CAP Commercial Vehicle Monitor has predicted that Land Rover's new Freelander Commercial will retain 41% of its list price at three years/60,000 miles. The August edition says a residual value figure of £6,325 puts it in close contention with both the Land Rover Defender 90 Hard Top Td5 at £7,000 (46%), and the Daihatsu TDL LWB at £6,175 (43%) - prior to its September on-sale date.

Tim Wilcock, editor of CAP Commercial Vehicle Monitor, says: 'The Freelander Commercial is likely to be a popular choice among the types of buyers looking for a go-anywhere small utility vehicle such as water companies, the Forestry Commission and police forces. Load volume and payload are not the real requirement of these buyers. Instead, they are looking for comfort as well as practicality and off-road capability.'