One of the big complaints with the original Test Drive Off-Road was that the tracks were too narrow and it was hard to tell where you were supposed to go at times. This is not a problem any longer. Plus, there was the issue in the original about getting off the track and getting stuck, unable to make your way back on the track. This is also no longer a problem. The tracks offer a variety of environments, ripping through mud, sand, rivers, streets, jumps and snow.
Some games offer varying terrain, but it is nothing more than eye candy.
The different terrain in this game really affects the performance and handling of your vehicle. For example, in the Switzerland track, you will race across what appears to be a frozen lake. If you are unfortunate enough to have your momentum stopped, it is a pain to get going again on the ice. Another example is on one of the dune tracks. If you get off the beaten path into the deeper sand that has accumulated on the side of the road, your vehicle will slow to a snail's pace while kicking up a rooster tail of sand.