Hummer H2

If Hummer's outrageous new H2 was a pop star, it would be the kind who throws televisions out of hotel windows, smashes its guitar to pieces on stage and runs away with the drummer's girlfriend. In short, it's rock hard, and it doesn't take any messing.

Verdict

With a rock and roll ride, lefthand drive and a huge body, the H2 is too much of a handful for UK roads. It's better suited to rug- ged terrain, with its amazing grip, short overhangs and supple suspension. The Hummer is too com- promised to have mass appeal, but off-road junkies will snap up the 100 or so expected in Europe.

If Hummer's outrageous new H2 was a pop star, it would be the kind who throws televisions out of hotel windows, smashes its guitar to pieces on stage and runs away with the drummer's girlfriend. In short, it's rock hard, and it doesn't take any messing.

After all, this four-wheel-drive machine is the latest civilian version of America's toughest military vehicle, and it has just been launched Stateside, where it will cost the equivalent of �33,300. It sounds a lot, but for that you get one of the toughest, biggest and most competent off-roaders ever to hit the streets. 

To get some idea of what the H2 is like, think of it as the complete opposite of the luxurious, prestigious new Range Rover. Brash and impos-ing, it's hard enough to have already tempted Hollywood tough guy Arnold Schwarzenegger on to the order list.

But is the Hummer any good as a practical means of transport? In a word, no. At 2.1 metres wide and shod with huge 315 section tyres, it's just too large for British roads, while the 310bhp 6.0-litre V8 engine uses more fuel than a Bentley Arnage T � hauling nearly four tonnes of metal, it averages only 13mpg.

That thirsty powerplant does make the Hummer surprisingly quick, though. The 0-60mph sprint is completed in only 10.5 seconds � plenty fast enough for a vehicle that weighs as much as a small lorry. Flat-out, it will reach a terrifying 111mph.

The H2's utilitarian interior has been padded out a bit for civilian tastes, but is still stark and designed without much thought about ergonomics. It's surprisingly comfortable, however, with well bolstered seats and a good driving position � essential when the off-roader is in its natural environment, bouncing over rocks or trawling through swamps.

River deep or mountain high, nothing gets in the way of the Hummer. Its mud-plugging prowess makes a Land Rover Defender look like a wind-up Tonka toy, thanks to its amazing suspension travel and incredible traction.

But while its off-road abilities are unsurpassed, the H2 is simply too much of a compromise to live with. Interesting and distinctive, yes, but practical? Never. However, if you're the kind of person who finds challenging off-roading more fun than an evening in front of the box, then throw the telly out of the window and go bog-hopping in the Hummer. You won't be disappointed..