What is it?
It's the latest Jeep Grand Cherokee, revised with new technology, improved performance and cosmetic changes both inside and out.
Most significant among the tweaks to this luxury SUV is the installation of the Chrysler Group's new ZF-derived eight-speed automatic transmission, which is available across the entire engine line-up.
The new transmission, says Jeep, reduces consumption and emissions while improving acceleration and gear-shifts. It's something the Grand Cherokee had been crying out for to replace the prehistoric five-speed auto.
The UK range ignores the petrol V6 and V8 engines and focuses solely on the 3.0-litre V6 diesel (apart, that is, from the monstrously powerful 6.4-litre Grand Cherokee SRT halo model, of which only about 20 will be sold here).
This new Grand Cherokee also gets an Eco Mode which optimises gear-shifts, although it can be disengaged if more sporty performance is desired.
The economy-driven changes help the claimed fuel economy to increase by about ten per cent to 37.7mpg, with the attendant fall in CO2 emissions meaning the Grand Cherokee now dips below 200g/km, putting it on a more competitive footing with rivals such as the 3.0-litre V6 variants of the Volkswagen Touareg and BMW X5.
As for the styling changes, at the front the Grand Cherokee features a shorter upper grille, slimmer headlights, more pronounced fog lights and a front fascia that's been slightly elevated.
The rear end boasts larger tail lamps with LED lighting, a larger and more aerodynamic rear spoiler and a re-sculpted tailgate that offers greater rear-ward visibility.
In the UK the new Grand Cherokee will be offered in five trim levels, with the entry-level Laredo variant being followed by Limited, Limited Plus, Overland and Summit.
Laredo, Limited, Overland and Summit each features mild styling variations to distinguish them, and the higher-specification cars get Jeep's more sophisticated four-wheel-drive system and air suspension.
Limited Plus is a UK specific level that adds extra toys such as satnav and 20in alloys to the Limited trim. It is expected to be the biggest seller in the UK range.
Although UK prices are still being finalised, it is expected that the range will start at about £37,000 and rise to just under £50,000 for top-of-the-range editions. Right-hand-drive cars will reach the UK in the middle of July.
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One sitting on the drive
I went to them in my company 5 series and I got the distinct feeling they thought it above themselves to try and sell me a car...... so they lost £50K sale and the Jeep dealer who went out of his way on a Sunday morning to show us the various models, even getting a couple out of the prep area so we could compare colours got himself a sale. I hope the ownership of this Jeep will be as good as my last two, and long may good dealers stick around to provide good pre and post sales service. As for BMW, if you can pull your heads out of your bottoms you might see that you could be selling more, but then do you care......
Jeep
Personally, I don't care for SUVs at all. However, having said that, I have to say that it's the best looking Jeep to come down the road.
Looks Good
Something of a rarity in the car industry - a succesful mid life update. I think there will be a market for petrol versions as diesels become increasingly complex but it may be a few years off. Though if I were doing a low mileage and a petrol version was £3k less, I'd take it over the diesel.