Jeep Trailhawk

As glimpses of the future go, they don't come much more positive than that offered by the new Jeep Trailhawk. It's a spectacular looking off-roader, but balances its excessive size with a neatly designed and spacious cabin. We just hope the next-generation Grand Cherokee has sorted out the practicality of the Trailhawk's removable roof panels. This neat addition could mean that Jeep has a real winner on its hands.

It's the Jeep that's blazing a trail to the future - but we can give you our verdict on it here and now!

First seen at this year's Detroit Motor Show, the Trailhawk is not only an amazing looking machine, but gives a clear indication of how Jeep wants its cars to drive in the future.

Based on a stretched Wrangler platform and powered by an efficient 3.0-litre diesel, the all-wheel-drive four-seater looks typically tough. However, it promises to deliver a driving experience that will be more refined than any of its predecessors.

In fact, bosses at Jeep were keen to use the words 'highway cruiser' when talking about the Trailhawk's road manners. It's clear this is intended as a vehicle that's comfortable to ride in, but is also packed with off-road ability.

With all of that in mind, the Trailhawk obviously has a lot to live up to - but it's important to remember the huge newcomer is more than a mere flight of fantasy. Although it's described as a concept, the Trailhawk is an important milestone in the development of Jeep's new generation of SUVs.

Drivers can expect future models to use a lot of the Trailhawk's styling cues - not least its sporty profile and aggressive looking nose. Inside, the highlights include a Citroen-style fixed-hub steering wheel and a centre console which features movable storage bins and armrests.

Unlike some of the firm's past concepts, the cockpit keeps clutter to a minimum, and comes with a central dial to control cabin functions, similar to BMW's iDrive system. There's also a basic sat-nav set-up, and neat instruments that glow blue once the engine has been turned on.

But perhaps the biggest surprise is the upmarket look and feel of the materials used to trim the seats and dashboard. Cabin quality has traditionally been a weakness in Jeeps, a fact that the company acknowledges. Overall, the improvements shown by the Trailhawk's neatly executed cabin give cause for optimism. With the detachable roof panels removed, the Jeep's overall appearance is imposing and dramatic, and the thick T-bar roof provides a feeling of solidity.

With the engine purring and the scenery rushing past, there's no doubt that the open-air Trailhawk has a great deal of appeal.

Sadly, despite the success of the design, the practicality of the roof is less impressive. The lack of a clever storage solution for the removable roof panels means that, while they can be stored haphazardly in the boot, Jeep admits that it would be best to leave them in the garage. Not ideal in a country with a climate as changeable as the UK's!

But when it comes to surprises, the biggest is under the bonnet. As the exterior makes such an impression it's only natural to assume that this US giant will be powered by an equally spectacular V8 engine.

The firm's powerful 6.1-litre HEMI would surely have been the obvious choice for a concept that's as muscular as the Trailhawk. But instead, Jeep has chosen to fit its 3.0-litre, 215bhp diesel. As a sign of changing times among American car makers - and with petrol approaching four dollars a gallon during our trip to the US to drive this car - the Trailhawk's engine couldn't be more appropriate.

But the best news of all is that drivers shouldn't have to wait too long before they can sample the Trailhawk for themselves. It's tipped to reach the road as the Grand Cherokee in around two years' time - and 4x4 fans have a lot to look forward to, whether they intend to drive the car on the road or not!