Jeep adds Blackhawk variant to line-up

JEEP is offering a stealthy new look for its SUV range with a special blacked-out and kit-boosted Blackhawk variant joining all but the Cherokee ranks.

The range of jet black-highlighted models are available for a limited time and get a range of gloss black highlights such as wheels, badges and body accents, as well as Jeep’s iconic seven-slot waterfall grille with matching interior tweaks.

The Blackhawk upgrade is available as a no-cost option on Jeep’s small SUV models with prices ranging from $28,900 before on-road costs for the darkened Patriot and $30,200 for its equivalent Compass sibling.

Both Blackhawk variants are based on the entry-level Sport with continuously variable transmission (CVT) and get gloss black 17-inch alloy wheels, Jeep badging front and rear, seven-slot grille, roof-rails, body-coloured rear bumper with step-pads and a Blackhawk boot badge to cap off the exterior mods.

Inside, Blackhawk Patriot and Compass variants get Jeep’s Uconnect voice control with Bluetooth and self-dimming rear-view mirror, while the black fabric seats have heaters.

Jeeps off-road ruling Wrangler is also available as a Blackhawk special edition, priced from $45,000 for the two-door 3.6-litre V6 automatic or $49,000 for the equivalent long-wheelbase four-door, adding $2000 to the price of regular model.

Both Wrangler versions share the kit of regular Overland variants but the Blackhawk treatment adds gloss-black 18-inch wheels, grille, Jeep badges, spare tyre cover, a body colour-removable hard-top and Blackhawk boot-badge.

Interiors gain enhancements too with black leather seats and heaters up front, dark tinted windows, piano black trims to the door, panic handles and airvents and, like its smaller Blackhawk siblings, the Wrangler also gets Uconnect.

Its rear window has a wiper and defroster as part of the dark deal and interiors are kept neat with matching floor mats and a cargo area mat.

The top-selling Grand Cherokee large SUV also has the Blackhawk styling upgrade available and shares all of the base Laredo 4x4 features but brings Blackhawk individualisation options for another $2000 over standard variants.

Grand Cherokee Blackhawks are available with two engine options with either a 3.6-litre V6 or 3.0-litre diesel coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission on offer, costing $50,000 and $55,000 respectively.

Upgrades for the Grand Cherokee Blackhawk include beefy 20-inch gloss black alloy wheels, body coloured waterfall grille with black accents, Jeep badging roof mouldings, bright exhaust trims and the trademark Blackhawk boot badge.

Windows have a dark tint and tail-lights have a satin grey surround, while headlights have gunmetal-look bezels to set them apart from standard units.

Interiors of the limited edition Grand Cherokee have heated front seats covered in a combination of black suede and leather, and Jeep’s Uconnect information and entertainment system is accessed through an 8.4-inch touchscreen.

The American SUV manufacturer has introduced a series of special editions to the Wrangler range but this is the first time it has offered a limited version across almost the entire range.

Jeep’s recently launched Cherokee misses out on the refreshing Blackhawk upgrade, but is available as the range-topping Trailhawk which adds styling treats and ‘trail-rated’ capability.

Orders for the Jeep Blackhawk range are being taken now, and the darkened line-up will be available until the end of 2014.

Jeep Blackhawk pricing*

Patriot 4WD 2.0 petrol (a)	$28,900
Compass 2WD 2.0 petrol (a)	$30,200
Wrangler two-door 4WD 3.6 petrol (a)	$45,000
Wrangler four-door 4WD 3.6 petrol (a)	$49,000
Grand Cherokee 4WD 3.6 petrol (a)	$50,000
Grand Cherokee 4WD 3.0 diesel (a)	$55,000

*Excludes on-road costs.