CLIMB aboard the Freelander 2 and you step up into a different world.

While there might be superficial external similarities between the new version and its predecessor, they do not prepare you for the changes made beneath the surface.

The Freelander 2 is the real deal. Tougher, simpler, chiselled styling cloaks a quantum leap in comfort, quality and class.

No longer the baby of the Land Rover range, the Freelander 2 has grown up, with its agility and responsiveness on the road matched by outstanding off-road ability.

It is still being marketed as a compact 4x4, but the new vehicle is an altogether more imposing package than before.

The original Freelander, which was launched a decade ago, is seen by many as having created a whole new class of vehicle: the compact premium 4x4.

The Freelander 2 is improved in every way, particularly in its handling, ride and comfort.

My first proper run in the car saw it soaking up an early-morning, near 200-mile, cross-country run to Gatwick airport and back with ease.

The interior is a major improvement over the outgoing vehicle. Although only a couple of inches longer, the Halewood-built Freelander 2 has better shoulder and legroom, in both the front and rear.

Inside, the technology is mind boggling and requires a serious amount of study to get the best out of it.

As an example, the centre console houses no fewer than 38 buttons and five dials, controlling everything from the audio, air conditioning and touch-screen satellite navigation system, to the electronically-controlled 4x4 system. A flick of a rotary control switches the so-called Terrain Response system between four settings, ranging from general driving, to grass/gravel/snow for slippery conditions and on to the trickier mud and ruts, and sand settings.

Power is equally beefy, coming from a choice of 3.2-litre, 233 horsepower, straight six petrol engine - 30 per cent more powerful than the outgoing V6 - or the more sensible choice of a 160 horsepower, 2.2-litre TD4 diesel, which delivers a whopping 43 per cent more power than its predecessor.

The extra oomph at the front end is matched by 38 per cent more boot space at the rear.

The Freelander 2's powerful engines, strong body and 4x4 transmission make it an ideal towing vehicle. The petrol automatic and diesel manual models are able to tow a 2000kg braked trailer, making them suitable for most single horseboxes, medium-sized caravans and many boats.

Auto facts Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4 HSE

  • Price: £30,935
  • Ins group: 13
  • Fuel consumption (Combined): 37.7mpg
  • Top speed: 112mph
  • Length: 450cm/177.1in
  • Width: 200cm/78.7in
  • Luggage capacity: 26.6 cu ft
  • Fuel tank capacity: 15 gallons/68 litres
  • CO2 emissions: 194g/km
  • Warranty: 3 years/unlimited mileage