THESE days of rocketing fuel costs would seem not be good news for 4x4s and off-roaders, which traditionally have been as thirsty as a lager lout on the Costa Brava.

That and high carbon dioxide emissions massively bumping up the road fund licence and benefit in kind taxation for business users meant that firms like Land Rover had to think again about fuel efficiency - particularly at the lower end of the price range.

After all, someone who can afford a Range Rover or top range Discovery probably doesn't need to worry too much about those costs.

But Land Rover has been manufacturing off-roaders since 1948 with a range that now includes the Defender, Freelander, Discovery, Range Rover and now the stunning Evoque and still exports  to over 140 countries.

The firm clearly knows how to move with the times.

The Freelander is very affordable, despite still being a big and desirable car, so its just as well that the latest comes with a cleaner, more economical engine.

The 2.2-litre Euro 5 compliant diesel, available as either 150 or 190ps not only offers those cost savings, but it also has plenty of grunt. This is still necessary in a car that has the ability to go  mud-plugging or towing trailers and here there is sufficient torque to deliver that extra pulling power.

The 150ps manual improves fuel consumption on its predecessor by a significant nine per cent with claimed economy of 45.6mpg and eight per cent on emissions, with 165g/km.

Both the 150ps TD4 and the 190ps SD4 automatic driven here claim a 14% improvement in CO2 emissions to 185g/km and a matching fuel economy improvement delivering 40.4mpg.

Even better, there is also the choice of two-wheel-drive eD4 derivatives with stop/start technology capable of 47.2mpg and 158g/km CO2.

It's an impressive improvement and there is still plenty of performance available. The 190ps version is capable of accelerating from 0-60mph in just 8.7 seconds and on top speed of 118mph.

It also features exterior and interior cosmetic revisions and a new premium pack option.

The exterior sports a new front bumper assembly incorporating new front fog lamp bezels, a new  grille finish new headlights and tail lamps and new 18 or 19-inch alloy wheel styles.

There are revised instrument dials, four new seat styles and the Premium Pack option that includes Windsor leather upholstery, an extremely adjustable electric driver's seat, plus premium grade mats and covered centre stowage.

The interior has large glass areas that allow in plenty of light and there is masses of head and legroom.

Still highly practical there is plenty of stowage space and although the boot area is not huge, that can be further increased by folding the rears seats.

Land Rovers are excellent off road and the Freelander is no exception. With an obstacle clearance of of 210mm and a wading depth of 500mm, rugged roads and rivers present few problems.

It also features a number of settings for the four wheel drive operation to tackle conditions from dry sand to Arctic weather.

But most will rarely go off road and on the road the car has good manners with an absence of body roll you would not expect on a car like this and a smooth ride that keeps the occupants in comfort.

All versions are well equipped and offer Euro NCAP five star safety protection with an array of airbags, stability control and braking systems

The HSE range topper is not cheap at more than £36,000 but the stratospheric CO2 emissions of a few years ago are dropping fast.