Land Rover Freelander

A seven-seat version of the Land Rover Free­lander 2 is on the drawing board, Auto Express has learned. Set to join the regular five-seat variant in around 18 months’ time, the more practical model is being prepared to help the range compete with new rivals such as the Peu­geot 4007 and Chevrolet Captiva.

Although company bosses are currently denying such a car exists, our sources have revealed that changes to the 4x4’s cabin are likely to see a pair of occasional chairs introduced in the boot – a feature its challengers already offer.

Measuring 4,500mm, the Freelander is only 45mm shorter than the Peugeot and, thanks to its long wheelbase, the boot has 1,670 litres of space – easily enough to accommodate the extra chairs. The load area may need to be remodelled to ensure the new seating provides sufficient legroom. However, what is less clear is exactly what specification the seven-seater model will be offered in, or whether the arrangement will simply be supplied as an optional extra.

At present, a total of nine different versions of the Free­lander are available, powered by a choice of just two engines: a 2.2-litre diesel and a 3.2-litre six-cylinder petrol. Trim levels, comprise S, GS, XS, SE and HSE. As with the bigger, seven-seat Discovery, it is unlikely that entry-level Freelanders, badged either S or GS, would come with the additional accommodation. Instead, the extra chairs are likely to be reserved for flagship SE and HSE models.