Latest news with #GerryMcGovern
The Advertiser
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Chery launching yet another brand, this one at the expense of Chinese Land Rovers
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) will end production of Land Rovervehicles in China to make room for a new auto brand called Freelander, springing from its joint venture with Chery. And while Freelander will start off as a China-exclusive brand, it's set to eventually go global. That'll see it vie for buyers' attention alongside Chery brands such as Jaecoo, Omoda, iCar/iCaur, Exeed, Exlantix, Jetour and Lepas. After JLR announced the Freelander brand last June, more details have come to light courtesy of a recent earnings call as well as reports from Autocar and Automotive News Europe. JLR will end production of its Jaguar XEL and XFL sedans and the E-Pace SUV at the Chery Jaguar Land Rover plant in Changshu, China in September, before production of the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport ends there towards the end of 2026. The British automaker, whose parent company is India's tata Motors, had previously announced it would build Freelander EVs alongside existing Chery Jaguar Land Rover vehicles in Changshu. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Freelander's debut model will reportedly enter production in China in late 2026 with plug-in hybrid (PHEV) power, followed by battery-electric (EV) and extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) variants. The PHEV could feature the Super Hybrid System used in vehicles like the Omoda 9. In the UK-spec model, this combines a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors, a 34.5kWh battery, and a three-speed transmission for total system outputs of 330kW and 700Nm. The Omoda 9 is claimed to do the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds, while claimed electric-only range is 150km on the WLTP cycle. Freelander SUVs may also offer decent off-road ability, judging by Chery's efforts under the Jetour and iCar brands, but be will likely be positioned as more premium vehicles than, for example, Chery-branded products. The first Freelander SUV will be based on Chery's T1X platform, which underpins a raft of vehicles from the Chinese automaker ranging from the small Omoda 3 up to the large Chery Tiggo 9L (above). But while underneath it'll be pure Chery, the Freelander SUV's exterior styling – which Autocar reports will blend a combination of chunky off-road and sporty coupe SUV design cues – will be penned by JLR chief creative officer Gerry McGovern, who helped design the original Land Rover Freelander. With a more rakish silhouette than the old Land Rover Freelander, the debut model under the new brand may stand out better against existing Chery models like the blocky Jaecoo J7 (pictured above) and JLR models like the upcoming 'baby' Defender Sport. Other Freelander models will follow, and JLR has previously said they'll be set apart from not only other Chery brands but also JLR's global 'House of Brands' portfolio, which currently comprises the Range Rover, Defender, Discovery and Jaguar brands. Autocar reports Freelander will launch in the UK before the end of the decade, which almost certainly means right-hand drive production – and therefore means an Australian launch is possible. The Chery Jaguar Land Rover joint venture was established in 2012, but sales of its vehicles have slumped in recent years as competition – particularly from domestic brands – has gotten tougher in that market. As with automakers like Audi, Mazda, Nissan and Volkswagen, JLR is using a Chinese partner to develop a vehicle that it will sell under one of its own established names. Freelander vehicles will also be sold via Chery-run dealerships in China. The original Land Rover Freelander was offered for two generations between 1997 and 2015, with more than 300,000 units sold globally over the course of its life. The Freelander was only offered in a three-door body style in its first generation, which was replaced in 2006, and then eventually succeeded by the Range Rover Evoque in 2011. Five-door versions were effectively replaced by the Discovery Sport in 2015. Content originally sourced from: Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) will end production of Land Rovervehicles in China to make room for a new auto brand called Freelander, springing from its joint venture with Chery. And while Freelander will start off as a China-exclusive brand, it's set to eventually go global. That'll see it vie for buyers' attention alongside Chery brands such as Jaecoo, Omoda, iCar/iCaur, Exeed, Exlantix, Jetour and Lepas. After JLR announced the Freelander brand last June, more details have come to light courtesy of a recent earnings call as well as reports from Autocar and Automotive News Europe. JLR will end production of its Jaguar XEL and XFL sedans and the E-Pace SUV at the Chery Jaguar Land Rover plant in Changshu, China in September, before production of the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport ends there towards the end of 2026. The British automaker, whose parent company is India's tata Motors, had previously announced it would build Freelander EVs alongside existing Chery Jaguar Land Rover vehicles in Changshu. