For the half-century that Land Rover has been building its rugged vehicles, this automaker has earned a legendary status.

It comes as no surprise, Freelander is the best-selling SUV in Europe, but will be 70 percent new when it comes to our shores. The biggest and most welcome part of the redesign is the 2.5-liter V-6 engine, a powerplant specifically engineered for the North American market and the only one that will be offered here. With this 175-horsepower engine, Freelander will join the company of only a handful of V-6-powered small SUVs.

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A major innovation - and a unique feature in the popular SUV and 4WD market - is Freelander's electronic Hill Descent Control (HDC), which is a true bonus for serious off-road travel This astute technology guides a controlled descent for steep downhill or traction-compromised grades. When in either first or reverse gear-and HDC is engaged (by push button control) - the driver adopts a unique "no-feet" style of descending an off-road track or wintery slope, since Freelander's brakes automatically act upon the wheels with traction to maintain a speed of between 4.4 and 5.6 mph. Applying either throttle or brakes disengages HDC, although it remains active until the system is manually turned off .

More significant is the five-speed "Steptronic" automatic transmission that will be standard on all Freelanders here. Not only does it boast the latest in adaptive shift patterns - the transmission's electronic control unit can recognize driving style and terrain conditions, then adjust gear selection accordingly - but it can also be shifted manually through all five speeds .

A Change in suspension: Also unconventional is Land Rovers decision to use a fully independent MacPherson strut suspension instead of a solid-axle arrangement. With vastly better ride quality, much more dynamic on-road handling, lighter weight, and exceptional wheel travel, (some seven inches up front and eight inches at the rear) this suspension is a win-win solution both on the street and in the woods.

Land Rover outfitted this seriously competent SUV with a level of equipment that places it at the very top of its class. Standard are heated exterior mirrors that fold in at the touch of a button for tight squeezes, for example, as is cruise control, an eight-speaker AM/FM/CD audio unit, a leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel, vehicle security system, and ample storage options for all one's gear, whether its for a safari in Senegal or a tailgate party in suburbia .

Interior Class fit for a king. Its unique luxury is unsurpassed. The leather and appointments are class "A". What else would you expect from our englishmen. They have always have always had an edge on true luxury. As usual everything is viable from the seating area. There is nothing like the leather appointments in this luxuty ute. The ergonomics are well in place. All of the equipment and gauges are well placed.

Largely a front-driver, with nearly 90 percent of engine torque sent to the front, Freelander's AWD system makes fairly seamless transitions to the rear axle, when slippage occurs, and can split up to 40/60 for climbing hills. When the Freelander goes on sale in the fourth quarter of 2001, its base price will be less than $30,000. Land Rover hopes to sell some 20,000 of the 2002 Freelanders in the U.S JH/AutoNetDirect.com

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