The Freelander is the smallest and cheapest Land Rover on the market. It has been one of Europe's best-selling compact sport-utility vehicles since it launched there in 1997, but the baby has struggled to fit into Canada.

So Land Rover restyled the Freelander big-time for 2004 -- better engineering, better looks, lower price, the works. Guess what happened? Freelander sales fell 42 per cent in April, compared with the same month last year. It lost ground to the Toyota RAV4, BMW X3, Ford Escape, Chevy Blazer, Jeep Liberty and Honda CR-V, just to name a few.

However, the new model is far better than last year's. Land Rover made 700 changes to improve the style both inside and out.

The Freelander comes in two body styles: the SE3, a three-door semi-convertible version, and a five-door model with two trims, the SE and HSE.

One of the best things about the revamped Freelander is the price. The top-tier Freelander HSE costs $39,900, down from $44,400 for the 2003 model.

The base SE is $35,900 -- about the same price as last year's base S model ($35,400), which has been scrapped from the lineup. Now, the new base comes with a slew of standard features, including leather seats, 17-inch alloy wheels and CD player.

The redesigned Freelander looks sportier and strikingly similar to its big brother, the Range Rover. Even the new grille resembles both the Discovery and Range Rover models.

Both front and rear bumpers are body-coloured. The front bumpers are still made from thermoplastic, which can resist most dings. The headlamps are revamped and 70-per-cent brighter than the old ones.

Inside, there are some great upgrades, too. The front bucket seats are comfortable, but watch out getting into them. I'm not tall by any stretch and I still hit my head several times on the door.

There's very little headroom and no height adjustments on the seats to compensate for it. Seat adjustments are manual, not electric.

Seating is a bit tight for five and there's very little trunk space. But there are more storage compartments: two glove boxes, including a tiny one under the steering wheel. The cup holders on the dash are deeper than before. The window controls are finally in a good spot, on the side of the door instead of the centre console.

When it comes to off-roading, the Freelander can tackle some feats other SUVs can't.

It comes with a ton of technology to take on the great outdoors, including a permanent four-wheel-drive system, all-terrain anti-lock brakes, traction control and Land Rover's exclusively-engineered Hill Descent Control, which limits speed to less than 10 km/h when travelling down steep hills or slippery slopes.

(I admit I never used it and I imagine most owners never will either -- although I did tackle a few curbs -- but it's nice to have the option.)

Freelander is attempting to uphold the true Land Rover image of luxury and elegance. But the removable hard-top roof on the SE3 is a joke.

It sounds simple -- unlatch the hooks at the back and side and it's supposed to slide right out -- but I needed help from four friends to remove it. And there's no place to store the thing except the garage, if you have one. Just hope it doesn't rain during your travels.

The SE3 also has twin sunroofs with removable glass. It's a hassle to remove them, too.

But the SE3 has a jump-start on the competition. Few SUVs in this segment can compete with the distinctive bold look and convertible-like feel. However, for a compact SUV, it's a gas-guzzler; at least it doesn't need premium fuel.

It may be just a matter of time before Canadians follow in the footsteps of Europeans who adore the Freelander. It's a shame, though, that 2003 buyers didn't hold out a little while longer for the revamped version.

Specifications

2004 Freelander HSE

Type: Sport-utility vehicle

Price: $39,900 (as tested: $42,620)

Engine: 2.5-litre, V-6

Transmission: Five-speed automatic

Horsepower/Torque: 174 hp/177 lb-ft

Fuel economy: City, 13 L/100 km; highway, 10 L/100 km

Alternatives: Toyota RAV4, BMW X3, Ford Escape, Chevy Blazer, Jeep Liberty, and Honda CR-V

Like: Exterior and interior design changes -- resembles Range Rover

Don't like: Gas-guzzler