IF you're a shrinking violet that likes to go about life without stepping into the spotlight then stop now because the Jeep Wrangler Night Eagle is most definitely not the vehicle for you.

It's billed by Jeep as the car that takes its adventures from daytime to the night and it features a predatory exterior to match the darkness. All sounds a bit OTT, but in fairness this version of the popular off-road model does stand out from the crowd.

Eye-catching design cues include the instantly recognisable vertical six-slot grille in gloss black and model-specific 18-inch alloy wheels. There are bold wheel arches, side steps to help you get in and out, plus neat light clusters with daytime running lights.

You can take the roof off bit by bit for the wind-in-the-hair driving experience which adds to the appeal of the great outdoors and with its outstanding off-roading ability, this is a vehicle that will clamber over rocks, climb steep hills and wade through water for fun. Simply select one of the off-road settings on the second gear lever and off you trudge with a bring-it-on attitude.

The driving position is very high up with grab handles to help you climb aboard and settle into the black bucket leather seats. The all-round visibility is excellent and there is a wealth of on-board kit to explore. The smart 8.4-inch touchscreen is surrounded by thick padding - the sort you would buy to protect a ridiculously overpriced smartphone.

Creature comforts include a premium Alpine audio system with huge subwoofer, sat nav, dual zone climate control, full smartphone connectivity and plenty more besides.

The instrumentation is clear and all the controls and dials are easy to operate on the fly. The vehicle's USB and Aux ports are protected by a fold-down cover and there are additional places to plug in mobile devices in the back of the Wrangler.

Powering this giant of a vehicle is a punchy 272hp 2.0-litre petrol engine mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. It can sprint from 0-62mph in 7.4 seconds and maxes out at 110mph.

When it comes to cost, this Jeep doesn't come cheap with a price-tag of £49,850 - increased to £50,500 on our car due to a couple of optional extras. And the running costs stack up too with combined fuel economy of 24.8mpg and carbon dioxide emissions of 260g/km.

It may not be the most refined vehicle on our roads today with a fair amount of wind and engine noise filtering through into the cabin at higher speeds, but it certainly gets noticed and the engine delivers all the power and grunt needed to sprint down country lanes as well as eat up motorway miles with ease.

It's a big old beast with a massive front bumper and huge spare wheel cover that need to be given careful consideration when looking for a parking bay. But it's actually quite agile and easy to manoeuvre with parking sensors to help guide you into a space.

The road holding feels very assured and you do get a sense of invincibility behind the wheel. And why not with such outstanding off-road credentials. The Wrangler can look smart and imposing when out for a day in the country but can put in a proper shift on the farm when required too.

Space within the vehicle is good with ample room for a couple of adults in the back or three if they don't mind rubbing shoulders. And the boot can hold up to 584 litres of kit - a limit that increases to 1,059 litres with the rear seats dropped down. In addition there is a hidden storage area beneath the floor, along with numerous handy compartments scattered around the cabin with practical door nets and cup holders for front and back seat occupants.