CHRYSLER Jeep will launch its all-new Cherokee 4x4 in the UK in October. Coinciding with the 60th anniversary of the Jeep brand, the new vehicle retains the renowned rugged characteristics of past Jeep and Cherokee models, but for the first time is also designed to appeal to sports utility vehicle buyers who value on-road capability as well as off-road performance.

As such the Cherokee, called Liberty in the USA, Canada and Mexico, will take Chrysler into Land Rover Freelander and Toyota RAV4 'soft-roader' territory. Three new engines replace the existing three in the Cherokee line-up and the UK will take all the new variants - a 3.7-litre 217bhp V6 producing 225lb-ft of torque at 4,000rpm and only available with four-speed automatic transmission, a 2.4-litre 16v 150bhp producing 167lb-ft of torque at 4,000rpm and a 2.5-litre 16v common rail turbodiesel producing 253lb-ft of torque at 1,800rpm, both with five-speed manual transmission.