"No other compact 4x4 has anything like its total breadth of capability," says Phil Popham, Land Rover's managing director. "The Freelander 2 sets new standards in the sector, combining the advantages of a premium car - such as polished ride, accomplished performance, attractive cabin and ease-of-use - with the attributes of a robust 4x4, including go-anywhere ability, toughness, panoramic seating, cabin versatility and spaciousness. We believe that no other compact 4x4 gets closer to blending these best-of-both-worlds abilities."

In Australia the all-new Freelander 2 will be available in two specification levels, with a choice of 3.2 litre petrol or 2.2 litre turbo diesel engines:

Model Pricing:

The Freelander 2 features two new engines that deliver strong combinations of performance, refinement and fuel economy:

• 3.2-litre i6 petrol (171 kW) - 30 per cent more powerful than the former V6 with 10 per cent improvement in fuel economy
• 2.2-litre TD4 diesel (118 kW) - better fuel economy than its predecessor (8.5 l/100 km) and 43 per cent more power

The new engines are matched to a new six-speed automatic transmission, with Land Rover's CommandShift offering manual sequential gear changes when required. There is also a driver-selectable sport mode, for more responsive performance.

Standard Features on the SE models includes:

• 6-speed auto, with CommandShift for manual sequential gear changes
• Leather interior
• Electric seat adjustment
• 7 Airbags
• Rear park distance control (PDC)
• 6-disc in dash CD player
• Auxiliary MP3 audio socket (for iPods and MP3 Players)
• 17 inch alloy wheels
• Dual automatic climate control
• Terrain Response - maximises traction in all driving situations
• Rain sensing windscreen wipers
• Full size spare wheel
• Trip Computer
• Cruise Control with steering wheel mounted controls
• Full time intelligent four-wheel drive
• Heated, electronically adjustable door mirrors
• Leather steering wheel and gear knob
• Power Fold Side Mirrors
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
• Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
• Electronic Traction Control (ETC)
• Corner Brake Control (CBC)
• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
• Roll Stability Control (RSC)
• Hill Descent Control (HDC)

The HSE models add the following features:

• 18" Alloy wheels
• Driver seat memory pack
• Alpine branded 8 speaker HI ICE system with subwoofer
• Rear headphone sockets
• Bi-Xenon headlamps
• Front park distance control (PDC)
• Choice of 3 interior trim finishes

The all new Freelander 2 has just been awarded a top five star rating, for occupant protection, in the Australian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP). Previously, the Freelander 2 had been awarded five stars for adult protection, and four stars for child protection, in Euro NCAP tests.

The Freelander 2's impressive list of safety features starts with the strong monocoque body and its inner 'safety cell'. Front and rear crumple zones are designed to help absorb as much energy as possible during an impact. Side-impact protection is further assisted by the ultra-high-strength steel door beams, the strong and deep door sills (bigger on a 4x4 than on a conventional car) and the raised seat position. Other key features include strong facia cross-rails, which help minimise the risk of the A-pillars spreading during an impact, front seat belts pre-tensioners and seven airbags all as standard.

The interior package of Freelander 2 is a major improvement over the outgoing vehicle. Although only 50 mm longer, the Freelander 2 has more generous head, shoulder and legroom, in both the front and rear. Large glass areas emphasise the spacious feel and complement the elevated 'command driving' position - a Land Rover hallmark - and 'stadium seating', where rear passengers sit slightly higher than front occupants, for a clearer view of the world outside. Boot space is also among the best in class and 38 per cent larger than that of the outgoing Freelander.

The exterior and interior design of Freelander 2 is completely fresh, integrating the company's unique design language with a form that is instantly recognisable as the latest Land Rover.

"We purposely kept strong cues from the original Freelander, such as the clamshell bonnet, stepped roof and the basic form," says Land Rover design director Geoff Upex. "But the overall look is new and much more contemporary. The design is chiselled, geometric and simple - it looks like it's hewn from the solid. We have kept a close design relationship with the new Discovery 3 and Range Rover Sport, but interpreted the design language to suit the requirements of customers for a more compact 4x4."

The body is a five-door monocoque structure, with a high level of torsional rigidity which benefits refinement, comfort and handling on-road as well as ensuring the vehicle is fit for serious off-roading. The suspension is fully independent and uses the most modern stability control systems, including Roll Stability Control (RSC).

The Freelander 2 is packed with new technologies to improve both on-road and off-road performance, many new to the class. Land Rover's unique Terrain Responseô is standard on all models, to make off-roading easier. Other interesting technologies include a new full-time intelligent 4x4 system for superior traction and better on-road fuel economy and the patented Gradient Release Control, which improves driver confidence and control when releasing the brakes on steep and slippery slopes.