Jeep refines Grand Cherokee for '08

Jeep's luxury SUV, the Grand Cherokee, has been given a working-over for the new 2008 model range.

Now comprising four variants (not including the Grand Cherokee SRT8 , more here), the Grand Cherokee range starts off with the 3.0 CRD model as the sole Grand Cherokee Laredo variant, priced at $59,490.

Both the 3.7-litre V6 petrol and 4.7-litre V8 petrol Grand Cherokee Laredo variants have been dropped from the range, leaving the turbodiesel Laredo as the entry-level model -- priced a full $7500 more than last year's petrol V6 and $5000 more than the 4.7 variant.

The Grand Cherokee Limited grade is available with the diesel V6 and two petrol V8s, displacing 4.7 litres and 5.7 litres.

Priced at $64,990, the 4.7-litre V8 Grand Cherokee Limited is the least expensive variant in this grade -- $3000 cheaper than both the turbodiesel version and the 5.7-litre HEMI petrol V8 ($67,990).

The 4.7-litre V8 has made substantial gains in power and torque with the upgraded model range and the turbodiesel V6 is more fuel efficient than before. Jeep makes the claim that the smaller-capacity V8 (smaller than the 5.7 HEMI or the 6.1-litre SRT8 engine) is 30 per cent more powerful and offers 10 per cent more torque. As a bonus, it's claimed to be five per cent more frugal.

The 4.7 OHC V8 now develops 223kW of power at 5650 rpm and 445 Nm of torque at 3950 rpm -- both figures indicating the smallest V8 is closing in on the 5.7-litre powerplant, although the latter still offers 55Nm more torque and 17kW more power.

For the diesel V6, Jeep has left the power and torque outputs where they were, although the peak power of 160kW now occurs at a slightly slower engine speed (3800rpm) and the 510Nm of maximum torque is available from 1600 to 2800rpm, instead of its previous ceiling speed of 2400rpm. Jeep hasn't provided fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures for this engine, but claims that both have been reduced by 30 per cent.

The 5.7-litre HEMI V8 is unchanged, but a 'Fuel Saver Mode' guide in the information display lets the driver know when the V8 is operating in four-cylinder mode.

Cosmetically, the grille is longer and the headlamps are less angular. Jeep designers have relocated the fog lower and the front apron is now a two-piece fitting that can be removed before heading off into the bush.

As for the SRT8 variant, the other Grand Cherokee models feature softer surfaces and restyled interior fixtures.

A new tilt-and-reach-adjustable steering column is fitted as standard and the steering wheel has been redesigned with bright-finish bezels for the remote control switchgear to operate trip computer functions. For the Grand Cherokee Limited, the steering wheel is trimmed in two-tone leather and chrome highlights.

Instruments are now illuminated by LED and the higher-spec Grand Cherokee Limited is equipped with high-contrast transparent cover for the instrument binnacle, obscuring the instruments until start-up, at which point they display as black gauges with chrome bezels in a silver-finish field.

Cupholders in the centre console have been revised for all models and a leather-bound handbrake for the Grand Cherokee Limited also features chrome highlights.

Ergonomic enhancements include new seats and new armrests for the doors. The base grade Laredo sticks with cloth trim for the seats and the Limited variants' are trimmed in leather.

Standard convenience features added to the Grand Cherokee Limited specification for 2008 include: the MyGIG information and entertainment system, reversing camera, reverse parking acoustic guidance, satellite navigation, rain-sensing wipers, electrically-adjustable seats with position memory and an iPod interface for the audio system.

All models other than the Grand Cherokee SRT8 are upgraded with the addition of Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist and Trailer Sway Control.

The colour range for 2008 is: Jeep Green, Olive Green, Light Greystone, Mineral Grey, Modern Blue, Steel Blue, Stone White, Black and Silver,

Chrysler-Jeep dealers will commence selling the upgraded range this month.

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