It may look like it would be more at ease on military duty rather than roaming Kent’s streets, yet the Jeep Commander has plenty to offer in the 4X4 stakes, as NEILL BARSTON found on his test drive

With a name like Commander, you’d expect a vehicle to be pretty imposing - and that’s exactly what Jeep’s big new baby most clearly is.

Its inspiration can be traced back to the seven-seater 1946 Willys Station Wagon, though you’d have trouble seeing the surface similarities.

This 21st Century giant would dwarf the post Second World War people carrier, standing proud at around 6ft in height putting it on a close par with the likes of Hummer’s H3 in terms of its weighty imprint.

Its chunky appearance, topped off with a huge chrome grille harks back to the designs of the Nineties and would not look out of place on military patrol.

Yet there’s a level of refinement you’d be unlikely to find in the army, offering a feeling of plush solidity which places it competitively with its closest rival, the Land Rover Discovery.

The Commander comes in two guises, the 3.0 CRD diesel model with 215 bhp which I tested and its souped-up brother, the 5.7 V8 engine variant which both pack plenty of punch.

Get behind the wheel in the spacious and well laid out interior and its clear this is a quality vehicle.

The uncluttered dash echoes the ethos of Jeeps being functional rather than flash. Dual zone air-conditioning, leather steering wheel and a high-quality stereo and (thankfully) easily operable sat nav system are all part of the standard setup. Striking 17 inch alloy wheels are also thrown into the mix.

Its smart leather seats easily accommodated myself at 6ft 3in, and there’s ample room in the back for all the family. This is clearly one of its big selling points, boasting seven seater capacity.

The rear two seats (which occupy the area that would otherwise be its boot) are accessible by folding down the second row of seating. While this is not exactly an ideal situation, its a boon that’s well-worth considering for those with a larger brood.

In terms of its performance, its going to offer a fair few surprises. You would not anticipate a motor of this size to be described as nimble, but that’s definitely the case as it weaves happily through the busy, winding town centre streets.

The automatic setup is a breeze to drive and acquitted itself well at motorway cruising speeds, making effortless work of the decidedly bumpy M20 that’s been hammered by a constant stream of European heavy haulage trucks. Its also no slouch and will manage a respectable 0-60 time of nine seconds.

Though the majority of 4x4 users don’t tend to venture off-road, they’ll have every reason to with the Commander. Its advanced Quadra-Drive II four-wheel drive system is capable of pulling you up the steepest of climbs.

An advanced Electronic Stability Programme and responsive ABS brakes ensure that its delivers a high-quality ride all round. The car is fitted with front driver and passenger airbags.

There are only a couple of minor gripes to be highlighted in what is an otherwise excellent motor. First, the rear vision is hampered a little by its seating plan, though the large side- mirrors do compensate for this.

While its diesel engine is a decent performer, fuel economy does not top its priority list, managing 26mpg combined, which in fairness comes close to its competitors.

It is available in several paintwork options and two interior trims- the light, Yuma leather being the most easy on the eye. Demonstrating Jeep’s commitment to customer care, there is a also a three year, 60,000 warranty.

Overall, anyone looking for an alternative MPV with distinctive looks and decent level of refinement should check it out. This Commander is fit to lead from the front.

FACTFILE

Jeep Commander range

PRICES: £27,490-£34,490 - on the road

INSURANCE GROUPS: 13-16 [est]

CO2 EMISSIONS: 270-366g/km [est]

PERFORMANCE: [5.7 V8] 0-60mph 7.5s / Max Speed 127mph

FUEL CONSUMPTION: [3.0 CRD] (combined) 25.7mpg

STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front & side airbags / ABS / ESP/ tyre pressure monitoring, electronic rollover mitigation system

DEALER DETAILS: Whitehouse Maidstone, 1-17 The Brodway, Maidstone ME16 8QX Telephone: 0845 850 7970

See www.jeep.co.uk