28/04/08

• Price18,795
• We like...Pice, economy, low CO2 emissions
• We don't...Blind spots when reversing

Don't think that all US-styled 4x4s are costly and polluting. This Jeep's well priced and clean-runningIf you like your cars to be big, square-shaped and simply made, you’ll take to the Patriot. Slab-sided and with barely a curve in its shape unless it’s needed, it’s every inch what most drivers would want a Jeep to be. And there’s plenty enough who will need no better reason to buy. Though, if they do, a smooth ride, keen fuel economy and low exhaust emissions (for an off-roader) come as part and parcel, too.

Our Limited model costs way less –about £5000 – than a similar Land Rover Freelander and is only £1000 or so dearer than a value-brand 4x4, such as Kia’s Sportage. It gives a lot for your money. This Jeep hasn’t the Freelander’s plush interior or techno cleverness. And we suspect that it couldn’t take you rock-hopping as the Freelander could. But, we’re told, the Jeep is capable enough off-road, while easily beating its rival for fuel economy and CO2 emissions. Those points – and strong second-hand prices - could sway the day if you’re thinking of one as your next company lease car.

The Jeep’s a no-nonsense vehicle, so the plastics used to build the dash are tough but hard to the touch and not that pretty. But the bits that really matter, like the seats, are leather-covered, heated and adjustable every-which-way. There’s enough leg- and headroom for four adults, and you can squeeze in a fifth on the back seat. The rear bench drops flat to free up a van-shaped space while the front left-hand one also drops whenever you need to lug planks home. There’s also a roller blind to hide your luggage, and a tough rubber-grip surface under the boot carpet that’ll shrug off dirt and wet.

You sit high but the view forward is good and the flat, square bonnet makes placing the Patriot on the road easy. Though the door mirrors are huge, the view out back is restricted by a relatively narrow rear screen, and there are no parking beepers available to help – even as an option. Talking of which, the only extras Jeep provides are metallic paint and a whoopy-doo music system. So there’s no easy way to get, say, built-in satellite navigation, or even a socket to connect your iPod. If headlamps and wipers that turn themselves on and off as needed are must-haves , you’re out of luck.

Still, what is there works well. We liked the simple, big-button stereo and wipers that’ll adjust finely to clear a mist of rain. It all looks set to last the course, too.

The diesel in ours was gruff but nicely so, while the steering is definitely steady-ds-it. There are six forward gears and you’ll pick through them cleanly. Push on and you’ll seldom see its best, but hang back and you can hustle it along quickly. The ride is cushy, sponging across potholes easily.
Would we buy one? Yes, any time. It’s tough, honest and good at what it ds, while its efficient engine and keen price ice the cake.

• Engines2.0 CRD
• Power138bhp
• 0-60 mph10.8
• Economy42.2
• CO2g/km180
• Insurance groups11E
• EuroNCAP
• Airbags6
• Seats5

Motors.co.uk value verdict: