Jeep packs big bang for your buck

THERE was a time not so long ago when Jeep, while regarded as an icon of motoring greatness in its homeland, was looked upon here in Europe as something of a poor relation when it came to either Japanese or European 4x4 brands.

This was very much a misconception as, while the American marque was imbued with many bells and whistles which some felt were there to disguise its mechanical shortcomings, Jeep products were capable in many fields of endeavour.

Indeed, back in the 1990s I coined the phrase ‘everything but the sinking kitsch’ to best describe how the American demeanour of various Jeeps, such as the Cherokee and the Grand Cherokee – characterised by electric leather seats, auto transmission and big engines – were marketed more on their OTT specifications than any latent ability they might have.