A totally different beast

What do these people who review cars in newspapers and magazines actually drive themselves away from the test situation?

In my case my vehicle of choice is a Land Rover Freelander which I have had for about four years.

During that time it has proved to be a solid, dependable car (I call it that as opposed to a four wheel drive) which is comfortable and practical.

In the face of a continual barrage of criticism about owning a 4WD from friends, colleagues and just about anyone else who wants to have a pop, I defend the Freelander's credentials to the hilt.

That is because this is not a gas guzzling monster polluting the air of our fair city and creating havoc in car parks.

The two litre BMW-derived diesel engine has proved so far to be totally dependable with the odometer approaching 100,000 miles, and can return close to 40mpg on a long run, while emissions are similar to a Ford Mondeo.

It has an excellent driving position, can carry a large dog and luggage, and will still look good for years to come.

And should I wish to pop to a beach, ford a stream or flood, or tackle an icy road, then I can do so confidently with that four wheel drive on tap.

In fact this car, was a pioneer of the sports utility vehicle and despite dozens of imitators, consistently topped the popularity charts over the last ten years.

Of course, like virtually every vehicle, it has its faults, which was why I was curious to see whether the new Freelander 2 was a major improvement.

What is clear is that it is a totally different beast. It may look similar in outline but that is about it.

This version is bigger, higher and more brashly 4WD than before. Land Rover has deliberately pushed it into the premium segment, bunching it up with its stablemates the Discovery and the Range Rover.

Under the bonnet, the old diesel power plant has been replaced by a new Peugeot unit which, at 2.2 litres is bigger and more powerful, but boasts better fuel consumption.

In terms of performance this is a definite imrovement. The old engine is sluggish and underpowered, especially from a standing start whereas this one accelerates briskly with plenty of kick for overtaking. Time will tell whether it is just as spritely and smooth after 100,000 miles.

And other areas such as the turning circle have improved. The old model needs a space the size of a football field to negotiate even gentle parking manoeuvres.

Inside, too, it's a different story. The SE version on test boasted a range of toys from power seats to satellite navigation and terrain response - a little wheel which allows you to adjust the four wheel drive response to sand, snow, etc.

In fact it feels like a luxury vehicle with its leather trimmed heated seats and climate control along with toys such as automatic windscreen wipers and front and rear parking sensors.

Of course, all of this is a world away from my basic old model which does not even have air conditioning and its trim featuring a cheap-looking grey and blue plastic.

But before the new model has the chance to go all high and mighty and look down its long nose at its forerunner, there are some salient points to be made.

Firstly, while the second version purportedly offers more shoulder and head room, it certainly did not feel that way in the back and there were complaints that there was less leg room.

The boot is bigger but now it has a hatchback opening instead of the outwardly swinging rear door.

That's great for tight spaces in the supermarket car park and for sheltering from the rain at the car boot sale, but somehow it takes away the basic spirit of the original vehicle and indeed Land Rover itself.

I like the hinged door with the spare wheel on the back - it gives and impression of solidity, harking back as it does to the original Land Rovers of the 1950s and '60s.

Also, the extremely useful storage trays on the dashboard have disappeared to be replaced by a steeply sloping curve of plastic that you couldn't balance a coin on.

This is perhaps partly due to to the passenger airbag but it's still disappointing.

The Freelander 2 is faster, quieter, better handling and far more luxurious than the previous generation.

It is well made and undoubtedly as good if not better than the rest of its class but with prices nudging £30,000 and beyond you're definitely paying for the privilege.

Somehow it feels too similar to its bigger sisters in the Land Rover range.

It has lost the no-frills spirit which made the original Freelander such a winner and that is a shame.

Land Rover Freelander Td4 SE

Top speed: 112mph

0-60mph: 10.9 seconds

Fuel consumption (combined): 37.7mpg

Price: £28,510

Car supplied by Hartwell Land Rover, Cumnor, Oxford, 0870 904 9167