Freelander's unplanned reveal

There's almost a sense of déjà vu here...

Two years ago BMW was caught with its pants down when a leaked sales brochure exposed the E90 3 Series well ahead of its planned debut. 

Now Land Rover has had its parade rained on in the same fashion, with a leaked document revealing the Freelander 2 in all its glory, more than a month in advance of its scheduled maiden appearance at July's British motor show.

The contents of the promotional brochure have popped up on a host of automotive web sites and Internet forums, and the images contained therein leave little -- in fact, nothing -- to the imagination.

Clearly evident is that the new vehicle is larger than the one it replaces, with several design cues borrowed from its Range Rover and Discovery 3 siblings.

The face is distinguished by a bold grille with two horizontal slats and thin vertical vanes, while the ‘split-cell' headlights are in keeping with recent Land Rover offerings. The vents in the front guards are as per the Range Rover Sport, while the squared-off rear end has more than a hint of Discovery 3 about it.

Also evident from the brochure pictures is that the Freelander 2 has a far more opulent, better-appointed cabin than the outgoing vehicle, which has a somewhat low-rent feel about it. Expect more generous levels of leg- and headroom and a driving position that offers more adjustability.

Land Rover is part of Ford's PAG (Premier Automotive Group), so don't fall off your chair when you discover that the new Freelander's platform -- known internally as C1 -- is shared with the Ford Focus and Mazda3. The Volvo S40/V50 is also underpinned by this architecture.

It's believed the Freelander 2 packs a new Haldex four-wheel drive system that may be supplemented by a cheaper version of the Terrain Response system that features in the Disco 3. Don't expect hard-core mud-and-guts all-terrain ability, but the Freelander should be up a moderately capable off-roader nonetheless.

Engine choices are likely to include Volvo-sourced 2.8- and 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol units and a 2.3-litre Ford-PSA diesel. A six-cylinder diesel engine is also rumoured to be in the pipeline.

The revamped Freelander is likely to land here towards the end of this year, or in early 2007. Pricing may move north from the current $40K entry point, but it'll probably be worth the extra spend. Time will tell.