The Land Rover Freelander has been on sale for just 18 months and has already become the highest selling off-road 4x4 vehicle in Europe. To consolidate this success, Land Rover has revised and improved Freelander's specification, as most manufacturers do at this time of the year for MY2000 (model year). Couldn't have anything to do with the change of registration letter on September 1st, could it?

The three core derivatives that make up the MY2000 are now available in both three-door Hardback/Softback and five-door Station Wagon body-styles. Sales begin this month.

1.8i / 2.0di
To enhance specification of the entry level models, a six speaker RDS ICE system is now standard. Glass roof panels are fitted to three-door models, with a load-space cover being added to the five-door models.

1.8 Xi / 2.0Xdi
The five-door Xi and Xdi station wagon, introduced in March 1998, was originally aimed primarily at the corporate sales market, but has become the second highest selling Freelander derivative. This derivative now becomes the core model in the range, with three-door Hardback and Softback models introduced. Air conditioning, 15 inch alloy wheels, six speaker RDS ICE, four-channel antilock braking system (ABS), four-wheel electronic traction control and hill descent control (HDC) are now all standard equipment.

1.8XEi / 2.0XEdi
The range topping XE models gain air conditioning, 16 inch sports alloy wheels, mud-flaps and roof rails on five-door derivatives. The XE models also benefit from standard leather trim which comprises dark and light smokestone leather seat facings, ash leather gear knob and light smokestone and ash leather covered steering wheel. Three-door XE models, which will be on sale in October, feature light smokestone and teal leather seat facings with rear bench seats for three people as standard.

Land Rover UK managing director Harry Reilly said: "The Freelander has been an outstanding success since its launch. Freelander customers, both existing and new, have given feedback to help us provide an even more attractive package. The dealer network has also played a major role in passing suggestions onto the Land Rover UK management team."

In addition to the improvements to the Freelander range, Land Rover has also introduced seven new colours - Rutland Red, Alveston Red, Appalachian Green, Icelandic Blue, Oxford Blue, Kinversand Bronze (eh?) and Kent Green.

The Freelander range is powered by the 1.8-litre petrol K-series or L-series 2.0-litre turbo charged diesel engines. The Freelander is covered by a three year warranty - the first year with unlimited mileage. Prices range from UK£16,995 to £22,995.

Note that the Freelander Commercial specification is not affected by the 2000MY revisions and goes on sale in September priced from UK£17,300.

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