2010 Jeep Cherokee: The ancient

Jeep called the other day to say there's a new car waiting for me. I flicked my cigarette, dropped my phone, tripped while rushing to the computer, gasped for breath and quickly visited my best friend Google; no, the new Grand Cherokee won't be arriving here until the end of the year.

Oh well, off I went to get the car; a 2010 Jeep Cherokee, minus the Grand.

The bad bits

First question. What's new in the 2010 Cherokee? The dash is a bit better, with improved plastics, and the ride benefits from the new independent front and five-link rear suspension. It also has nicer leather covering the powered and heated seats. As well as larger floor mats. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the 2010 Cherokee has larger floor mats. Rush out now before they're all gone! No, seriously: I didn't notice anything specific about the mats. Apart from the fact that they're actually really narrow because of the serious lack of room in the footwell.

There is no ‘fourth' pedal, or space for your left foot to rest. If this were a manual, the clutch would have to be operated by a hand lever somewhere.

The driving position isn't the best either. You have to sit with the steering wheel in your lap no matter what you do.

More problems arise on the move; the suspension may as well have stayed the same. The Jeep still doesn't handle very well. It doesn't really handle at all actually, it sort of lumbers around, staggering and wobbling like a tranquillised elephant. The steering is power assisted, but you can't tell at low speeds. Instead, it only lightens up on the highway, when really it should be the other way around. You also get a new eco-lamp inside, though I don't know why. It's not like you'll ever get to 20mpg.

The Good bits

To be fair, the 2010 Cherokee has a great display and despite it being a bit baffling to start with (and too cluttered), once you get used to the features it becomes a breeze. Sound quality is fantastic and the sat-nav maps lead the way in this segment. Using the voice controls is also a snap compared to some rivals.

Then there's the car's 4x4 heritage which is almost untouchable, and remains so, with an on-demand four-wheel drive system, hill descent control and start assist. It can pretty much go anywhere and rewards hard work in the sand.

The other bits

The 3.7-litre V6 engine can't compare to Ford, Chevy, Nissan and Toyota units. This one is low on power (210bhp), low on torque (319Nm) and low on refinement. The four-speed transmission, meanwhile, changes cogs with the delicacy of a hippo.

Still, the Jeep does come with a fair amount of kit, including ESP, electronic roll mitigation, all-speed traction control, brake assist, tyre pressure monitoring (TPM) and supplemental side airbags. And it also has a handy flat storage area with the seats folded down.

Oh yeah, it's also cheaper than its main rival, the Dh133,000 full-options Toyota FJ Cruiser. But it's eight grand dearer than the Nissan Xterra. Both of which are better cars. Off-road, the 2010 Jeep Cherokee is superb, but as an all round package it doesn't quite stack up. It's virtually unrivalled on the rough stuff, but you'll still have to get to the trail. And that, unfortunately for the 2010 Cherokee, requires the use of actual roads. Don't say I didn't warn you…

Specs & rating

Model 2010 Cherokee

Engine 3.7-litre V6 Transmission Four-speed auto AWD

Max power 210bhp @ 5,200rpm

Max torque 319Nm @ 4,000rpm

Top speed NA

0-100kph NA

Price Dh119,000

Plus Good when the going gets rough

Minus Rough when going anywhere else