A nip and tuck for Jeep Cherokee

JEEP has upgraded its Cherokee four-wheel drive range, introducing a range of cosmetic and equipment improvements and, during the first quarter of 2005, adding a revised 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine.

The new common-rail oil-burner produces 120kW (up nine per cent over the current 2.8) and 400Nm (up 11 per cent). The 2.4 petrol gets a new six-speed manual, the fuel tank on all models increases to 78 litres, front seats are larger, switchgear is more intuitive and the rear seat folding mechanism is smarter.

Curtain airbags and cruise control are now standard across the range.

Pricing now starts from $34,990 for the baseline Sport 2.4-litre petrol (manual), rising to $39,990 for the Sport/Renegade 3.7-litre V6 auto and $46,490 for the 3.7 petrol Limited. The Sport/Renegade diesel (auto only) will be priced from $42,590, with a Limited CRD priced from $49,090.