SUV, leveraging technology from BMW and Rover models.
Facelift:
A significant facelift occurred in 2004 (often referred to as the 'Freelander 2' by some markets, though distinct from the later LR2 generation), with updated styling, improved interior, and powertrain enhancements.
Production Period:
First Generation: 1997-2006
Manufacturing Location:
Solihull, West Midlands, United Kingdom