Report - Land Rover Freelander 3 to be rebranded into a Discovery

09/10/2013 - 11:40 Land Rover Discovery, Land Rover Shivaguru Prabhakaran

In a recent report, Auto Express claims that Land Rover will shake up its range structure and the next generation Freelander codenamed L550 (dubbed Freelander 3 by enthusiasts) would be rebranded as a baby Discovery, slotting below the full-size model that would also be revamped in the coming years.

Official details on the Discovery range are expected to emerge in the first half of next year coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the Discovery brand. The model will arrive in dealerships a year later following its global presentation at the Paris Motor Show next year.

2015 Land Rover Freelander spied in India — IAB reader Lalu Krishnan spotted the new Freelander in Kerala back in June. Tata Elixi and TCS are reportedly working on the CAD, CAM and other software services for the car.

The rethink is a part of Land Rover's long-term strategy of splitting vehicles into three pillars - Luxury, Dual Purpose and Leisure. The luxury line already consists of three Range Rover models, and the Dual Purpose pillar would house the new Defender family, leaving the Discovery and its baby brother to fill up the Leisure range.

Auto Express claims that the mini Discovery would get rugged, slab-sided proportions and chunky under-body protection. The front would be designed with a three-dimensional grille and narrower headlights with LED daytime running lamps. The exterior, interior and engines will be revamped.

2015 Land Rover Freelander Spied in India rear image — The car would be presented at the Paris Motor Show next year, before going on sale in 2015. It would use the current platform, but the engines, exterior and interior would be redone.

For the first time, a 5+2 configuration would also be offered by stretching the platform, which the publication claims would be carried over from the current Freelander.

[Source - AutoExpress.co.uk]