The Jeep brand has been around for over 60 years now and has successfully produced some vehicles that can truly be called industry Icons. Just look at their soft top model which evolved from a military vehicle

(Photo: Kevin ''Crash'' Corrigan)

through to the CJ, the YJ and on to the TJ. Although the years changed numerous mechanical specifications, the basic shape remained instantly recognizable. Is it because the company truly understands what their customers want?

If that is the case, why has it taken Jeep so long to bring out a seven passenger SUV? Was the company sleeping on the job or were they simply waiting for the perfect platform? Maybe the Commander is just that. Let's take a closer look.

On first looks, there is no mistaking it for any other brands offering. If the familiar 7-slotted grille doesn't instantly give it away, then the fact that it looks strangely like the old 1980's Jeep Cherokee certainly would. Now don't get me wrong, that's not a bad thing. I happen to believe that the 80's Cherokee was one the best Jeep designs ever. The fact that you still see them in large numbers on the roads today is a true testimony to their popularity.

I like the shape of the Commander; it has a nice boxy look to it and was almost certainly inspired in part by the design of the Hummer H2/H3. Again,

(Photo: Kevin ''Crash'' Corrigan)

not a bad thing as it oozes ruggedness and typically a square box can carry a lot of items. They did however follow the Hummer idea a little too far on one or two areas of this vehicle.

The dummy bolts that appear to hold on the fender arches are exactly that. If you look closely, the inside of the bolts are round, not Allen key or any kind of fastener shape, I guess they're just for show!. On true military vehicles like the HumVee or the Land Rover Defender this bolt-on look serves a purpose. On civilian SUV's like the H2/H3 and now the Commander, it's a bit like sticking a Ferrari badge on a Fiero...it may look cool, but it's still a Fiero mate!

That said, Jeep managed to restrain themselves a little more than GM and, all in all, the Commander does have a rather pleasing look to it. The kids might not get quite as excited about it as the Hummer, but then again it doesn't totally scream built with Meccano!

My test model was their LTD edition which boasted a stylish and extremely

(Photo: Kevin ''Crash'' Corrigan)

comfortable leather interior. The dashboard suits the vehicle and the controls seemed well thought out. The seat layout was, for the most part, well designed, although it has to be said that you do appear to lose a little second row leg room in order to accommodate the rear seats. These are quite large and take up considerable space even when folded into the floor although, because of the vehicles raised roof, there is still reasonable cargo space available when the rear seats are not in use. If however you do need them, your luggage might have to go up on the roof as there is precious little room behind the back row.