JAPANESE car makers gained a toehold on the British market back in the 1970s, a foothold in the 1980s, and today it is very much one of their strongholds.

Now it's the turn of American brands, with more and more of them bringing their bold, brash designs to muscle in on more UK sales.

There's always been a Ford presence, and Vauxhall belongs to US global rival, GM. But the more iconic Stateside marques, such as Dodge, Hummer, and Corvette, are pushing for more of a presence here.

Then there's Chrysler, Dodge's sibling, which has long held a British base - the badge has steadily ditched purely European cars, like the Neon, in favour of Europeanised American saloons, such as the statuesque 300C. The take-up of transatlantic offerings has so far been steady, but the US invasion hasn't yet hit top gear. Interestingly, it has brought with it a clear division of design approach - American cars have real attitude, while European and Far Eastern fare is much easier on the eye.

Dodge is bringing even more attitude here this August, with the launch of its all-new Journey crossover. Chunky, instantly recognisable looks set it apart from the more flowing forms of other crossover rivals, and while fuel economy looks to be competitive, rather than market leading, the Journey does come with masses of interior space for the money. The five-plus-two seating arrangement is also standard across the five-strong range, with engine choices down to a 2.4-litre petrol engine, or a 2.0-litre. The petrol has only a five-speed gearbox, while the oil-burner offers the transmission alternatives of either a six-speed manual or dual-clutch six-speed automatic. Family-friendly fitments include tilt and slide second-row seats; rear doors that open 90 degrees for easy access when installing child seats, and an air-conditioning system that fully covers in all three seating rows.

Prices will start from £16,995, and Dodge says every model represents ten per cent better value than the similarly engined/equipped rivals. For example, the entry-level SE model comes with that three-zone climate control, a tilt and telescope steering wheel, a tyre pressure monitor, powered, heated and folding wing mirrors, all-electric windows, and a six-disc CD with MP3 compatibility.

Simon Elliott, managing director of Chrysler UK, says the Journey will go down well with families who do not want the look of a people carrier, but need the functionality and utility of one.

"The Journey is unmistakably Dodge, with powerful exterior styling," he says, but stresses that it is not just about the right look. "The Dodge Journey offers a versatility and flexibility with bags of interior space. Families that need space for seven will love the flexible seating, spacious storage bins and under-seat storage areas. Safety is also very important, and with electronic stability and three-row side curtain airbags, this really is the ideal family vehicle."

Finally, while on the subject of crossover vehicles, but switching back to home territory, Europe, Renault says its new 4x4 crossover, Koleos, will be priced from £17,995 to £24,695. It goes on sale in British showrooms on July 4