Jeep has thoroughly updated its Grand Cherokee range for 2008, with a range of new features and a new interior that makes this Jeep the most luxurious ever.

New soft-touch interior dashboard materials, interior colours and new textures all help to make the new Grand Cherokee even more desirable while a host of new features – tilt and telescope steering column, improved steering wheel and armrests for improved ergonomics and comfort, new instrument clusters and floor console with improved cup holders – all add to the high-class ambience.

In addition, Limited and Overland models get a new leather-wrapped parking brake handle and the Overland gets a new leather package on seats, doors and dashboard and heated second row seats.

The MyGIG infotainment system is a new option that offers owners the very latest integrated onboard systems. There’s MP3 player compatibility, a touch screen controlled navigation system as well as the ability to store up to 1600 songs on an integrated 20GB hard drive.  The UConnect Hands-free Communication System uses Bluetooth technology to provide voice-activated wireless communication.

On the exterior, a new front fascia and grille surround with a new body-colour front sill and air dam give the latest Grand Cherokee a more modern look, together with a new range of alloy wheels and a new headlamp design.

Simon Elliott, Managing Director of Chrysler UK Ltd, said: “Our new leather package helps create a sumptuous interior to cosset driver and passengers and offers everything that customers want from a luxury SUV without the excessive price tag. As usual the latest Jeep offers outstanding value for money and the efficiency of a Mercedes-Benz diesel engine across the range.”

The latest Grand Cherokee is also still hard to beat off-road. Hill Descent Control now comes as standard on diesel models and is designed to mimic the safe downhill control offered by the ultra-low gearing usually found in hard-core off-road vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.

Elliott added: “If you think that all of these off-road gadgets never get used then think again. Driving up or down ice or snow covered roads will be made safer with 4x4 and Hill Descent Control, while anyone who has ever towed anything in wet and slippery road conditions can appreciate the benefits of being able to control your speed down a steep hill.”

For 2008, a whole new model will also be added to the range – the Grand Cherokee
S-Limited.

The S-Limited model includes all of the refinements for 2008 and adds many of the visual enhancements that make the high-performance Grand Cherokee SRT-8 such a visual feast. These standard features include SRT-inspired exterior features including front fascia and side sill moulding, unique ‘Arrowhead’ 18-inch alloy wheels, SRT body-coloured wire mesh front grille and body coloured wing mirrors, rear spoiler and deep tint windows. On the inside the S-Limited gets the MyGIG ‘entertainment’ system as standard, SRT-8 leather steering wheel, gear shifter and aluminium bezel finishes and dark slate grey leather interior trim on seats, doors and dashboard.

Jeep Grand Cherokee S-Limited
2008 Interior Specification changes:

• MyGIG  Multimedia Entertainment System with DVD and MP3 compatibility (optional on Limited)
• MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System with satellite  navigation, which also includes UConnect (Bluetooth) (optional)
• Tilt and telescope steering column and new steering wheel
• New instrument clusters
• New floor console with improved cup holders
• Limited and Overland models get a new leather-wrapped parking brake
• Overland gets new leather package on doors and dashboard
• Door panels have new armrests for improved ergonomics and comfort
• Heated second row seats (standard on Overland and SRT-8)

2008 Exterior Specification changes:

• New front fascia and grille surround with body-colour front sill and air dam
• Chrome roof rack rails on Limited
• New headlamp design (with HID headlamps standard on Overland)
• New 17-inch alloy wheels on Limited. New 18-inch wheels on Overland

Other new features:

• Hill Descent Control
• Hill Start Assist
• New front and rear parking sensors (standard on Limited, S-Limited, Overland and SRT-8)
• Trailer Sway Control (late availability)

Grand Cherokee S-Limited (extra specification in addition to Limited  model):

• SRT-inspired exterior features including front fascia and side sill moulding
• Unique ‘Arrowhead’ 18-inch alloy wheels
• SRT body-coloured wire mesh front grille, body coloured wing mirrors and rear spoiler
• MyGIG ‘entertainment’ system as standard
• SRT-8 leather steering wheel, gear shifter and aluminium bezel finishes
• Leather interior trim on doors and dashboard (as with Overland)
• Dark slate grey leather interior trim
• Deep tint windows
• Rear spoiler
• Available in Brilliant Black, Bright Silver and Steel Blue

Available from March 2008, the new range consists of the 3.0 CRD, Limited, S-Limited, and Overland models all with a diesel engine. The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 - the quickest, most powerful Jeep ever made – with a 6.1-litre V8 petrol engine will continue to top the range in the UK.

These right-hand drive models will be priced (on-the-road) as follows*:

* Prices correct at 17 March 2008