Jeep Patriot

It's hard not to admire the Jeep Patriot. In a soft-roader, crossover world, the entry-level Jeep stays true to its 70 years of 4x4 heritage.

Yes, there is a revised Jeep Compass on the way for those who want something a little softer on the eye.

But recent changes make the Patriot, the baby Jeep that we first saw back in 2007, harder than ever to overlook.

Those macho looks – it is called the Patriot, after all, and the 4WD system is Freedom Drive – make the Patriot particularly appealing to men, market research has shown.

Perhaps, though, they do it no favours with the fair sex – or with the growing number opposed to what they perceive as gas-guzzling behemoths.

That's a pity because despite the appearance, Patriot is a reasonably clean-living, practical five-seater with the dimensions of a contemporary family hatchback.

Patriot's game was, after all, about getting people out of ordinary hatches and into their first Jeep.

Granted, it's around four inches longer than a Ford Focus but it's narrower mirror tip to mirror tip than the Focus is across the metal, which makes it easier to live with here.

And the mirrors powerfold for good measure, too – and do so on the move, which is handy when you get pounced on in Les Blicqs.

I always was a sucker for Patriot's unsubtle charms but some found the interior of lower-specced versions a bit plasticky and the upgrade has seen improved fascia, trim and equipment.

Entry-level Sport models include enhancements such as body coloured door handles, Hill Start Assist, leather-wrapped hand brake and 'active' front head restraints.

Sport + versions now offer cruise control, deep-tint sunscreen glass, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, Uconnect phone and rear view auto-dimming mirror with integrated microphone over their predecessor.

Limited models gain a six-way power driver seat, while the top of the shop Overland version (it all started with Willys Overland, remember) also gets goodies that include18-inch aluminium wheels, premium leather seats with embroidered 'Overland' logo, rear park assist and tyre pressure monitoring.

But the most important change is under the bonnet, where the old VW two-litre Pumpe-Duse motor has been replaced by a Mercedes-Benz 2.2 litre chain cam unit.

There is a slight improvement in overall mpg but of particular interest to UK buyers is the fact that CO2 emissions come down a band, cutting both showroom and annual vehicle excise tax.

Although that macho styling makes the Patriot look heavy, it's a not-bad-these-days 1,725kg and the new powerplant's 161bhp is enough to power it to 62mph in a decidedly lively 9.7 seconds on its way to a maximum speed of 125mph.

Horse boxers and owners of big caravans benefit, too, as the braked trailer towing limit has increased to two tonnes.

So much for the improvements on paper, but what's it like at the wheel?

Good. In the Limited spec model tested, the interior is pretty classy – black leather and just enough chrome to strike the balance between sombre and chavvy.

The driving position is decent and the driver's footwell big enough to cope with country footwear.

Although there is no issue with visibility – yes, the screen pillars are pretty thick but they're far from the worst – there is a feeling of sitting invulnerable inside a pillbox that must be down to the screen not being all that deep or all that close.

Getting comfy at the wheel was easy enough for me and although the steering wheel adjusts for rake but not reach, none of the reviews I have read have found a problem with that.

The test car featured the optional Uconnect satnav package, which looked impressive. The local mapping used by all the satnav makers is pretty naff but at least you can plot your UK or Continental journey here – you don't have to do it in a panic as you drive off the ferry.

Even allowing for the fact that the system is similar to the wife's Chrysler's, the programming of personal preferences such as setting the auto door locking is pretty instinctive and the absence of critical notes in my book means that the cabin must be pretty user friendly.

Certainly, the rear seats are fine, maybe better for two than three but it's not a wide vehicle, remember, and there's a bit of a sill for rear seat passengers to get out over. Still there's bags of headroom and, behind a shorthouse driver comme moi, stacks of legroom, too.

Oddment space is decent, with cupholders fore and aft, just get rid of the ashtray pot, your lungs will thank you for it, four doorbins and a modest parcel slot above a modest glovebox.

The boot is OK, too, at 536 litres in five-seat mode it's better than some similar-sized hatchbacks', it's a useful shape and there is a full-size spare under the floor.

Certainly Patriot owners seem more than happy with what's on offer and blog about what they've taken with them on cycling/hunting/fishing holidays.

Given Jeep's off-road pedigree, Patriot feels surprisingly at home on tarmac.

The six-speed gearbox is pretty slick and speed builds a bit more quickly than you might think.

Corner quickly and body roll is quite well contained and the ride is good over imperfect surfaces.

And away from metalled surfaces?

Serious off-roading is not that readily available here, but Patriot is seriously capable.

In normal road use power is routed through the front wheels only and to the rears as well when cornering hard or at other times when grip runs short.

Pulling up a small chrome handle locks the Patriot into four-wheel drive, but it still has another trick up its sleeve.

Even with the centre diff locked, normal 4x4s still get stranded if one front wheel and one rear wheel lose traction.

But the Freedom Drive system applies the brakes to the spinning wheel(s) so that even if only one wheel has grip, the power goes to that one to keep you moving.

When it comes to mud and snow, this is no diesel-sipping surrender monkey.