Buyers often choose off-roaders for their perceived safety, but that is not always the case. Freelander is only fitted with driver and passenger airbags as standard, and other ‘bags aren’t even available as options. Freelander only fared averagely in the Euro NCAP occupant crash test ratings, scoring three out of five, while the pedestrian rating only received one star – due to the hard bumper and bonnet – though this is average for a robust off-roader.

For security measures it gets an alarm, immobiliser and security deadlocks as standard.

Although there’s a reasonable amount of space in the boot, the load depth is obstructed by the suspension, though the rear seats do split, fold and tumble to increase capacity. The twin gloveboxes are shallow and undersized, only suitable for storing loose change, an MP3 player or mobile phone (the driver’s side compartment houses the CD autochanger where specified) and door storage is disappointing, as the conveniently placed door bins are narrow and awkwardly shaped.

However, there are map pockets on the back of the front seats and a handy roof-mounted luggage net for additional practicality, while there are plenty of cupholders throughout the cabin to prevent spillages, including two indented in the dashboard and one in either front door.