Jeep Patriot: Test Drive (continued)

Date: 28 August 2007   |   Author:

Category: Small 4x4 Prices: £15,740-£18,850 Key Rival: Hyundai Tucson

Unfortunately, other recent criticisms of the firm's products also resurface in the Patriot, specifically the poor cabin materials, though the cabin itself feels significantly less dated than some of its stablemates. There's plenty of interior space front and back, but a hard plastic backing to the front seats that rear-seat passengers won't enjoy banging knees on. The boot is surprisingly shallow and compact as well. It's no bigger and less usable than a lower medium hatchback, and a family of four will struggle to squeeze in a fortnight's worth of holiday gear.

While steering and brakes are a let down, the Patriot drives significantly better than expected. Body roll is well controlled and it makes a competent motorway tool. The top-spec Limited car we drove is just over £18,500 - a decent amount of car for the money -and though the cost-per-mile figures are yet to be confirmed by IDS Topcalc, Jeep is confident the Patriot will enjoy decent residuals. The lower-spec diesel costs under £17,000.

Dynamically the car's no better than class average, yet it's the best thing Chrysler Group has produced this year. If you like the looks, there's certainly plenty to like about the Patriot, despite its interior quality failings.

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