Al Suttie takes the ultimate American offroader for a week’s test to check out its uncompromising credentials.

Jeep Wrangler Sahara

List price (BiK): £58,730 (37%) CO2: 250g/km Economy: 27.2mpg Test efficiency: 25.6mpg

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Monday

In a world of SUVs, the Jeep Wrangler Sahara is most definitely still a 4×4. That was obvious this morning when the Wrangler arrived outside, towering over almost every other car nearby. It’s not to all tastes, but I do like the looks of the five-door Wrangler and its unapologetic focus on being an old school off-roader. Yet this one comes with nods to modernity, such as its 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine in place of previous, much larger motors.

Tuesday

I was a little worried the 2.0-litre petrol turbo engine would be, well, a bit weedy in a car of this size, weight and barn door aerodynamics. However, its 272hp is surprisingly perky and offers a claimed 0-62mph of 7.6 seconds. I can well believe that, without looking at a stopwatch, as the Wrangler had no trouble pulling onto a busy main road from a side street this morning. It also cruises very quietly.

Wednesday

Unlike some other large 4x4s, the Wrangler still retains some semblance of sensible width to its proportions. That made this morning’s drive into town simple when I encountered a couple of width restrictions – one put in place by the council, the other due to appalling parking on someone’s part. Either way, the Jeep glided through and the square-jawed styling made it easy to gauge the front corners.

Thursday

I’m not always keen on air conditioning and, with the sun shining this afternoon, I went to lower the electric windows all-round. Working out the switches was a bit of a faff while driving, so I had to wait till I was stopped to fathom them out. Once done, it’s easy, but it’s a symptom of the Wrangler’s fussy, slightly scattergun switchgear design that it’s not obvious. The lift-out roof panels, though, are easy peasy to remove.

Friday

Jeep has done well to add in some lovely details and touches to the Wrangler that acknowledge the car’s history and pedigree. The little Jeep silhouette on the windscreen and gear lever are great in my eyes, but one thing I’m not so keen on is the on-screen button for the heated steering wheel. It’s still on the left of the infotainment screen, where it’s ideal for the US and left-hand drive, but just seems like an oversight for a right-hand drive car.

Saturday

As luck would have it, I get to live the full Jeep Wrangler lifestyle schtick today as I’m taking part in a gravel ride event. The Jeep swallows my bike whole with no problem and I just slot the rest of the kit in alongside. The drive to the start point is on some gnarly tracks, but the Wrangler doesn’t even need to bother its four-wheel drive transfer ’box to get there while plenty of others are slithering around on the loose sand and grit.

Sunday

A week with the Wrangler is very enjoyable and it’s a far more able long distance cruiser than you would initially think. Sufficiently refined, quick, relaxed and comfortable, it’s also superb off-road and has a roomy cabin for five plus luggage (or bike). Fuel economy claimed at 27.2mpg, and 25.6mpg in my time with it, is something to ponder seriously before committing, but as a workhorse for some the Wrangler makes a strong alternative case to the Land Rover Defender.