THE Land Rover Freelander is a true Land Rover and will go just about anywhere but it also makes a good road car and is very easy to drive.

It outsells all other smaller off-roaders and there are loads to choose from so only buy the best - with full service history.

Reliability is not good in earlier models so buy very carefully and walk away from any your instinct tells you are not perfect.

Ride and comfort are the same as those in a car but there is much more roll - as with almost all off-roaders - and corners cannot be taken as fast as in a saloon or hatch.

Since 2006, there have been just two engines available - a 3.2-litre V6, which is to be avoided unless you can afford the low economy, or an excellent 2.2-litre 150bhp turbo diesel.

This diesel offers good performance along with excellent economy and is very smooth and quiet.

Just one bodystyle has been available since '06 - the five door estate, with plenty of room for four, or five at a pinch.

: Nissan X-Trail