1997
Land Rover Freelander (L314)
Land Rover's first foray into the compact SUV sector used a monocoque body without a traditional ladder frame — heresy to traditionalists but essential for the segment. Its interactive driveline and hill descent control systems made it genuinely capable on the school run and genuinely surprising on the occasional green lane.
Compact SUV
Technical Specifications
| Engine | 1.8L DOHC Inline-4 (Rover K-series) |
| Displacement | 1,796 cc |
| Horsepower | 120 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 165 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive (IRD) |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Fuel Economy | 10.5 L/100km |
| Top Speed | 165 km/h |
| Length | 4,372 mm |
| Width | 1,809 mm |
| Height | 1,734 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,560 mm |
| Curb Weight | 1,530 kg |
| MSRP Range | £16,995 (1997 UK) |