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Freelander's debut model will reportedly enter production in China in late 2026 with plug-in hybrid (PHEV) power, followed by battery-electric (EV) and extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) variants. The PHEV could feature the Super Hybrid System used in vehicles like the Omoda 9. In the UK-spec model, this combines a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors, a 34.5kWh battery, and a three-speed transmission for total system outputs of 330kW and 700Nm. The Omoda 9 is claimed to do the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds, while claimed electric-only range is 150km on the WLTP cycle. Freelander SUVs may also offer decent off-road ability, judging by Chery's efforts under the Jetour and iCar brands, but be will likely be positioned as more premium vehicles than, for example, Chery-branded products. The first Freelander SUV will be based on Chery's T1X platform, which underpins a raft of vehicles from the Chinese automaker ranging from the small Omoda 3 up to the large Chery Tiggo 9L (above). But while underneath it'll be pure Chery, the Freelander SUV's exterior styling – which Autocar reports will blend a combination of chunky off-road and sporty coupe SUV design cues – will be penned by JLR chief creative officer Gerry McGovern, who helped design the original Land Rover Freelander. With a more rakish silhouette than the old Land Rover Freelander, the debut model under the new brand may stand out better against existing Chery models like the blocky Jaecoo J7 (pictured above) and JLR models like the upcoming 'baby' Defender Sport. Other Freelander models will follow, and JLR has previously said they'll be set apart from not only other Chery brands but also JLR's global 'House of Brands' portfolio, which currently comprises the Range Rover, Defender, Discovery and Jaguar brands. Autocar reports Freelander will launch in the UK before the end of the decade, which almost certainly means right-hand drive production – and therefore means an Australian launch is possible. The Chery Jaguar Land Rover joint venture was established in 2012, but sales of its vehicles have slumped in recent years as competition – particularly from domestic brands – has gotten tougher in that market. As with automakers like Audi, Mazda, Nissan and Volkswagen, JLR is using a Chinese partner to develop a vehicle that it will sell under one of its own established names. Freelander vehicles will also be sold via Chery-run dealerships in China. The original Land Rover Freelander was offered for two generations between 1997 and 2015, with more than 300,000 units sold globally over the course of its life. The Freelander was only offered in a three-door body style in its first generation, which was replaced in 2006, and then eventually succeeded by the Range Rover Evoque in 2011. Five-door versions were effectively replaced by the Discovery Sport in 2015. Content originally sourced from: Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) will end production of Land Rovervehicles in China to make room for a new auto brand called Freelander, springing from its joint venture with Chery. And while Freelander will start off as a China-exclusive brand, it's set to eventually go global. That'll see it vie for buyers' attention alongside Chery brands such as Jaecoo, Omoda, iCar/iCaur, Exeed, Exlantix, Jetour and Lepas. After JLR announced the Freelander brand last June, more details have come to light courtesy of a recent earnings call as well as reports from Autocar and Automotive News Europe. JLR will end production of its Jaguar XEL and XFL sedans and the E-Pace SUV at the Chery Jaguar Land Rover plant in Changshu, China in September, before production of the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport ends there towards the end of 2026. The British automaker, whose parent company is India's tata Motors, had previously announced it would build Freelander EVs alongside existing Chery Jaguar Land Rover vehicles in Changshu. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Freelander's debut model will reportedly enter production in China in late 2026 with plug-in hybrid (PHEV) power, followed by battery-electric (EV) and extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) variants. The PHEV could feature the Super Hybrid System used in vehicles like the Omoda 9. In the UK-spec model, this combines a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors, a 34.5kWh battery, and a three-speed transmission for total system outputs of 330kW and 700Nm. The Omoda 9 is claimed to do the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds, while claimed electric-only range is 150km on the WLTP cycle. Freelander SUVs may also offer decent off-road ability, judging by Chery's efforts under the Jetour and iCar brands, but be will likely be positioned as more premium vehicles than, for example, Chery-branded products. The first Freelander SUV will be based on Chery's T1X platform, which