Yes, the sleek wannabe-coupe Range Rover Evoque may be stealing all the headlines for Land Rover at the moment, but the Freelander remains the core entry-level model in the Land Rover range.
For the 2013 model year, Land Rover is giving the car an exterior freshen-up, a more upmarket interior, and new trim options. It’ll be shown at the Moscow motor show from 29 August 2012.
What are the visual changes to the Land Rover Freelander?
Fairly limited, to be frank. There’s a smattering of new colours, a standard-fit 17-inch wheel design to the XS model, and sparkly LED lights front and rear. A bright-finish grille and foglight surround complete the changes you’ll see on the outside, but the interior has seen a far more comprehensive overhaul.
Despite this only being a mid-life facelift, Land Rover has treated the Freelander to an all-new centre console, ditching the Terrain Response dial for a more space-efficient button arrangement. New ‘Dynamic’ models come in a choice of three upholstery colours all with natty co-ordinated stitching, and there’s a 5in central display screen.
More infotainment tech on the new Land Rover Freelander then?
You bet. An upgraded sat-nav system, voice-control and reversing camera are all available on the new Freelander.
The latter twins with ‘Hitch Assist’, a gadget that guides drivers when hitching up to a trailer. Should mean the Freelander is as popular with utilitarian buyers as it is with school-run devotees who struggle to park their Chelsea tractors…
The 2013 Land Rover Freelander model range
Entry into Freelander ownership starts with the S, and its cloth seats. Upgrading to GS trim gets you full leather, while XS cars enjoy a gloss black grille and 380w Meridian premium hi-fi system. For a sportier look, the new Freelander Dynamic gets a bodystyling kit, gloss black exterior trim and more sporting, electric seats. Plus, you’ll ride on 19-inch wheels, exclusive to the Dynamic.
Plump for a Freelander HSE and the interior is adorned with wood trim, plus a panoramic sunroof, memory function seats and 825w Meridian hi-fi. And, at the very top of the range, we find the Freelander HSE Lux, now complete with premium leather seats, black laquered trim, better carpets and unique 19-inch wheels.
No prices have yet been announced for the new 2013 model year Land Rover Freelander, which keeps the same range of 2.2-litre turbodiesel engines, good for up to 47.1mpg and 158g/km in six-speed manual, front-wheel drive form. If you happen to be popping over to Russia next week, see it for yourself at the Moscow motor show from 29 August 2012.