Land Rover has historically done pretty well with commercial van derivatives of its Freelander and it's easy to see why. Though there are plenty of 4x4 vans, there aren't too many smaller ones. At the same time, just as 'lifestyle vehicle' buyers are increasingly opting for smaller 4x4s, so van users are also looking at more compact alternatives.

Like this one? Well let's see. It's based on the usual five-door bodyshape, with a design that's the work of Land Rover Special Vehicles, the department who produce the car. These are the same people who turn regular Defenders and Discoverys into ambulances and fire tenders. Commercial buyers benefit from everything you'd get on the latest Freelander 2 car range, which means you've a choice of the familiar 2.2-litre TD4 diesel or 3.2-litre six cylinder petrol engines.

The Freelander 2 Commercial is available in 'S' and 'XS' versions. The specification is as a standard Freelander 2 at the respective trim levels, without rear seats and side airbags but with the addition of a full-height solid bulkhead with mesh panel, a floor support frame, a floor panel with lashing points, fixed rear side glass, a rubber loadspace mat, tail door and side window guards and rear cargo lighting.

You'll need the 'XS' derivative if you want to go seriously off road, as it's the only one that benefits from Land Rover's acclaimed Terrain Response system. The XS package also includes 17" alloy wheels, powerfold mirrors, a full size spare wheel, front park distance control, part leather trim, automatic climate control and branded ICE.

"The Freelander 2 Commercial should elbow its way into a market niche with few rivals."

Land Rover company hopes that the Freelander 2 Commercial will appeal to police, fire and mountain rescue organisations. However, it's also likely to find favour with the small business owner who needs a stylish work tool during the week and wants to haul fishing gear or a jetski to a remote lake at the weekend. Signwritten with flair, this would be an ideal mobile billboard to advertise a shop, restaurant, courier service or plumber.

Up front, you'll find the same practical cabin as the passenger Freelander. That means clear instruments, a logical control layout and comfortable seats with an ample range of adjustment to suit bulky tradespeople. Permanent four-wheel drive is standard - no self-respecting 'Landie' comes without it - while Land Rover's ingenious Hill Descent Control is also included.

Of course, Land Rover is no stranger to offering buyers the highly useful combination of load-lugging capacity and the ability to laugh at terrain that would halt most commercial vehicles. Thousands of farmers already make the most of Defender 'vans', or still use their predecessors dating all the way back to 1948! More recently, a three-door van version of the Discovery attracted many buyers drawn by its combination of smart looks, practicality and agility.

The Freelander Commercial should elbow its way into a market niche containing very few rivals. The passenger-carrying Freelanders have proven very popular with people who want to make a 'lifestyle' statement in the golf club car park or on the school run. Yet those same buyers know their vehicle really can haul a horsebox out of a muddy field or reach a hill country cottage retreat through driving snow.

The commercial version is ideal for those who need a van for work and crave an off-roader for active outdoor weekends, yet can't afford both.