Jeep has done a pleasing job of laying out the instrument panel, incorporating most of the switches and controls into the centre
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| Jeep has done a pleasing job of laying out the instrument panel, incorporating most of the switches and controls into the centre stack. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
stack. The dual-zone climate control system is adjusted with the use of four decent-sized rotary dials, which operate with polished ease. I have always preferred sensible dials to the many other configurations that gizmo-overachievers tend to come up with in the auto industry. Another straightforward feature is the gated shift-plate. Once the shift lever is in Drive, gears in the 5-speed autobox can be swapped manually by tapping the chunky lever from side to side. Positioned to the right of the shifter is a chrome T-bar lever for electronically engaging a low-range set of gears. Two skookum cup holders between the shifter and the centre-console storage bin complete the console arrangement.
Rear seat comfort is very good in the two outboard seats, with leg and headroom being suitable for all but the tallest of adults.
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| Rear seat comfort is very good in the two outboard seats, with leg and headroom being suitable for all but the tallest of adults. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
My test vehicle held a special surprise for those riding "coach class", a roof-mounted DVD screen. A hand-held remote ensured ease of operation, while privacy headphones eliminated the oft-heard parental complaint of "turn it down, I can't hear myself think!" When not occupied by children, dropping the rear seats to enlarge the cargo area is pre-school simple. Pulling a single strap unlocks each seatback, and as it falls forward its head restraint flips down, tucking neatly out of the way. A flat floor aids in loading cargo, which can be passed through the hinged rear glass or the entire tailgate opening, depending on size.
