JEEP'S award-winning Cherokee has been improved for 2005 with a new look, updated interior and a new 2.8-litre diesel engine, with variable geometry turbo, that boasts lower emissions, more power and higher torque than the previous engine.

This common-rail diesel 2.8-litre engine replaces the 2.5-litre diesel unit across the entire Cherokee range, and uses an electronically controlled variable geometry turbocharger to improve control of boost pressure, reduce emissions and improve full load engine power and torque. Injectors on the 2.8-litre diesel have also been improved so that fuel burns more thoroughly, producing fewer particulates and lower emissions than previous generation diesel engines.

This Euro IV engine is mated to either a new six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic transmission and produces 161 bhp at 3,800 rpm and 295 lb ft of torque at 1800 rpm. The 0-62mph time with the manual transmission is 12.8 seconds and 12.2 seconds for the automatic.

The new Cherokee is available from all Chrysler UK dealers from January 2005. The commercial version of the Cherokee, the Pioneer, will also feature the 2.8-litre engine and is available with either a six-speed manual gearbox or five-speed transmission.