JEEP is planning to offer one of the most luxurious all-drive workhorse vehicles in Britain with a new version of its Cherokee SUV model.

But extensive work involved in preparing the five-seat 2.5CRD Sport model for a more humble role will make the Pioneer van more expensive.

Priced from £17,503 plus VAT, Jeep's first LCV model will have a full-length galvanised metal body fitted with minimum-slip carpeting in place of its rear seats and body-colour panels instead of glass in rear windows and doors.

A spokesman said: 'The Pioneer is £300 more expensive than the CRD Sport, but we think buyers will be pleased and are confident it will appeal to more image-conscious users.

'We have identified businesses who are interested in a vehicle that offers great off-road performance and the ability to carry a large load.' With a 1,954 litre cargo area and a 359kg payload, the Pioneer is able to pull a braked trailer up to 2,688kg.

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