The Hummer is not a car we've featured prominently on the pages of The Car Enthusiast. After all, it was purely a military vehicle until General Motors bought the rights to the brand in 1999. Incredibly, sales jumped from 1,000 vehicles per year to an astounding 60,000 units in 2005, the vast majority of which were in North America. However, GM senses that the time is right to push the brand globally and the result is the new Hummer H3, which is coming to Britain in right-hand drive later this year.

Compared to the big-selling (and big full-stop) Hummer H2, the H3 is more compact, but it's all relative; the H3 is about 50mm longer than the current Ford Mondeo, which makes it a manageable size for our roads. However it performs on tarmac, the announcement of production in a new facility in South Africa was accompanied by a focus on the H3's off-road abilities.

Standard is an electronically-controlled full-time four-wheel drive system with traction control, 'StabiliTrak' stability control and an optional locking rear differential. Thanks in part to the distinctive Tonka toy, 'wheel at each corner' design, Hummer makes some pretty impressive claims for the H3 off-road. For instance, if you drive as slow as 5mph, it can ford up to a depth of 610mm and can climb vertical steps or rocks up to a height of 407mm. Approach and departure angles are good too.

Though there will be an option of a five-speed manual gearbox alongside a electronically controlled four-speed automatic, the only engine option at launch will be a 3.7-litre inline five-cylinder petrol unit. Peak power is 241bhp and maximum torque is 242lb.ft so it shouldn't feel slow, but fuel economy could seriously hurt sales.

Unless a diesel version is produced, the Hummer H3 is likely to remain the choice of the very few keen enthusiasts here in Britain. Watch out for a review of the car when we get our hands on one late this year.