THERE was a time when comfort, convenience and driving enjoyment were perhaps not very high on the list of priorities for Land Rover owners.

Back then the key requirements would be that it could get from one side of a wet, muddy, rutted field to the other safely with all manner of farming equipment or animal feed in the back.

It is a measure of just how far the brand has come in a relatively short space of time that the blurb accompanying this Freelander 2 is all about sporty good looks, plush upholstery and a plethora of top-end gadgets and gizmos.

Worthy agricultural drudgery is not the realm of the Freelander and although the marque still does produce a more utilitarian model, the Defender, Land Rover has increasingly lofty aspirations.

The brand definitely sees itself as a competitor in the premium marketplace and is edging more towards the territory of its Range Rover relatives.

Indeed, many of the Freelander's design cues are taken from the Range Rover with a slightly raked tailgate and nose giving it a similar but smaller profile while the wraparound headlights and grille also echo those of the uber-prestige motor.

Eye-catching LED lights front and rear, with a distinctive signature graphic for the daytime running lights, and imposing alloy wheels add a sporty and stylish finishing touch.

And in this range-topping HSE Lux trim you get fixtures and fittings that would grace many an executive luxury saloon.

Windsor leather upholstery, black lacquer panels and a panoramic sunroof all create a high-end feel while the front seats are electronically adjustable and heated, with a memory function for the driver.

Other bells and whistles include an 825 watt Meridian surround-sound stereo, DAB radio, satellite navigation and climate control - all accessed via a high-set, easy to reach seven-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and USB connectivity.

Despite all this cosseted luxury, though, Land Rover's renowned off-road capabilities are still an integral part of the Freelander DNA.

Enthusiasts will note that it boasts obstacle clearance up to 210mm, a maximum wading depth of 500mm can handle off-road approach angles of up to 31 degrees and 34 degrees on departure. But they'll also note that there are two-wheel drive versions available, much less capable of taking on the tough stuff.

And that is because the Freelander is unashamedly aimed at those who like the status and presence of a big 4x4 but probably aren't entertaining any ideas of crossing the Kalahari Desert any time soon.

Nevertheless, the inclusion of Land Rover's Terrain Response System allows the driver to adjust the set-up for grass-gravel-snow, mud and ruts or sand at the touch of a button.

The 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine, paired with an efficient and unintrusive six-speed automatic transmission, also packs a good punch.

It is smooth and pretty refined, offering plenty of low-end pull and surprising acceleration for a car this size as well as proving a very capable motorway cruiser.

Little engine or road noise gets into the cabin although there is some wind noise created by the car's bluff angles at higher speeds.

And it is surprisingly nimble for a big motor with the suspension doing a great job of keeping that large frame under control in corners and the permanent 4x4 system offering good grip at all times.

The elevated ride height ensures the typical feeling of confidence and safety inspired by an SUV.

Unsurprisingly, the Freelander boasts a five-star rating for occupant safety in the Euro-NCAP crash tests - backed up by seven airbags and a whole host of high-tech systems including ABS brakes, traction and stability control, parking sensors, reversing camera and hill start assist.

Cars equipped with the automatic transmission lack the start/stop system of manual versions, though, and average fuel economy of 40.4mpg and carbon emissions of 185g/km, while improving on Land Rovers of old, are no better than average, and mean that, after shelling out nearly 40 grand for this Freelander, you'll need deep pockets to run it too.

However, the growing desirability of the brand does mean you'll get a fair proportion of your initial outlay back when you sell it on.