My husband and I are both environmental consultants, and we often have to do site visits. My previous car was an Audi (and Dad was very pleased with my choice). There was nothing wrong with it, except that it’s too low on the ground-perfect for the Autobahn, but not for rough terrain. I wanted a car with higher ground clearance. My husband did his research, but he had his doubts whether the new Freelander was the best option for me in the price range – that reputation, you see.

Too many things to list them all… The lights that switch on automatically when it gets dark; the windscreen wipers that switch on when it starts to rain (or the windscreen gets a shower from a sprinkler); the radio controls on the steering wheel (“How did you turn up the radio, Mom?” my son has asked me countless times). Cruise control is useful on the open road, and then there’s that handy knob in the middle of the dashboard for different driving conditions, called the “terrain response”. The biggest plus is that the vehicle is automatic. No more leg cramps from stepping on the clutch in Johannesburg peakhour traffic! But what I appreciate the most is the power of the 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine. It doesn’t hesitate when I put my foot down. This morning I drove on a gravel road in the pouring rain, and there was no hint that the car might lose grip.

The irritating warning sound if I don’t put on my seatbelt immediately. And I can’t get used to not having the hooter button on the centre pad of the steering wheel – it has two narrow strip buttons. It also has very little packing space.

Some time ago I drove from Pretoria to Ladysmith and the diesel consumption was a very decent 8,6 ℓ/100 km on the open road. In city traffic it uses more fuel, though.

I was very worried about this, because Land Rover has taken so much flak for service. The Freelander has to be serviced once a year or every 24 000 km – whichever comes first. I’ve had it for two years now and have just had it serviced for the second time (it has 42 000 km on the clock). Both times everything went well. Someone from Land Rover even phones me every two months to find out whether I’m experiencing any problems.

Well, it would seem as if the Brits got their act together. I would definitely recommend it. I once read that mankind’s biggest obstacle is the inability to change habitual thought processes. The oil stain on the garage floor has stuck in people’s minds, and Land Rover will have a hard time changing perceptions. In my opinion, however, the company has restored its reputation (and Land Rover is not paying me to say this).