Jeep will preview its all-new, third generation Jeep Grand Cherokee at the National 4x4 Show, 24th–26th June, 2005 giving the Australian public its first glimpse at a right-hand-drive production version ahead of its official market launch next month.

The new Jeep Grand Cherokee, which goes on sale in Australia this July, offers a sportier appearance, improved on-road ride and handling, thanks to an all-new suspension and steering package, and superior off-road capability courtesy of new four-wheel-drive systems.

Since its local introduction in 1996, there has been over 17,000 Grand Cherokees sold in Australia.

“The all-new Grand Cherokee is designed, engineered and built to master every imaginable day-to-day driving condition, whether on-road or off-road, in all kinds of weather,” said Gerry Jenkins, managing director, Chrysler Jeep Australia.

“The result is a Jeep that is all-new from the ground up, and all Jeep from the inside out,” he said.

Two petrol engines will initially be offered on the new Grand Cherokee. A new 5.7-litre HEMI V8 engine is available on a Jeep for the first time, in addition to the popular 4.7-litre V8.

An all-new state-of-the-art 3.0-litre V6 common-rail turbo diesel (CRD) engine will be available from August.

Prices for all models will be announced at launch.

Of note, the 5.7-litre HEMI V8 engine comes with the Chrysler Group’s Multi-Displacement System (MDS), which shuts down half the engine when V8 power isn’t needed, delivering up to a 20 per cent increase in fuel efficiency.

The National 4x4 Show will be held at the Sydney Showgrounds, Sydney Olympic Park from Friday 24th June to Sunday 26th June, with the show open each day from 9.00am and closing each day at 6.00pm.