LAND Rover's all new Freelander has put right any criticisms which could be levelled at the original.
It is bigger than its predecessor and has styling cues similar to its big brother, the Discovery 3.
I like the aggressively designed front end which has a more purposeful, strong look.
The Freelander 2's body shape, with chiseled edges and sweeping lines, is infinitely more attractive and although it will still be used for the school run I can see it attracting substantially greater numbers of owners who want to use it off road.
Only the entry level model lacks Land Rover's Terrain Response system which allows the driver to choose suspension settings for different surface conditions.
This car was the diesel-powered TD4 SE, with six-speed manual gear change, and on one particular day I covered 260 miles of non-motorway, twisty, hilly roads.
That's when I realised just how improved this new Land Rover is. Cornering ability is first class for a vehicle of this type with very little body roll and a suspension which irons out all but the deepest ruts and bumps.
The turbo-diesel throws out 160bhp which gives the heavy 4x4 a respectable 0-62mph sprint time of 11.7 seconds.
Despite being diesel powered there is hardly any diesel knock and wind and road noise are well suppressed.
The diesel, which most people will opt for, is also reasonably frugal on fuel. I managed to get 35mpg overall on the longest run which involved a tremendous number of gear changes.
The Freelander 2's high driving position and flat bonnet means you have good forward vision and seats and steering wheel are adjustable to offer a wide choice.
Leg room in the back is reasonable, but not roomy. Luggage space in the boot with the seats in place is 755 litres, but with them folded flat this increases to a useful 1,670 litres.
Cabin layout and finish are excellent with an uncluttered dash, including a keyless start/stop button. The dials are similar to those on the Discovery 3 which mean they are functional yet stylish.
Several storage bins are scattered round the interior which has a light and airy feel and there is an all round feel of quality in the materials used.
Being a Land Rover you can take it as read it will do the business off road. Stability control systems include emergency brake assist, hill descent, traction control, dynamic stability control and roll stability control.
Extras include satellite-navigation and a CD multichanger, while the flagship HSE model comes complete with leather upholstery.
SE versions, which cost £28,485, have a very high specification, including items such as remote central locking, air bags all round, one-shot electric windows, automatic folding wing mirrors, air conditioning, alloys, panoramic sun roof, heated front seats, cruise control, six-disc CD, automatic headlights and front and rear parking assistance control.
The price may appear relatively steep but this is a high quality, versatile vehicle which will hold its value better than most of its competitors.
FAST FACTS
Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4 SE 5dr
Price: £28,485
Mechanical: 160bhp, 2,179cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving all four wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 112mph
0-62mph: 11.7
Combined mpg: 37.7
Insurance group: 13
CO2 emission: 194g/km
BiK rating: 28%
Warranty: 3yrs /unlimited mileage, 6yrs anti-rust