underpins a raft of vehicles from the Chinese automaker ranging from the small Omoda 3 up to the large Chery Tiggo 9L (above). But while underneath it'll be pure Chery, the Freelander SUV's exterior styling – which Autocar reports will blend a combination of chunky off-road and sporty coupe SUV design cues – will be penned by JLR chief creative officer Gerry McGovern, who helped design the original Land Rover Freelander. With a more rakish silhouette than the old Land Rover Freelander, the debut model under the new brand may stand out better against existing Chery models like the blocky Jaecoo J7 (pictured above) and JLR models like the upcoming 'baby' Defender Sport. Other Freelander models will follow, and JLR has previously said they'll be set apart from not only other Chery brands but also JLR's global 'House of Brands' portfolio, which currently comprises the Range Rover, Defender, Discovery and Jaguar brands. Autocar reports Freelander will launch in the UK before the end of the decade, which almost certainly means right-hand drive production – and therefore means an Australian launch is possible. The Chery Jaguar Land Rover joint venture was established in 2012, but sales of its vehicles have slumped in recent years as competition – particularly from domestic brands – has gotten tougher in that market. As with automakers like Audi, Mazda, Nissan and Volkswagen, JLR is using a Chinese partner to develop a vehicle that it will sell under one of its own established names. Freelander vehicles will also be sold via Chery-run dealerships in China. The original Land Rover Freelander was offered for two generations between 1997 and 2015, with more than 300,000 units sold globally over the course of its life. The Freelander was only offered in a three-door body style in its first generation, which was replaced in 2006, and then eventually succeeded by the Range Rover Evoque in 2011. Five-door versions were effectively replaced by the Discovery Sport in 2015. Content originally sourced from: Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) will end production of Land Rovervehicles in China to make room for a new auto brand called Freelander, springing from its joint venture with Chery. And while Freelander will start off as a China-exclusive brand, it's set to eventually go global. That'll see it vie for buyers' attention alongside Chery brands such as Jaecoo, Omoda, iCar/iCaur, Exeed, Exlantix, Jetour and Lepas. After JLR announced the Freelander brand last June, more details have come to light courtesy of a recent earnings call as well as reports from Autocar and Automotive News Europe. JLR will end production of its Jaguar XEL and XFL sedans and the E-Pace SUV at the Chery Jaguar Land Rover plant in Changshu, China in September, before production of the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport ends there towards the end of 2026. The British automaker, whose parent company is India's tata Motors, had previously announced it would build Freelander EVs alongside existing Chery Jaguar Land Rover vehicles in Changshu. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Freelander's debut model will reportedly enter production in China in late 2026 with plug-in hybrid (PHEV) power, followed by battery-electric (EV) and extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) variants. The PHEV could feature the Super Hybrid System used in vehicles like the Omoda 9. In the UK-spec model, this combines a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors, a 34.5kWh battery, and a three-speed transmission for total system outputs of 330kW and 700Nm. The Omoda 9 is claimed to do the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds, while claimed electric-only range is 150km on the WLTP cycle. Freelander SUVs may also offer decent off-road ability, judging by Chery's efforts under the Jetour and iCar brands, but be will likely be positioned as more premium vehicles than, for example, Chery-branded products. The first Freelander SUV will be based on Chery's T1X platform, which underpins a raft of vehicles from the Chinese automaker ranging from the small Omoda 3 up to the large Chery Tiggo 9L (above). But while underneath it'll be pure Chery, the Freelander SUV's exterior styling – which Autocar reports will blend a combination of chunky off-road and sporty coupe SUV design cues – will be penned by JLR chief creative officer Gerry McGovern, who helped design the original Land Rover Freelander. With a more rakish silhouette than the old Land Rover Freelander, the debut model under the new brand may stand out better against existing Chery models like the blocky Jaecoo J7 (pictured above) and JLR models like the upcoming 'baby' Defender Sport. Other Freelander models will follow, and JLR has previously said they'll be set apart from not only other Chery brands but also JLR's global 'House of Brands' portfolio, which currently comprises the Range Rover, Defender, Discovery and Jaguar brands. Autocar reports Freelander will launch in the UK before the end of the decade, which almost certainly means right-hand drive production – and therefore means an Australian launch