I'm talking about the 1004 edition of the Freelander and, as the pictures show, this award-winning pioneer of the "soft-roader" market has been improved.

The Freelander has a new interior, and the exterior has been revised with a new face and tail. The changes are aimed at improving the premium nature of the vehicle, and making it even more desirable...

Enhancements

The front bumper, headlamps and front grille are brand new, and adopt the distinctive, family face pioneered by the new Range Rover. The new, twin-pocket clear lens headlamps are similar to those of the Freelander's big brother, the Range Rover, and provide a higher light intensity ? improved by 70 percent. The front bumpers are restyled and are now body coloured.

The rear bumper is also body coloured, and the tail lamps have been repositioned higher on the bumper, improving their visibility and reducing the likelihood of them being obscured by road grime or dust.

The cabin of the 2004 Freelander has been comprehensively restyled. There is a new facia, new instruments, new switchgear, new door trims and new seats on all models, that offer better body and under-thigh comfort, plus new upholstery fabrics. The cabin doesn't just look better; the feel of the materials has also been greatly improved.

There are still two body-styles on offer: A three-door version, featuring a detachable hardback, or a five-door option.

Engine

There is also still a choice of three engines. Two of the engines first unveiled in the 2001 Freelander are carried over: The 2.5-litre petrol V6 and the award-winning 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel. The original 1.8-litre lightweight four-cylinder petrol engine also continues in the range.

The 2004 Freelander is a full-time four-wheel drive, and has a host of high-tech electronic systems, such as Hill Descent Control and Electronic Traction Control, which allow the Freelander to wade through water, climb and descend slippery slopes, and give superb driver control.

The Freelander's off-road engineering means real on-road driving benefits too. The higher, "command" driving position allows driver and passengers to see more, and the full-time 4x4 system plus electronic controls offer more security when conditions turn treacherous.

Close up

The Land Rover badging on the leading edge of the bonnet is new, and reflects the style of the Discovery and new Range Rover. The badging on the rear door has also been updated.

As before, the 2004 Freelander has a "drop window" function on the key fob, particularly useful for loading items into the boot without having to open the rear door.

The Freelander has always been an easy vehicle to park, with its deep windows, wheel-at-each-corner stance and upright bearing. Now to improve parking ease even further, Park Distance Control is being offered for the first time.

Classy cabin

"We've aimed to give the Freelander the classiest cabin in the compact 4x4 market," said Land Rover's director of design, Geoff Upex.

"Trim materials are improved, including the use of leather upholstery and metallic finishes. The whole styling approach was to produce a cabin that looked understated but very high class. The distinctive horizontal and vertical planes, as seen in the Range Rover, are carried onto the Freelander. That is now part of Land Rover?s cabin design DNA," Upex added.

Safety

A passenger airbag is now standard on all Freelander versions. The centre console is new, as are the larger cup holders mounted in the centre of the facia. The in-car entertainment system has been much improved. A six CD autochanger is standard with a premium, nine-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system.

The Freelander was completely re-engineered for the 2001 model year, when new engines, transmissions and numerous quality improvements were announced. Over 70 percent of the vehicle was new. Since then, there have been further mechanical improvements, including improved fuel range (in petrol guise) thanks to a bigger tank capacity (64 Litres), and improved heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

Revised windscreen wipers and rear seat latching are amongst the detail improvements for 2004.

ETC, brakes

Electronic Traction Control (ETC) works in conjunction with the four-wheel drive. If a wheel should spin, the power is instantly diverted to the wheel that still has grip, helping the driver to move away.

The brakes are moderated by Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), a computer-controlled system that ensures that braking is automatically applied to maximum effect. It helps cut stopping distances, boosting safety. Unlike many rivals, the Freelander's 4x4 drive operates full-time.

Even the automatic gearbox naturally senses the conditions, modifying its gear change patterns on steep hills ("mountain mode"), or going down precipitous drops ("descent mode"). The long-articulation fully independent suspension is also much tougher than most rivals? and gives superb stability on rough roads or tracks.

Off-road

The Electronic Traction Control and Hill Descent Control play a big part off road. The ETC works well with the full time 4x4, and the Land Rover-patented Hill Descent Control helps with the safely descent of slippery slopes.

The vehicle is light, and this helps it to climb steep, slippery slopes. The enormous articulation of the wheels plays its part, too and helps the Freelander clamber over rocks, bumps and holes.

Land Rover's off-road expertise shows in so many ways. There is a rugged alloy under tray, which protects the underside of the vehicle, including the engine sump. The steering arms come off the centre of the rack, rather than the ends. The arms are, therefore, longer and can articulate better, helping wheel articulation and off-road ability.

The suspension components are all well shielded from off-road obstacles ? reducing the chance of damage on severe terrain. Most rival 4x4s are far more likely to bend suspension parts. What's more, the Freelander?s suspension is also intrinsically tougher in the first place.

The ECUs are sealed and all major electronic nerve centres and engine air intakes are sited as high as possible. The Freelander can typically wade through 40cm high water ? that's deeper than most streams.

And there you have it, with the Land Rover pedigree topped with major, mostly aesthetic and luxury improvements, there's little to turn you away. Watch out for our impressions in the forthcoming edition of Bakkie and Recreational Vehicle magazine...

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