Thinking of staging an invasion? The tough little Willys Jeep played a major role in helping win World War Two. Now it’s grown up into the gargantuan Jeep Wrangler, winner of the 4x4 Magazine ‘Icon of the Year’ award.

Visually, it’s an imposing vehicle that would make the bravest of soldiers tremble. It’s not quite as OTT as a Hummer but it certainly makes an immediate impact.

I thought this monster would be a brute to handle but, no, an exceptionally broad stance and relatively long wheelbase provide sure-footedness and none of the pitch and roll and vague handling experienced with the rival Land Rover Defender when you take it on-road. Nor do you have to hang your right arm out of the window to get a comfortable driving position.

With prices ranging from £22,995 to £28,995, the Wrangler does not come cheaply and, unlike the Defender, its re-sale values are pretty dismal. It is, then, one of those vehicles that makes most sense when long-term ownership is the criterion – and it is certainly built to last.

A determinedly rugged exterior is allied to a surprisingly luxurious and svelte interior that could have been lifted straight from some range-topping executive saloon. Creature comforts abound, with plush leather seats and a fascia that bombards the driver with useful information, from ice warnings and lean angles to sat-nav.

There’s lots of space too, that wide footprint allowing oodles of shoulder, head and legroom for even the over-sized driver.

Built on 70 years of near-legendary Jeep experience, the Wrangler is a serious SUV, equally happy on or off road.

“Why was the Wrangler our icons’ winner?” asks 4x4 Magazine editor, Nigel Fryatt, quickly answering his own question: “Because once you leave the road and get into the rough-stuff it immediately confirms just how capable it is even under the most demanding conditions. Yet, at the same time, it ‘s civilised and comfortable for that daily commute, a trip to the shops or a family holiday.”

There are five Wrangler versions available and all – even those in basic trim – are exceptionally well kitted. It was the full-on five-door 2.8 litre diesel-engined CRD 70th Anniversary that gave me an entertaining week’s motoring in a blizzard-swept Northern France, with snow and ice giving the Yank mobile the chance to show off its abilities in conditions which were proving a nightmare for lesser machines.

A stop/start system helps make it economical to run, unlike most American SUV bruisers, with a 39.8-mpg average consumption and an achievable 581 miles range between fill-ups. 0-62 mph comes up in a far from laggardly 11.2 seconds and, despite the Wrangler’s brick-like aerodynamics, there’s a cited top speed of 107 mph.

Despite the shape and the over-sized wing mirrors, wind noise and road noise never exceed civilised levels and while the substantially revised engine – now given 197 bhp and 302 lb ft of pulling muscle – is rattly at low revs, that sound soon dies away as you wind on the power.

Tyres are huge, ground clearance massive, but roadholding and general handling are never less than predictable so you’d have to be stupid to over-cook it.

I thought it was a car I’d hate but after my week in the Wrangler’s company, I now think I’d like one. At worse it’s a car that makes neighbours talk amd strangers turn their heads!