The new Freelander could be the ultimate Chinese copycat

For years, we’ve joked about the unashamed rise of Chinese copycat cars. Blatant rip-offs that somehow seem to circumnavigate international copyright law; European icons immortalised in chintzy trim and cheap-feeling plastics, with not a care for who might be watching.

There’s been VW Beetle and Jeep Wrangler-inspired GWMs, a Geely designed to look like a Rolls-Royce, and even a BYD with a hint of Ford in its front end. But Land Rover appears to have been targeted more than most; a testament to its timeless designs, but a headache for its execs desperate to gain a foothold in the world’s fastest-growing new-car market.

So is this latest Freelander reboot an attempt at playing the Chinese at their own game? A case of ‘if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em’? The joint venture will claim it utilises the expertise of both brands to maximum effect, but from the outside looking in, it feels like JLR’s input comprises little more than an opportunity to license its rugged design to sit atop a cutting-edge Chinese platform and battery tech.

Without wishing to knock Land Rover’s world-leading design – the Landwind X7, Jaecoo 7 and XPeng GX look the way they do for good reason, after all – the cynics among us might suggest that to the untrained eye, this new Freelander looks a bit like a knock-off baby Defender. Not to detract from its desirability, but the raised ride height, blocky styling and defined haunches make the Freelander Concept 97 look almost cartoonish in comparison.

However, the biggest issue with so many of these ‘new-energy’ Chinese SUVs is that they don’t handle with the level of polish that discerning European buyers expect. We’ll reserve judgement until we’re given the chance to drive one, but if this new Freelander – or the production version that succeeds it – is all show and no go, its global appeal will be limited. And despite not using the Land Rover name, it could do the British business more harm than good.

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