CHUNKY, rugged and supremely capable, the Jeep Wrangler offers more than meets the eye.

It’s an extremely versatile vehicle, whether you want to travel where angels might do an about-turn, simply cruise along rural roads with the roof off or load up big-time for heavy-duty luggage lugging or a jaunt into challenging environs.

But let’s not skirt around the issue. The Wrangler is unlikely to be the first choice if you're looking for a refined and luxurious large SUV with off-road capability. Jeep’s Cherokee or the more upmarket Range Rover will vie for that custom.

With a design DNA that’s largely remained unchanged since the original Willys Jeep from the 1950s, the Wrangler is a character-filled but slightly crude on-road driving experience. The only other player in this game is the Land Rover Defender.

And those huge wheel arches and front bumpers make it unwieldy in tight spots.

Likewise, the Wrangler’s bulletproof suspension soaks up huge potholes and unsurfaced routes like they’re not there, but that makes for less responsive handling and cornering than an SUV tailored for on-road duties.

But what is does do well, it does very well indeed. Look on it as a tool rather than anything else and it's a clever vehicle.

Not least because it’s very competitively priced. In top specification – and that includes ESP, a removable roof, electric windows, tyre pressure monitoring, central locking, a leather steering wheel, air-conditioning, cruise control and, of course, heavy duty four-wheel drive with a low range transfer box, the Wrangler barely tops £30,000.

As heavy duty transport for the outdoor activities fan, it makes a lot of financial sense, and the classic profile makes it a head turner.

One neat trick up its sleeve is a three-piece modular roof system that can be removed to make the Wrangler a convertible.

Even in two-wheel drive mode, the Wrangler’s bulk, engine and chunky tyres mean it can easily cope with a substantial trailer load.

Inside, you’re constantly reminded of the model’s back-to-basics nature by the painted metal work, bolts and hinges. All of this makes it an easy vehicle to maintain and clean with an interior that can be hosed down in a hurry if required.

Spartan, it is not. Five comfortable leather seats in the tested model are complemented by an impressive sound and satellite navigation system. The interior is square and roomy and, although the boot is not as deep as you might expect, it goes back a long way. The side-hinged rear door, with the spare wheel bolted to it, can be a nuisance to open in a tight spot though.

On the road, the 3.6-litre V6 petrol unit provides surprisingly sharp acceleration for a vehicle of its size with a top speed that means there’s no trouble maintaining a steady cruise. The high driving position is a bonus and the square body makes the proportions easy to judge for a large vehicle, with the exception of the hilariously styled front bumper.

Naturally, steering is quite vague and the ride sloppy for a road vehicle, but body roll through corners and pitching under heavy braking is tolerable in a vehicle like this. Despite its flaws, it’s hard not to be charmed by the Wrangler’s simple, rustic appeal. The limited edition Jeep Wrangler 75th Anniversary is based on the Overland model, but with several key differences, including unique exterior styling and part-leather interiors.

It is priced from £34,765 for the two-door 2.8 CRD.