is possible. The Chery Jaguar Land Rover joint venture was established in 2012, but sales of its vehicles have slumped in recent years as competition – particularly from domestic brands – has gotten tougher in that market. As with automakers like Audi, Mazda, Nissan and Volkswagen, JLR is using a Chinese partner to develop a vehicle that it will sell under one of its own established names. Freelander vehicles will also be sold via Chery-run dealerships in China. The original Land Rover Freelander was offered for two generations between 1997 and 2015, with more than 300,000 units sold globally over the course of its life. The Freelander was only offered in a three-door body style in its first generation, which was replaced in 2006, and then eventually succeeded by the Range Rover Evoque in 2011. Five-door versions were effectively replaced by the Discovery Sport in 2015. Content originally sourced from:
Perth Now
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Chery launching yet another brand, this one at the expense of Chinese Land Rovers
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) will end production of Land Rover vehicles in China to make room for a new auto brand called Freelander, springing from its joint venture with Chery. And while Freelander will start off as a China-exclusive brand, it's set to eventually go global. That'll see it vie for buyers' attention alongside Chery brands such as Jaecoo, Omoda, iCar/iCaur, Exeed, Exlantix, Jetour and Lepas. After JLR announced the Freelander brand last June, more details have come to light courtesy of a recent earnings call as well as reports from Autocar and Automotive News Europe. JLR will end production of its Jaguar XEL and XFL sedans and the E-Pace SUV at the Chery Jaguar Land Rover plant in Changshu, China in September, before production of the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport ends there towards the end of 2026. The British automaker, whose parent company is India's tata Motors, had previously announced it would build Freelander EVs alongside existing Chery Jaguar Land Rover vehicles in Changshu. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Freelander's debut model will reportedly enter production in China in late 2026 with plug-in hybrid (PHEV) power, followed by battery-electric (EV) and extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) variants. The PHEV could feature the Super Hybrid System used in vehicles like the Omoda 9. In the UK-spec model, this combines a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors, a 34.5kWh battery, and a three-speed transmission for total system outputs of 330kW and 700Nm. The Omoda 9 is claimed to do the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds, while claimed electric-only range is 150km on the WLTP cycle. Freelander SUVs may also offer decent off-road ability, judging by Chery's efforts under the Jetour and iCar brands, but be will likely be positioned as more premium vehicles than, for example, Chery-branded products. The first Freelander SUV will be based on Chery's T1X platform, which underpins a raft of vehicles from the Chinese automaker ranging from the small Omoda 3 up to the large Chery Tiggo 9L (above). Supplied Credit: CarExpert But while underneath it'll be pure Chery, the Freelander SUV's exterior styling – which Autocar reports will blend a combination of chunky off-road and sporty coupe SUV design cues – will be penned by JLR chief creative officer Gerry McGovern, who helped design the original Land Rover Freelander. With a more rakish silhouette than the old Land Rover Freelander, the debut model under the new brand may stand out better against existing Chery models like the blocky Jaecoo J7 (pictured above) and JLR models like the upcoming 'baby' Defender Sport. Other Freelander models will follow, and JLR has previously said they'll be set apart from not only other Chery brands but also JLR's global 'House of Brands' portfolio, which currently comprises the Range Rover, Defender, Discovery and Jaguar brands. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Autocar reports Freelander will launch in the UK before the end of the decade, which almost certainly means right-hand drive production – and therefore means an Australian launch is possible. The Chery Jaguar Land Rover joint venture was established in 2012, but sales of its vehicles have slumped in recent years as competition – particularly from domestic brands – has gotten tougher in that market. As with automakers like Audi, Mazda, Nissan and Volkswagen, JLR is using a Chinese partner to develop a vehicle that it will sell under one of its own established names. Freelander vehicles will also be sold via Chery-run dealerships in China. The original Land Rover Freelander was offered for two generations between 1997 and 2015, with more than 300,000 units sold globally over the course of its life. The Freelander was only offered in a three-door body style in its first generation, which was replaced in 2006, and then eventually succeeded by the Range Rover Evoque in 2011. Five-door versions were effectively replaced by the Discovery Sport in 2015.
