The Freelander is the 4x4 for those who want to have a 4x4, but without the associated problems. It’s massively capable off road, easy to park, reasonably economical and drivable around town. Plus in the Freelander, you can still be a friend of the earth.

The previous Freelander was the best selling 4x4 in the UK because it ticked so many of the boxes. It did have some issues though, like poor handling, a lack of space, and some reliability issues. Land Rover have now really got their act together and built a car worthy of sitting in the same stable as the Defender, Discovery and Range Rover. The new Freelander is now the car it always wanted to be.

There is plenty of space inside for both passengers and luggage. The interior trim is of a high quality and the whole cabin looks like it belongs in one of the more expensive Discovery or Range. Equipment levels are excellent with even entry level models benefiting from alloy wheels, air-conditioning and a CD player.

Reliability looks set to be rock solid in the new Land Rover Freelander, not just due to Discovery parts being used in the cabin, but due to a new range of engines. There will be a six-cylinder 3.2-litre unit with 230bhp and a more economical 158bhp 2.2-litre diesel. An automatic gearbox is optional.

The handling has also been improved as it is now more composed on road. The suspension smooths out bumps well, body roll is kept to a minimum and the car feels more composed all round. Off road the Land Rover Freelander can still call its self a real 4x4 though.