Jeep Scoops 4x4 Awards

Jeep has dominated the winners’ podium by claiming first place in three of 4x4 Magazine’s six award categories – Extreme, SUV and Budget 4x4 of the Year.

4x4 Magazine reviewed the top 4x4s on sale in the UK for their annual ‘4x4 of the Year 2010’ test at Baden Hall, near Eccleshall. The award categories were Budget, Family, SUV, Pick-Ups, Luxury and Extreme.

Hils Everitt, Editor of 4x4 Magazine, said: "This year’s test was reduced to the top 20 4x4s currently on sale in the UK so that we could concentrate on those 4x4s that still retain some credibility as true all-rounders.

"Our criteria was simple: that vehicles should be powered by a diesel engine and offer some form of sophisticated off-road ability."

Jeep Wrangler won the Extreme 4x4 of the Year/

The judges said: “The Jeep Wrangler came out the winner in a straight fight against Land Rover’s Defender, a category reduced by the absence of the now discontinued Nissan Patrol in the UK and the lack of a diesel option for the Hummer.

"Compare the Jeep to the Land Rover back-to-back and the Wrangler really starts to show-up the Land Rover’s age. Air bags, stability control, optional axle diff locks, removable hard-top, soft-top, cruise control, sat nav and a choice of manual or auto are all options, if not standard features."

Jeep Cherokee won of the SUV of the Year. This year it triumphed over Land Rover’s Freelander 2 and the Suzuki Grand Vitara.

The judges said: "Jeep has packed the Cherokee with enough toys and features that the official list of options extends to just four items! It will also provide a quiet, comfortable drive, returning 34mpg.

"And its low-range gearing combined with hill descent and hill start assist gives the Jeep genuine off-road capability and it can tow a pick-up busting 2.8 tonnes."

Jeep Patriot won Budget 4x4 of the Year

"It triumphed because you may pay more for the Patriot than either of its rivals, but that does translate into more 4x4 for your money," said the judges.

"The VW-sourced 2.0-litre offers well over 40mpg. Although there’s no low range, the on-demand 4x4 system with selectable 4x4 lock-up and traction control, as well as anti-roll mitigation, add up to an impressive package."

(PR/GK)