The Freelander's unrepentant luxury features answer this oft-heard question: why buy a compact SUV like this for about $30K if you can buy a larger SUV for the same price? It's about quality, not quantity, my dears. Leather, wood and British dignity rubbing bumpers with vehicles seen more at half-pipes than the Hamptons. Hmm. Who would want one?

Well, the Freelander should appeal most to youthful, urban-dwelling successful types who want luxurious surroundings and SUV versatility without excess weight and size that can be cumbersome in the city. And of all premium-brand SUVs, the Freelander is probably the most likely to be taken off-road for biking and camping, since those are known favorite activities of this set of buyers. Now just how many of those people actually exist, who aren't already in Audi Quattro wagons or similar, remains to be seen.

But what about the truck itself?

It's lovely, of course. Incredible off-road. The most lavish compact SUV ever, absolutely fit for royalty. What else did you expect?