Land Rover

Land Rover's Freelander is set to grow in size and stature as it endeavours to barge upmarket -- ostensibly as a rival to BMW's X3 and Mercedes-Benz's upcoming X-Class (or MLK, as it may be badged).  The partially disguised prototype reveals the vehicle's stretched dimensions -- especially the longer wheelbase. Also noticeable is its added height and wider track. The images (the rear view is digitally enhanced) indicate Land Rover has opted to throw in a few Discovery 3 design cues -- and this is by no means a bad thing. The new Freelander is underpinned by the Ford Group's C1 platform -- also utilised by the Mazda3, new Ford Focus and Volvo S40/V50. However, for the Land Rover product it's complemented by a new Haldex four-wheel drive system that's tailored to its all-terrain job description. Engine choices are likely to include Volvo-sourced five-cylinder units (both normally aspirated and turbocharged) that power the Swedish marque's S40/V50. It may also gain the 2.7lt V6 turbo diesel that's offered in the Discovery 3. Unlike its predecessor, the Freelander Mark II will be offered only in five-door guise to create space for a smaller model -- dubbed 'Baby Landie' by some -- to slot in below it. Although scheduled to go on sale in Europe later this year, we will have to wait until 2006 for the new vehicle.

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Anti 4x4 protesters stormed the land rover factory and chained them selves to the production line forcing work to stop, the police were called and the people were removed from the premises with out to much of a problem !