New Freelander shown at Moscow

Land Rover claims its revised Freelander, revealed today at the Moscow motor show, will offer lower emissions when it goes on sale next month — and the eco push will extend to the first ever two-wheel-drive version.

The company also say it will offer better interiors, greater refinement and stronger performance.

See all the official pics of the new Land Rover Freelander, including it at Moscow

A revised version of the PSA-sourced 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine is at the heart of the revised line-up. It’s now available in two states of tune — 148bhp and 187bhp — and both specs have 15lb ft more torque than the outgoing 158bhp motor. The changes to the 2.2, including a variable-vane turbocharger and a reprogrammed ECU, help it to meet Euro5 emissions rules.

The 148bhp TD4 comes with a manual gearbox as standard; the more powerful model, badged SD4, is available only with an automatic ’box. Land Rover claims the entry-level unit matches the outgoing engine’s performance, while offering lower CO2 emissions (165g/km instead of 179g/km).

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The SD4 emits 185g/km but accelerates from 0-60mph in 8.7sec — almost two seconds quicker than the old car — and reaches a top speed of 118mph, an increase of 6mph.

The biggest news is the arrival of a front-drive Freelander next January. Badged eD4, it is available only with a six-speed manual ’box and the 148bhp diesel engine. The reduction in weight from losing 4WD, and the addition of automatic stop-start, help the eD4 to deliver 47.2mpg and 158g/km of CO2.

Read the full Moscow motor show report

Land Rover MD Phil Popham said, “The European market for two-wheel-drive SUVs represents 23 per cent of the segment, and we intend to compete strongly. A two-wheel-drive option is just one way in which we are developing our vehicles’ efficiency while adding to the Land Rover range.”

Read more on Land Rover's other front-wheel drive model, the Range Rover Evoque

Styling tweaks include a new front bumper with revised foglights, a new grille, different headlights and tail-lights, a full-width tailgate appliqué and fresh designs of 18in and 19in alloy wheels.

The interior features revised instrument dials, four new styles of seat upholstery and the option of a Premium Pack that includes Windsor leather upholstery, covered centre stowage and greater adjustability in the seats.

The TD4 range starts at £21,695 for S trim, rising to £32,995 for the HSE (automatic transmissions cost £1515 extra on all TD4s). The more powerful SD4s start at £27,510 for the GS, rising to £35,510 for HSE. Prices for the eD4 will be announced later in the year.