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| Jeep Commander |
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Jeep Commander
Chrysler's Jeep Commander is a stretched version of the Grand Cherokee, featuring three rows of seats to carry seven and the largest Jeep on sale since the Wagoneer was discontinued in 1991. It looks a lot like the boxy, utilitarian Wagoneer, a model first launched in 1963, and Jeep claims that it also recalls the styling of the original Willys Station Wagons (1946-62) and the 1984 Jeep Cherokee. It's more in the vein of the retro-look Toyota FJ Cruiser launched earlier this year than the luxury Mercedes-Benz R-Class crossover, also unveiled in New York (see separate story). "There is a sense of déjà vu about the Jeep Commander that brings knowing smiles of satisfaction", said Donald Renkert, senior manager of the Jeep styling studio.
Two inches longer than the latest Grand Cherokee, it shares the same 109.5-inch wheelbase (it's not on the same platform as the new Mercs M- and R-Class, as originally thought) but an extra row of seats has been squeezed in. Both the second and third row fold forward to create a flat load floor, and the rearmost row is positioned slightly higher than the second to give occupants a good view forwards. The stepped roof allows for good headroom, and options include a sunroof and a pair of full skylights.
The Commander will be offered in the US with the 5.7-litre HEMI engine, as in the new Grand Cherokee and the 300C saloon, the 4.7 V8 and a 3.7 V6, and three levels of full-time four-wheel drive system with electronic limited-slip differentials. Standard equipment will include rollover sensors which deploy the airbags quickly, seatbelt pre-tensioners, ABS, ESP and traction control; side curtain airbags, parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring, DVD navigation, adaptive headlamps and rain-sensing wipers are optional. Availability and specification for the UK and Europe will be announced later in the year.
Chrysler also unveiled the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, a version of the new-generation model fitted with the same 6.1-litre HEMI V8 as in the 300C SRT8 and Dodge Charger SRT (see above), giving 415 bhp. Equipment includes lowered suspension, uprated Brembo brakes, modified stability control and 20-inch alloy wheels; 0-60 mph comes up in less than five seconds.
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