Land Rover has won two prestigious accolades in the Auto Express New Car Honours awards, beating tough competition to win Best Compact SUV and Best Premium SUV.

The Land Rover Freelander 2 fought off the likes of the VW Tiguan, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Ford Kuga in what is one of the most hotly contested sectors to win Best Compact SUV, while the Discovery 3 beat the BMW X5, Audi Q7 and the Mercedes M-Class to win Best Premium SUV.

Auto Express road test editor, Chris Thorp, said: “Here is the proof that when it comes to building compact sports utility vehicles, Land Rover cannot be matched. Not only is the Freelander 2 as capable on the road as it is off it, the upmarket 4x4 is as refined as some of the best limousines. Generously equipped and tastefully appointed, the car offers an unrivalled blend of versatility and drivability.”

On the Discovery 3 accolade, Thorp continued: “The Discovery 3 is the most distinctively styled and best loved premium off-roader money can buy. The seven seat interior is not just huge, but hugely adjustable. Its air suspension and terrain response allow drivers to reach all but the most inaccessible locations. As at home on the motorway, as it is in the Serengeti Desert, no other car offers such wide ranging ability.”