Next Land Rover Freelander Reportedly Ditching Nameplate to Join Discovery Family

We have just learnt from Autocar that Land Rover is reportedly ditching the Freelander name for the SUV’s replacement, which will become a part of an extended Discovery family. The main reasoning behind this is the array of sub-brands they offer can be viewed as confusing – they are cleaning it up and making it easier for prospective buyers to understand.

Still, most people were probably used to the name, as it has been in use since 1997. If you ask me, the Freelander name is a sub-brand in its own right, and dropping it will give the small SUV a less unique personality.

The replacement model is expected to make its appearance around the end of 2014, and it will be a very important pillar in the range, as sales of compact crossovers have skyrocketed in the last few years.

Expect the next-gen Freelander to ride on the same platform as the Evoque, and be powered by a range of efficient four-pot engines with forced induction – there’s even talk of a supercharged unit.

By Andrei Nedelea

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS

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