The little SUV that could

Freelander SE3Acorn Automotive Editor


The writer, the Freelander SE3 and Hill Descent Control

The writer, the Freelander SE3 and Hill Descent Control


Freelander SE3

Acorn Automotive Editor

It might be the best handling off-road vehicle that will never spend much time off-road and it’s a shame. But after a few days driving Land Rover’s new SE3 Freelander both on- and off-road near the Hoover Dam, I got to experience just how good these British-made SUV’s really are.


The Freelander has been Europe’s best selling compact SUV for some years but it’s still to make an impact on these shores. The sporty three-door SE3 shares the same platform as its five-door stablemate. Mechanically it’s the same, with the same 101-inch wheelbase, but with twin removable sunroof panels and a detachable rear hardback, the SE3 adds open-air motoring to the long list of impressive Freelander attributes.


"The Freelander SE3 has a blend of characteristics that is unmatched by any other vehicle currently on the market," says Sally Eastwood, vice president of marketing. "No other open-air vehicle offers permanent all-wheel drive, four-wheel electronic traction control, Hill Descent Control and four-channel anti-lock brakes. And, because it is a Land Rover, Freelander SE3 wraps capability and personality into a distinctive, upscale package that can take you to remote places and bring you back in style."


While the three-door SE3 shares the five-door’s mechanical components, it has a completely different personality as I found out in three days of experience in conjunction with Land Rover’s G4 Challenge.


The SE3 is pure fun. Its personality shows up in the black composite A-frame brush bar and in the silver underbody brush plate. Shod with edgy 17-inch Triple Sport Evolution alloy wheels and finished in high-energy colors such as Borrego Yellow and Tangiers Orange this vehicle stands out. Inside, black "Technical Fabric" seats are a different look while the 240-watt, nine-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system gives a tremendous sound. The leather-wrapped steering wheel contains buttons for the cruise control and audio system.


No one has ever produced a true convertible SUV but Land Rover has come the closest. The roof rails that run down the back of the vehicle not only give the SE3 a distinctive appearance, but are ideal for hauling the kind of equipment Freelander SE3 owners are likely to take with them––like snow and surfboards, kayaks and mountain bikes. With some help, the whole rear roof and tail are removable, replaced by an optional soft-top. I would have thought, for our market, having the hard top as the option would be a better idea, but this is a world vehicle and our lifestyle isn’t shared by most.


Freelander SE3 comes standard with air conditioning, power windows, cruise control, power steering and heated front windscreen, side view mirrors and rear window. The interior provides room for five, with supportive front bucket seats, a 60/40 split rear bench and convenient storage space throughout the cabin. There is 46.6 cubic feet of cargo with the rear seats folded.


The SE3 shares the five-door Freelander’s variable intake 24-valve, 174 hp V6 engine and CommandShift five-speed automatic transmission. Factor in a fully independent suspension and Freelander SE3 drives more like a small sports sedan than a traditional SUV. With four on board, I would have liked a little more power but it was still adequate.


Freelander uses four-wheel independent MacPherson strut suspension with coil springs all around. This design provides generous amounts of wheel travel and outstanding bump control. The steering is rack-and-pinion with a 38-foot turning circle. The actual steering rack is mounted on the firewall, up and away from road hazards.


As I found on the same course set up for the G4 Challenge contestants, the Freelander is also exceptionally surefooted. Land Rover engineered the company’s innovative Hill Descent Control (HDC) to act in place of low range gearing, assuring safe, sure travel down steep slopes. HDC uses the ABS sensors to repeatedly pulse the brakes-particularly on the downhill wheels––allowing the vehicle to descend at no more than 5.6 mph. This takes some getting used to. Driving over a hill crest and taking both feet off the pedals isn’t normal, but the Freelander, like all other Land Rovers takes it in its stride. The Freelander SE3 also has four-wheel electronic traction control and anti-lock brakes that work both on-and off-road.


Freelander was the first Land Rover to be built with unitized body (monocoque) construction allowing the vehicle to meet exacting standards of strength and durability without excess weight. Freelander is equipped with dual front airbags and height-adjustable seatbelts with pre-tensioners for front-seat occupants and three-point seatbelts for all passengers in the rear.


The SE3 is now available at Land Rover of Thousand Oaks in the auto mall with a MSRP of $26,995, which includes destination and delivery. This is an extremely agile compact SUV that’s unique in its market segment. If you have that streak of adventure in you with the prospects of going just that much farther with your vehicle, then the Freelander SE3 may just be right for you.



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