The new interior sees splashes of fake aluminum around the instrument cluster, down the sides of the center console and around the shifter. Trim rings around the gauges also bring an air of sophistication. These minor improvements help to make the Freelander's interior slightly more bearable, at least until the next small Land Rover comes along.

Acknowledging that it will never conquer mountains, the Sport package sees the vehicle lowered by 30 mm, with firmed up springs and dampers. (Photo: Land Rover)

Freelander S, SE and HSE models continue forward, while a new Sport version will be offered. Featuring newer, more supportive seats trimmed in Alpaca leather, the HSE boasts finer details all around the cockpit for a more luxurious ambience. At the opposite end of the spectrum, finally accepting the notion that the Freelander may never see anything worse than a massive traffic jam, the Sport package sees the vehicle lowered by 30 mm, with firmed up springs and dampers, and eighteen inch wheels fitted with road-only performance tires.

With the 2003 model starting at a steep $35,400, will the upgraded Freelander be able to match the upcoming BMW X3? (Photo: Land Rover)

All models still feature a variety of engines, but the highlights are still the Rover-sourced 2.5 liter KV6 gasoline engine, and the BMW-sourced 2.0 liter Td4 turbodiesel, the latter only available in Europe.

At the end of the day, does this updated Freelander offer enough improvements to keep it on the collective radar screen of upwardly mobile compact SUV buyers? That will remain to be seen. With the 2003 model starting at a steep $35,400 and topping off at an even more stratospheric $45,145 fully loaded, it's going to get a run for its money from the X3.