First Generation (1997-2006)
2004–2006 Freelander Sport 3-door |
|
| Production | 1997–2006 |
|---|---|
| Assembly | Solihull, United Kingdom Rayong, Thailand |
| Body style | 3-door convertible SUV 5-door SUV |
| Engine | 1.8 L K-Series I4 2.5 L Rover KV6 V6 2.0 L BMW M47 TD I4 2.0 L L-Series TD I4 |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic 5-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 101 in (2,565 mm) |
| Length | 2001–2003 5-door: 175.0 in (4,445 mm) 3-Door: 175.1 in (4,448 mm) 2004–2006 5-door: 174.1 in (4,422 mm) |
| Width | 2001–2003: 71.1 in (1,806 mm) 2004–2006: 71.2 in (1,808 mm) |
| Height | 2001–2003 5-door: 68.9 in (1,750 mm) 2004–2006 5-door: 69.0 in (1,753 mm) 3-door: 67.2 in (1,707 mm) |
Market research by the Rover Group in the late 1980s suggested that Land Rover could enter the compact SUV market segment. In the early 1990s, the Rover Group had a restricted product development budget and looked for a partner to develop the project, which was codenamed CB40 (after Canley Building 40, where the concept was initially developed). Rover's then-partner Honda declined and chose to develop its own CR-V model that was launched in 1997.
Rover decided to go it alone with the CB40, using existing parts and components, as it had done with the MGF roadster. When BMW took over Rover Group in 1994, the CB40 project received the capital it needed to proceed.
The Freelander was launched in late 1997. It became Europe's best-selling four-wheel drive model until 2002. The last Freelanders in North America were sold as 2005 models.
Read more about this topic: Land Rover Freelander
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