Having never played the original I can't comment on the experience of TDU2 after having been a fan of TDU but I can say I think the game is excellent.
I really enjoy just driving around finding stuff, I enjoy the races (for the most part) and just enjoy the game in general.
Some niggles though.
I am sick of hearing that the brothers, forget their name, are arguing with someone. How many times does that stupid bint have to say that before a race?
I don't like the fact you can't sell cars unless you are buying another and you need to make space in your garage. I also hate the fact you can't sell the cars you win from the NPC's.
When I bought my PS3 in January I got it with GT5 and NFS:HP. I thought HP would be the perfect opposite GT5 game for me but I didn't like it. TDU2 is that game for me.