GM Hummer H2

Vauxhall's parent company GM bought out the off-road marque last year and unveiled this baby Hummer, the H2, at January's Detroit Motor Show. Although it retains the model's distinctive no-compromise looks, the H2 panders as much to fashion as it does to function. The split windscreen has been replaced and the smoother, more refined body hides a host of hi-tech features.

So when the opportunity arose to drive the wild concept, Auto Express was first to volunteer to join manoeuvres in Detroit. Climbing up in the driver's seat is an obstacle course in itself as the car sits so high on the huge wheels. Once aboard, you are faced with a simple instrument panel housing large dials and huge aluminium knobs - even the red starter button looks like something you'd push to launch a missile. Instead it fires up a 6.0-litre V8 engine which rumbles loudly into life.

This Hummer is still only a concept so we couldn't push it too hard, but our quick spin was enough to show it doesn't give the smoothest ride on tarmac. The H2 demonstrated over-assisted power-steering, plenty of bounce and a heavy weight to make it handle like a tank.

Although not designed to ferry squaddies across deserts, the H2 should be almost as capable off-road as its big brother. New independent suspension means it feels sure-footed and the visibility is good. Despite the H2 being substantially smaller then the old Hummer and shorter than a Land Rover Discovery, there's plenty of space for five people and ample storage room.

The exterior features lots of aggressive design touches, from utilitarian wing mirrors to the exposed hinges and huge solid aluminium grille complete with winching hook. Meanwhile, the pop-out doors are locked with metal latches like an aircraft's safety belt buckles. 'Our goal was to take what we'd learned from the Hummer and make it modern,' said the H2's designer, Christian Dotson. 'This is a practical and luxurious vehicle for everyday life.'

To make the 4x4 more civilised, the centre console incorporates a screen for navigation and E-mail access, as well as a CD player and DVD system. GM's night vision device also makes an appearance. An electric fold-back fabric sunroof echoes the canvas roof of the Hummer.

There's no news yet on whether this beast will make it to the UK, although conversion to right-hand drive would be simple. And GM is planning to add to the Hummer family. 'We already have the H3 on the drawing board,' styling director John Taylor told us, 'and we want to extend the brand with a range of extreme merchandise and lifestyle accessories.' He also said that the firm planned to halve the current Hummer's price tag of ί¿½60,000. 'We'd like to preserve the character and, while it's a premium brand, want it to be much more accessible,' he said.

The H2 is a driver-friendly version of the butch 4x4 and, despite its reduced size, actually has more space inside than its big brother. Built as a go-anywhere car that can cope with day-to-day driving conditions, it should be great fun off-road, yet it retains echoes of its military past.

At a glance

* GM H2 is a civilian-friendly Hummer with butch appeal of old US Army Humvee

* Production version goes on sale next year for ί¿½30,000

* Powered by 6.0-litre V8 unit

* Features sat-nav, E-mail, DVD and night vision