The Land Rover Freelander 2 has been voted 'Best 4x4' by the panel at the What Diesel Magazine Car of the Year Awards 2008.

The Freelander 2's impressive 2.2-litre diesel engine impressed the judges and topped the category against tough competition from the Land Rover Discovery 3 and the Nissan X-Trail.

"The Freelander 2 is perfectly at home on-road or up to its axles in mud in the rough stuff," commented Ian Robertson, editor of What Diesel magazine. "Not only does the Freelander 2 now take compact SUVs to a new level of competence in off-roading, it ups the ante to such an extent that most manufacturers will find it intimidating to share the same road space with it."

John Edwards, Land Rover UK managing director added: "It's outstanding news for the Freelander 2 to have received this recognition in such a competitive sector. It is testament not only to its refined diesel engine but also to its all round capability."

Available from £21,205 on the road, the Freelander 2 comes equipped with Land Rover's acclaimed Hill Descent Control (HDC), four-wheel electronic traction control, full-time intelligent four-wheel drive, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Roll Stability Control (RSC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), and in 2.2-litre diesel manual form, boasts an impressive 37.7 mpg and 194g/km of CO2.

Source: Land Rover