Jeep Patriot

When designing the Patriot, Jeep wisely turned to the car that made it famous. In the Nineties, the original Cherokee was a cult hit for the US firm – and its looks have been reproduced on a smaller scale.

The Patriot isn’t stuck in the past, though. Bosses claim this car has space and practicality to rival a five-seat compact MPV. From the high-set driver’s seat, it feels commanding and roomy.

This is a result of the upright windscreen, which sits ahead of a huge expanse of dashboard. Jeep gave this a much-needed facelift last year, but it’s still not good enough. While the round air vents and new instruments feature chrome touches, the plastics are hard and low rent.

The heater controls also feel cheap, and the column stalks have a Seventies-style twist control for the wipers. At least the driving position is sporty, with a close-set steering wheel and high-mounted gearlever. The seats are comfortable, although the narrow glass area does visibility few favours. In the back, the seats have a huge amount of legroom, but a high side sill makes getting in tricky. Rear visibility is also poor, as the fixed headrests get in the way.

The 536-litre boot is a decent size and bigger than its rival’s, but you have to duck beneath the tailgate when loading it! However, the rear seatbacks fold down to provide a flat load space – and the Patriot now has carpet trim in the luggage bay.

Under the bonnet, the 2.0-litre Volkswagen TDI diesel unit starts with a clatter. Jeep hasn’t done a great job with its noise insulation, but the powerplant is reasonably punchy, with strong responses and useful low-down shove.

A six-speed gearbox helps to cut engine noise at speed, and adds to its responsiveness. Yet the gearchange is rubbery, while the steering is dull.

Although Jeep has given the Patriot a soft set-up, which results in a cushioned ride, body roll is a real issue in corners.

Grip is plentiful, and the handling pleasingly capable, but the Patriot doesn’t reward sporty driving. It’s limited off road, too, as it doesn’t have permanent four-wheel drive.

The Freedom-Drive I system runs mostly in front-wheel-drive mode – an electronic coupling sends power to the back wheels when it detects a loss of grip. Below 10mph, it can be locked in ‘off-road mode’, although it’s still not as capable in the mud as a full-time set-up.

The Patriot blends everyday usability and on-road dynamics with tried and tested styling.

The question is whether it’s worthy of victory in this test.

Details

Chart position: 2
WHY: Although the Jeep’s stylish looks appeal, it is found wanting by the Suzuki. Despite 2009’s improvements, the Patriot still lags behind in terms of refinement, body control and, most importantly, off-road ability.