This is one comfortable ride

A FEW years back I was mildly reprimanded by a PR man from a well known brand for describing one of his SUVs as a Jeep.

I suppose we all use the word

‘Jeep’ too loosely, but did you know that only Jeeps made by the original Jeep company in Toledo, Ohio, are allowed to use the title on their vehicles?

Jeeps have been in use since World War II and nowadays in Ireland they are associated mainly with the horsey set and farmers. The Irish franchise is now held by Fiat. Along with the keys of the Jeep, also included was a scraper to get rid of snow or frost, but thankfully I didn’t have any use for it last week.

Journalists are like relatives when a new baby is born and are all very quick to compare the new model with older cars or indeed Jeeps. When the Cherokee was introduced to Irish motor writers in November, it was generally agreed that the rear end resembled the back of the Kia Sportage.

Normally first impressions are gleaned from the front of the vehicle, but the tail end seemed to catch the eye of many people. Looking at the Jeep from the front, it’s certainly very attractive with seven sections on the grille, which certainly grabs your attention.

It’s well designed and side-on it also looks good. With keyless entry, the doors open and engine starts once the key is on your person. In the cabin there is ample room for five well-built adults. The boot is massive, you get a full-size spare wheel and the rear door opens hydraulically.

I drove a white version and it looked good in the few rays of sun we got last week. Although

‘white seems to be the new black’, I realise that it might not be the best colour for navigating the narrow roads of West Cork. But, of course, the Cherokee is available in other colours also.

It’s a bit high to climb on board, but once inside you will have no trouble finding a comfortable seated position. On the dash everything you need to know can be found on the 8.4-inch display screen.

Being such a big vehicle, there are plenty of sensors and an excellent reversing camera. Also, when you start to reverse the side mirrors dip to give you a better view, which was a nice touch. You also get heated seats, which will be appreciated at this time of year.

On the road this is a really comfortable motor to travel in. And there is plenty of power thanks to the 2.0-litre multi-jet diesel engine. I didn’t take it off-road, but no doubt if you had to venture there it would have really excelled – because that’s the terrain it’s made for. I had four wheels on my wagon last week and a spare wheel in the boot. So unlike the old country song, the Cherokees were not coming after me – as I was driving one!

Prices start at a hefty

?¬47,850, without any extras like the full length sun roof, which will cost you

?¬1,400.

If you can afford a Cherokee you will feel like a

‘King of the Road’. And if you can get one of those Barbour Liddesdale jackets, so loved by the horse racing community, then you will really look the part.