Free spirit - 2003 Land Rover Freelander SE3 SUV
Creating what the automaker dubbed a "premium segment aimed at SUV enthusiasts," the 2003 Freelander SE3 SUV marks the nameplate's attempt to take the small SUV formula "a notch higher." Introduced a year after the successful launch of the Freelander five-door wagon in the U.S. market, the SE3 three-door adds a removable hardtop and twin removable glass roof panels for true open air motoring.
Built in Land Rover's Solihull, United Kingdom, facility, the Freelander SE3 is available in one trim level. Power is generated by a compact 2.5L DOHC 24-valve V-6 engine and transferred to the ground through a five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with a locking torque converter.
The automatic gearbox is also equipped with Sport/Normal modes and CommandShift sport/manual shifting. The SE3 features a permanent all-wheel drive system with Intermediate Reduction Drive and center Viscous Coupling Unit.
On the road, the powertrain delivers an inspiring performance -- powerful, willing and responsive -- stable at speed. The vehicle never feels top heavy or hesitant on or off road.
The Freelander is Land Rover's first vehicle built with unitized body construction as opposed to the traditional (and much heavier) body-on-frame approach. The methodology allows the vehicle to meet the exacting standards of strength and durability without excess weight.
This robust platform is buttressed with longitudinal box-section rails the length of the underbody, tied together and to the platform with integral crossmembers. Substantial front and rear sub frames are bolted rigidly to the body shell for further strength.
Starting with this platform and a clean sheet for the suspension, Land Rover engineers developed a four-wheel independent system with a four-wheel MacPherson strut arrangement. Suspension hardware is mounted to front and rear steel sub frames, with lower control arms mounted to the front and trapezoidal links in the rear. Long-travel coil springs facilitate seven inches of wheel travel in front and eight inches in the rear in order to tackle most surface imperfections when underway.
This system delivers a high level of longitudinal compliance, allowing the wheels to move backward as well as upward relative to the body when hitting bumps. By giving the damper more time to work as the suspension reacts to a bump, ride quality is greatly improved. Offset coil springs are employed to increase ride quality by minimizing strut friction.
Inside the cabin, the driver enjoys a good view of the road with straightforward displays and controls that are easy to locate and use. The passenger compartment conveys a roomy, comfortable interior. Seating is supportive and chair-like -- with a most novel use of space. Nooks and crannies are everywhere. Cupholders mounted on top of the dash are convenient and secure. The fuse box has easy access, a real plus.
Rear seat passengers enjoy good room, with the fold and tumble 60/40 split seating increasing the utility of the cargo area. An armrest with dual cupholders built in make the back seat a very hospitable place for long trips.
One quirk of note, however, the release for the engine hood is actually low and on the front passenger side -- an obvious tradeoff during engineering development from right to left hand drive for the U.S. market.
Quick vehicle stats
Wheelbase: 101.0; overall length: 175.0; width: 71.1; height: 69.2 -- measurements in inches
Engine: 2.5L DOHC 24-valve V-6 -- 174 hp at 6,250 rpm and 177 lb.-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm
Transmission: five-speed electronically controlled automatic with locking torque converter
EPA fuel economy: 17 city/21 highway using regular unleaded gasoline
Cargo capacity: 19.3 cu. ft., (rear seat up); 46.6 cu. ft., (rear seat folded)
Payload capacity: 972 pounds
Towing capacity: 2,500 pounds
Safety features
Four-channel all-terrain anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, hill decent control, four-wheel electronic traction control, dual front airbags, side-impact door beams, rear fog lamps, vehicle security system, engine immobilizer, heated windshield, remote keyless entry and full-size spare tire.
Warranty
Basic: 4-year/50,000 mile
Corrosion: 6-year/unlimited
Roadside assistance: 4-year/50,000 mile, 24-hour
Pricing
The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2003 Land Rover Freelander SE3 starts at $26,370, with the destination charge adding $625.
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