What they said when the Jeep Commander was new… (Feb 19 2006 )
THE number is up for Jeep - and it may be a lucky one.
For the first time in the 65 year history of the all-American off-road legend, a seven seater is about to hit the streets.
With rugged looks and plenty of Jeep's traditional go-anywhere ability, the Commander is out to rival the Land Rover Discovery and Volvo XC90.
Built in Graz at Jeep's European assembly plant in Austria, the Commander will go on sale in April.
It is competitively priced with the entry level three-litre diesel model costing £27,490 and the higher specification Limited diesel, £30,990. A flagship 5.7 litre V8 in Limited trim will also be available at £34,490.
All models come with Jeep's Quadra-Drive ll four-wheel-drive system and electronic stability controls to maximise traction - and safety.
That is of major importance as the Commander's main purpose is to bring adventure to the whole family.
With three rows of seats - each higher than the other - every passenger can enjoy an obstruction-free view.
The seating arrangement is 2+3+2 and although the rear pair is for children only, each row is protected by airbags. All passengers also have their own storage spaces and ventilation controls, plus power outlets for personal players and the like.
Where the Commander scores is with its comfort. Even though the back seats can fold away quickly, they are "proper" seats - not occasional squabs.
In the bumpy environment that is off-road travel the Commander can be beaten only by the Range Rover when it comes to all-round comfort.
A raised roof - cunningly styled to hide behind the roof rails so as not to spoil the traditional Jeep lines - helps create a roomy feel in the cabin.
As with all vehicles of this ilk, luggage space is tight with all seats occupied. Just 237.5 litres of space is available behind the rear seats and that is about the same as the average supermini.
As a five seater there is a very usable 973 litres of room, while the Commander's maximum capacity is 1,775 litres and that is on a par with the largest of estates.
It all adds up to a very practical vehicle - if you are smitten by its retro styling.
The Commander is absolutely modern on the inside with plenty of leather and wood-effect trim.
Outside it harks back to the Jeep Cherokee of the 1990s with angular lines and an upright windscreen.
Jeep has emphasised the Commander's rugged appeal with exposed Allen-type screws around the wheel-arches. The screws are also used as detail in the dash - an effect which may not be to everyone's taste.
Other classic Jeep designs include the seven slot bright metal radiator grille and boxy body shape. It does look dated but that is intentional - and its appeal does grow as you spend time with the Commander.
On the road it delivers an accomplished ride and performance - off-road it is up with the best. The three-litre V6 diesel is a derivative of a Mercedes' engine and is mated to a five speed automatic gearbox with high and low ratios.
Top speed is a claimed 119mph with 0 to 60mph taking a creditable nine seconds while average fuel consumption is said to be 26.2mpg with exhaust emissions of 284g/km.
The 5.7 litre V8 is a Hemi engine which uses only four of its eight cylinders in light
conditions to maximise economy. The result is a 0 to 60 time of less than 7.4 seconds, top speed of 129 and average mpg of 18.2 - although the CO2 rating is almost off the scale at 368g/km.
As an all rounder for the family who knows how to enjoy the great outdoors, the Commander is a compelling piece of kit. If the shape is not your cup of tea, pop your head around the door and you will be won over instantly by the cabin - it's a class act.
Words: Chris Russon
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