Jeep’s Cherokee has been improved for 2005 with a new look, updated interior and a new 2.8-litre diesel 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 161bhp. The 0-62 mph time with the manual transmission is 12.8 seconds and 12.2 seconds for the automatic.

The new six-speed manual gearbox is also fitted as standard to the 2.4-litre petrol engine, while a 3.7-litre V6 petrol engine with five-speed automatic transmission completes the range.

The Sport model, which starts the range at £17,995, is available with either the 2.4-litre or 2.8-litre engines, and features 16 inch steel wheels, multi-stage airbags, front fog lights, headlamp levelling, air conditioning, ABS, electric front windows and a single CD player as standard. Limited models, available with the 2.8-litre CRD or 3.7 V6 engine, come with 17 inch alloy wheels, chrome front grille, side curtain airbags, cruise control and power front seats as standard.

The new Cherokee is available from all Chrysler UK dealers this month.