Sharap-rover!

So how do you replace a runaway success? The answer for Land Rover appears to be take some inspiration from elsewhere in the family hence the reason why the second generation Freelander (set for its debut at this month's British International Motor Show) looks like a baby Discovery.

But this is more than a make-over, Land Rover promises that the all-new Freelander 2 is improved in every way: better performance, more economical, more refined, higher quality better handling, more competent on and off-road and substantially roomier.

"No other compact 4x4 has anything like its total breadth of capability," says Phil Popham, Land Rover's managing director.

"The Freelander 2 sets new standards in the sector, combining the advantages of a premium car such as polished ride, accomplished performance, attractive cabin and ease-of-use with the attributes of a robust 4x4, including go-anywhere ability, toughness, panoramic seating, cabin versatility and spaciousness."

Although the exterior and interior design of Freelander 2 is completely fresh, it does integrate aspects from the outgoing Freelander with design language that is instantly recognisable as Land Rover.

"We purposely kept strong cues from the original Freelander, such as the clamshell bonnet, stepped roof and the basic form," says Land Rover design director Geoff Upex.

"But the overall look is new and much more contemporary. The design is chiselled, geo-metric and simple. We have kept a close design relationship with the new Discovery 3 and Range Rover Sport, but interpreted the design language to suit the requirements of customers for a more compact 4x4."

The fast-angled windscreen, the raised roof and the tapering rear pillar of the new land Rover Freelander 2 all reflect the car's dynamic, sporty on-road abilities, as does the smooth shoulder line while the metallic side-vents not only help engine breathing, but also provide a strong family link with both Discovery 3 and Range Rover Sport.

Also contributing significantly to the flow of the design are the body-coloured A- and D-pillars, while the black E-pillars at the rear give a graphic which resembles the floating roof' of Range Rover.

The grille is a strong and confident design statement (with different versions for petrol and diesel models). The rear is also cleaner, helped by relocating the external spare wheel of the original Freelander underneath the cargo area floor, and by the new one-piece tail-lamps with watch-like detailing.

The short front and rear overhangs and high underbody are essential for go-anywhere off-road performance.

The interior package is a major improvement over the outgoing vehicle.

Although only 50 mm longer, the Freelander 2 has more head, shoulder and legroom, in both the front and rear.

Large glass areas emphasise the spacious feel and complement the elevated command driving' position and stadium seating', where rear passengers sit slightly higher than front occupants.

Boot space claims to be among the best in class and 38 per cent larger than that of the outgoing Freelander offering 755 with rear seats up and 1670 litres with the rear seats folded forward.

Specification includes; multi-way adjustable and heated electric front seats, air-conditioning, keyless starter button, bi-xenon headlamps, adaptive front lighting, rain-sensing wipers, park distance control (front and rear) and a two-part panoramic sunroof.

A full colour touch-screen DVD satellite navigation system is also available along with a choice of top-level audio systems includes DAB digital radio and 12-speaker DolbyPrologic IIx Surround Sound with fibre-optic interconnects.

An auxiliary audio connection (for iPods and MP3 players) is standard on all vehicles.

Nestling under the clamshell bonnet, Freelander 2 include two brand-new more powerful and economical engines: a 3.2-litre straight-six petrol and a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel.

The diesel engine is an all-new 160bhp 2.2-litre four-cylinder with a variable-nozzle turbocharger that returns a combined average fuel consumption of 37.7 mpg, sprints to 60mph in 10.9 seconds.

Two transmissions are offered: a new six-speed manual gearbox and the same six-speed automatic used on the petrol engine (diesel auto available from spring 2007).

The Aisin Warner AWF21 six-speed automatic transmission is a light, compact unit that features a unique remote breather, deliberately routed above Land Rover's wade line (500 mm water depth).

The fully integrated electronic Transmission Control Module uses different gearchange maps, depending on whether the transmission is in full auto, sport or manual CommandShift mode, and when the vehicle is using one of the special Terrain Response programmes.

In sport mode, the auto transmission is programmed to hold low gears longer and to shift down more readily, to assist acceleration CommandShift allows manual sequential gearchanging.

When Terrain Response special programmes are engaged, different mappings are applicable and it also manages a torque converter lock-up, which has different requirements depending on the selected Terrain Response mode.

The suspension is fully independent with front and rear coil-sprung struts and uses modern stability control systems, including Roll Stability Control, a new and sophisticated technology using Gyroscopic sensing that helps mitigate the risk of roll-over.

Freelander 2 is packed with even more new technology designed to improve both on-road and off-road performance.

Land Rover's unique Terrain Response is standard on all but the entry-level model and offers four settings which the driver can choose via a rotary control: General Driving provides a broad span of ability suitable for most on-road driving and easier off-road conditions, Grass/Gravel/Snow for slippery conditions, on-road or off-road, Mud and Ruts and Sand.

Terrain Response controls functions such as; Dynamic Stability Control, Electronic Traction Control, the Anti-lock Brakes and Hill Descent Control with its associated Gradient Release Control system which releases brake line pressure progressively, on steep gradients.

"The Freelander 2 is a revelation on-road," says Land Rover's chief engineer, vehicle integrity, Mike Cross.

"Some sporty 4x4s are more firmly sprung, but where Freelander 2 really scores is in its mix of agility, responsiveness and ride comfort. It is never harsh, but is always a rewarding and predictable vehicle to drive hard."

Freelander 2 should be available in the UK by the end of the year with prices likely to start at just under £20,000.