2003 Land Rover Freelander

The Land Rover Freelander SE3 semiconvertible is a youth-oriented 2003 addition to the Freelander four-door hardtop sport-utility vehicle line--and is the type of sport-ute not offered by, say, Toyota or Honda.

The $26,370 two-door SE3 is distinguished from $25,370-$31,970 Freelander four-door hardtop models by two removable glass sunroof panels over the front seats and a detachable hard top over the rear seat/cargo area. Newly optional is an $850 manually operated rear soft top, which doesn't replace the removable hard top.

Even without the convertible top, the rugged looking SE3 offers a fair amount of open-air driving enjoyment. Roof panels can be stored in a cargo area bag. Not so with the hard top, which calls for extra effort to remove.

The compact Freelander four-door model arrived for 2002, but would have grabbed more attention if Ford-owned Land Rover had introduced it in America in 1997, when it debuted in Europe.

Many new compact sport-utes appeared during that delay, causing the Freelander to be less visible when it debuted here--despite its upscale British nameplate. Land Rover introduced the first luxury sport-utility vehicle decades ago and owners have included everyone from rock stars to members of England's royal family.

Despite its late start in this country, the Freelander has gotten a reputation for being a solid sport-ute, with good handling and an excellent ride. It's the first small premium sport-ute from Land Rover and the first to have a permanent all-wheel-drive system and unitized body and chassis construction.

The SE3 two-door looks rugged with its massive black front A-frame brush bar. It's mechanically and dimensionally identical to the four-door model, with a 101-inch wheelbase and 175-inch length.

The all-wheel drive doesn't have low-range gearing, but the SE3 has traction control, all-terrain anti-lock brakes and a Hill Descent Control to limit speed down steep grades. However, serious off-road driving is best left to the Land Rover Discovery and Range Rover models, which have low-range gearing.

Power for the SE3 is from a smooth 174-horsepower dual-overhead-camshaft V-6, which provides fairly lively acceleration.

The engine works with a five-speed automatic transmission, which is a little slow to downshift but has an easily used manual shift feature.

Fuel economy isn't a strong point. It's an estimated 17 mpg in the city and 20 on highways because the SE3 weights a hefty 3,577 pounds. However, only 87-octane gasoline is needed.

The quick power steering is controlled by a thick, leather-wrapped tilt wheel, and the all-independent suspension provides a compliant ride. Handling is enhanced by 17-inch alloy wheels, and the brakes work nicely.

The SE3 is pricey for a compact sport-ute, but is well equipped. Standard are such items as air conditioning, front power windows, cruise control, keyless entry, vehicle security system--and heated windshield, power outside mirrors and rear window.

Outside mirrors conveniently fold flat against the side windows to protect them when squeezing through tight spots during off-road driving--or in parking lots. They're expensive to fix if damaged.

The power rear window in the cargo door is an unusual feature and can be controlled by a dashboard button or tailgate keylock.

The spacious cargo area can be enlarged by flipping the entire 60-40-split rear seat forward. But the tailgate swings toward the curb, which can complicate curbside loading. Storage areas include a console bin and door pockets.

It's fairly easy to get in, with long doors and a moderately low floor. The front seats are a bit narrow but offer good side support. Some might find their circular seatback controls tedious, but they allow precise adjustments. The hood release is inconveniently located in the right front footwell.

There's comfortable space for four tall adults, and occupants sit high. It's fairly easy to reach the rear seat area, but the center of the back seat is too hard for comfort.

The businesslike interior has lots of hard plastic, but no sunshade for the transparent roof panels. Gauge numbers should be larger, and small interior door handles are hard to find in the dark. Climate controls are large, although some feel imprecise. The sound system has a mix of small and large radio controls. Windshield wipers are sturdy, but rear visibility from the driver's seat is hindered by back-seat headrests and a tailgate-mounted spare tire.

Front and rear "crumple'' zones help absorb energy in a collision, but no side air bags are available.

Land Rover plans on selling annually selling only a few thousand Freelander SE3 models here, so buyers will own a fairly exclusive vehicle.

LAND ROVER FREELANDER SE3
Price:
$26,370

Likes:
Fun to drive. Roomy. Supple ride. Removable front roof panels. Lift-off rear hardtop. Optional rear convertible top.

Dislikes:
No sunshade for sunroof panels. Outside spare tire partly blocks visibility. Mediocre fuel economy.