Car reviews

Freelander is the junior member of 4x4’s most aristocratic family – Land Rover. Range Rover lords it over premium 4x4s; Discovery splashes through swamps or strolls through suburbia in equal style, while Defender's genes have made it a faithful retainer on the country estate for generations. Blue blood doesn’t necessarily confer special virtues – and Freelander has been known to slip up. It's a more complete package than 'lifestyle' 4x4s like RAV-4 and CR-V, with three body styles and lots of options. But it's more expensive and less reliable – rattly interior trim, faulty electrics and blown engines are some common faults.