Jeep Patriot

The Jeep Patriot is basically the same car as the Compass. We’re not sure of the reason why either.

• Comfort

  Not the best riding SUV-thing in the world, but broadly OK. Just don't expect too much from the range of engines. The diesel is loud and the petrol needs to be revved.

  

• Performance

  Two motors, one a dull 125kW 2.4-litre petrol, the other a turbolagtastic 103kW 2.0-litre diesel. Neither impress and give similar performance figures - both take around 11 seconds to 100km/h. Like the Compass, a better engine line-up would have saved the Patriot from obscurity.

  

• Cool

  Not even if your audience knew nothing about cars. Some things you just sense.

  

• Quality

  Jeep doesn't really do sophisticated interiors, so expect cheap grey plastics and panel gaps that tend to wander. It's all a bit Happy Shopper, budget, cheap and not cheerful enough to seduce you.

  

• Handling

  More tied down than you might expect, the Patriot can be quite entertaining in a wrestling match down a country lane. A tendency to bounce around doesn't do it any favours, but you might be surprised at the levels of grip you can generate and the absence of body roll.

  

• Practicality

  Seating for five is excellent and the boot is okay at 463 litres. The seats fold too. It's average - that's all you can say.

  

• Running costs

  As with the Compass, you'll get around 6.7L/100km from the diesel, with the petrol returning only 8.9L/100km.