Iconic SUV loved by Brits set to return to the UK ‘by the end of the decade' after nearly 10 years away
AN ICONIC nameplate is set to return to the UK, having been discontinued some 10 years ago.
The Freelander model - which was built by Land Rover from 1997 to 2015 - is to return as a standalone brand as part of a new family of Chinese-made models arriving in the UK.
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According to Autocar, the revived Freelander will arrive on these shores 'before the end of the decade' as a stylish crossover designed by JLR's chief creative officer, Gerry McGovern.
Jaguar Land Rover, who have partnered with its long-term Chinese manufacturing partner, Chery, will develop the Freelander models using Chery's electrified platforms - with production of the first model beginning in late 2026 in China.
Global exports are said to follow sometime after this date - although exactly when has yet to be confirmed.
To be initially available as a plug-in hybrid - which will include a 143bhp 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine along with three electric motors - the Freelander also has electric and range-extender versions planned - with the
Autocar added that the plug-in hybrid will offer a combined output of 443bhp; good for a 0-62mph time of 4.9 seconds.
Stylistically, it will blend performance coupe looks with off-road ability and will aim to "stand out in an ever more crowded SUV market', while the cabin will include tactile dials for controls, alongside a large screen.
Overall, the design is set to target a younger audience, distinct from JLR's upcoming Defender Sport.
Indeed, Freelander will be positioned as independent from both Chery's existing portfolio and JLR's luxury brands, such as Defender, Discovery, Jaguar, and Range Rover.
Naturally, electric power will play a significant role, with a claimed range of 93 miles for the plug-in hybrid.
Range-extender tech, said to be popular in China, will be included, and the EV Freelander is expected to feature greater range and power.
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While production costs will be kept low, the Freelander will be priced higher than Chery's equivalent models - although no rough estimate has been made for its UK pricing at this stage.
However, Freelander models will be sold through Chery-run dealerships, and not under JLR's luxury-focused strategy.
It's thought that the return of the Freelander will resonate with UK buyers familiar with the original, highly adored SUV.
The first-generation Freelander sold some 540,000 units in its original run, making it the best-selling four-wheel drive model in Europe at the time.
But sales declined to around a tenth of that by 2014 and the model was axed a year later, with the model's ethos largely absorbed by the still-popular Range Rover Evoque, which was introduced in 2011.
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