7NEWS
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Chery launching yet another brand, this one at the expense of Chinese Land Rovers
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) will end production of Land Rover vehicles in China to make room for a new auto brand called Freelander, springing from its joint venture with Chery. And while Freelander will start off as a China-exclusive brand, it's set to eventually go global. That'll see it vie for buyers' attention alongside Chery brands such as Jaecoo, Omoda, iCar/iCaur, Exeed, Exlantix, Jetour and Lepas. After JLR announced the Freelander brand last June, more details have come to light courtesy of a recent earnings call as well as reports from Autocar and Automotive News Europe. JLR will end production of its Jaguar XEL and XFL sedans and the E-Pace SUV at the Chery Jaguar Land Rover plant in Changshu, China in September, before production of the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport ends there towards the end of 2026. The British automaker, whose parent company is India's tata Motors, had previously announced it would build Freelander EVs alongside existing Chery Jaguar Land Rover vehicles in Changshu. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Freelander's debut model will reportedly enter production in China in late 2026 with plug-in hybrid (PHEV) power, followed by battery-electric (EV) and extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) variants. The PHEV could feature the Super Hybrid System used in vehicles like the Omoda 9. In the UK-spec model, this combines a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors, a 34.5kWh battery, and a three-speed transmission for total system outputs of 330kW and 700Nm. The Omoda 9 is claimed to do the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds, while claimed electric-only range is 150km on the WLTP cycle. Freelander SUVs may also offer decent off-road ability, judging by Chery's efforts under the Jetour and iCar brands, but be will likely be positioned as more premium vehicles than, for example, Chery-branded products. The first Freelander SUV will be based on Chery's T1X platform, which underpins a raft of vehicles from the Chinese automaker ranging from the small Omoda 3 up to the large Chery Tiggo 9L (above). But while underneath it'll be pure Chery, the Freelander SUV's exterior styling – which Autocar reports will blend a combination of chunky off-road and sporty coupe SUV design cues – will be penned by JLR chief creative officer Gerry McGovern, who helped design the original Land Rover Freelander. With a more rakish silhouette than the old Land Rover Freelander, the debut model under the new brand may stand out better against existing Chery models like the blocky Jaecoo J7 (pictured above) and JLR models like the upcoming 'baby' Defender Sport. Other Freelander models will follow, and JLR has previously said they'll be set apart from not only other Chery brands but also JLR's global 'House of Brands' portfolio, which currently comprises the Range Rover, Defender, Discovery and Jaguar brands. Autocar reports Freelander will launch in the UK before the end of the decade, which almost certainly means right-hand drive production – and therefore means an Australian launch is possible. The Chery Jaguar Land Rover joint venture was established in 2012, but sales of its vehicles have slumped in recent years as competition – particularly from domestic brands – has gotten tougher in that market. As with automakers like Audi, Mazda, Nissan and Volkswagen, JLR is using a Chinese partner to develop a vehicle that it will sell under one of its own established names. Freelander vehicles will also be sold via Chery-run dealerships in China. The original Land Rover Freelander was offered for two generations between 1997 and 2015, with more than 300,000 units sold globally over the course of its life. The Freelander was only offered in a three-door body style in its first generation, which was replaced in 2006, and then eventually succeeded by the Range Rover Evoque in 2011.
The Sun
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
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. 3 3 3 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. Jaguar boss doubles down & DEFENDS new 'woke Tesla' pink EV in controversial rebrand 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.
Scottish Sun
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Iconic SUV loved by Brits set to return to the UK ‘by the end of the decade' after nearly 10 years away
Coupe-styled crossover will be available as a plug-in hybrid and then, later, an EV WELCOME BACK 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. 3 The iconic Freelander is set to make a return to the UK, some 10 years after it was discontinued Credit: Getty 3 The original model was wildly popular and became the best-selling four-wheel drive model in Europe at the time of its initial run Credit: Getty 3 It's now returning before the end of the decade as a hybrid, pure electric and range-extender Credit: Getty 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. Jaguar boss doubles down & DEFENDS new 'woke Tesla' pink EV in controversial rebrand 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.
