There aren’t many tractors you get on thinking you might have mistakenly clambered aboard an oversized toy. But on the TTV 630 there’s that idea at the back of your mind for a few seconds.

It’s nothing bad; in fact it’s strangely reassuring seeing all those neatly coloured buttons and levers, just waiting for sticky hands to grab them.

The TTV 630, in that way, is no different from any of the other CVT models in the Italian firm’s stable. Launched to the UK market earlier this year, it bridges the gap between the existing TTV and X-series, taking Deutz’s CVT range firmly into 200hp-plus territory.

This flagship model isn’t just a TTV shell with a bigger engine and gearbox, though. Things have changed in the bright and spacious cab, most notably with the appearance of a sophisticated iMonitor terminal. The 630 is the first Deutz to get this, and it catapults the user firmly into the 21st century.

Under the distinctive lime-green shark-nosed bonnet, there’s not even the slightest hint of a toy motor. Although Deutz entered the CVT market in 2000 with TTV models that went to 165hp, it’s taken a while for it to launch a 200hp model.

But now, Deutz’s tech-filled TCD 2012 six-pot, four-valve engine uses engine management to boost it up to 224hp. There are also two high-pressure fuel pumps feeding the common rail that both use engine oil for lubrication, meaning all models are biodiesel ready.

In common with the other TTVs, the 630 has a Carraro axle alongside ZF’s four-range S-Matic transmission. Thanks to Deutz’s Power Control electronic management system, 50kph transport speeds can be achieved at a fuel-sipping 1850rpm.

It’s no lightweight round the back end, either. The TTV 630 has a hefty 10,000kg lift capacity, and 160 litre/min load-sensing hydraulics.

There are three driving modes – auto is the most simple – which allows drivers to get to work without having to programme anything. PTO and Manual require a little more fathoming.

Because the transmission has four ranges, drive is, for the most part, mechanically transferred, meaning less power loss throughout, says Deutz. And the tractor hardly seemed to notice the presence of the five-furrow plough we hitched to it – apart from a bit of understandable lightness on the front end because of a lack of weights.

The arrival of the new iMonitor means the TTV can compete with the likes of NH and MF in the display and control of key functions and settings.

On the main screen, all the most important info is listed in a logical manner, including cruise control speeds, transmission functions and performance data. Things like setting the cruise speed are done by highlighting the relevant box and twiddling the knob on the car-like console to the right of the armrest.

Navigation, once you’ve got the hang of it, is straightforward and Deutz admits it has tried to make it as close as possible to what drivers experience in a car.

The monitor, despite being right behind the chunky, somewhat outdated joystick (more about that later), is large and well-lit and operators can tilt – but not swivel – it for easier viewing.

Simply choose between Home, Tractor and Multimedia using the toggle option and you’ll be taken to another screen for further options.

Headland management can include up to 16 stages in up to six individual job memories, and operators have to press one button in the iMonitor to activate the sequence. Each stage is still triggered manually by the operator using the joystick.

Now it’s made its debut on the TTV 630, the iMonitor will start filtering down through other Deutz models, says Deutz.

Deutz has used the PowerCom V joystick in the TTV range since its launch in 2000. And it really needs updating, or else putting on a serious slimming regime. There’s too much of it to get your hand round, which makes operation less intuitive than it should be.

That aside, operation is straightforward and Deutz’s aim of any driver being able to jump on and drive is plausible. For drivers used to operating a Fendt, however, joystick direction could prove tricky, as once in reverse, operators need to push forward to increase speed rather than backwards.

One thing you’ll notice in the TTV is the lack of a stereo. It’s now all integrated into the iMonitor, which could be a step too far for drivers who find it difficult enough to send a text, let alone scroll through multiple options to get to Radio 2. You can have a separate radio if you want.

For some, one of the most distinctive features about a Deutz-Fahr, aside from the brightly-coloured buttons and levers, is the gravelly engine noise. Yet inside, you’d hardly notice it, with a cab noise reading of just 72dB. But, if you really want a blast of six-cylinder turbocharged sound, all you need to do is open the sunroof or a side window.

Starting and hydraulic unlocking systems have always been a bit different on Deutz tractors and probably act as a novel way of deterring theft. But, this CVT model always defaults to neutral, so there’s no need for the usual rigmarole of leaving your foot on the clutch and checking it is out of gear.

On the joystick and mudguard controls, linkage lift is bright green, whereas spools are all blue. Each spool is etched into the casing, so it is fairly straightforward, although spool time and flow settings are changed on the i-Monitor.

Four pto speeds come as standard: 540E, 540E, 1000E and 1000E. Controls are on the side panel and are simple to engage.

A glass sun-roof fitted with blinds and two internal mirrors means peripheral vision is good, and at night drivers can take comfort in the knowledge that there’s little chance of things creeping up on them, thanks to 10 work lights illuminating 500sq m of ground.

UK buyers get five rear spools plus two for the front linkage, which also comes as standard (although the front pto costs extra).

There’s still a hold-and-depress process to unlock the hydraulic spools, which is a bit of a pain. Deutz says this stems from an EU safety directive and that an increasing number of tractors will have it.

The TTV is fitted with a sprung front axle, adjustable mudguards and a cab that sits on two airbags. Bluetooth and the new iMonitor also get thrown in as standard, but a reversing camera is optional.

Service intervals are every 500 hours, while hydraulic and transmission oils need dropping every 1500 hours and maintenance access is straightforward. The radiator opens in three stages, and the engine oil dipstick is get-atable without having to open the one-piece bonnet.