The photos in the mag...

The photos in the mag clearly illustrate how the newcomer not only gets a sleeker front end, complete with grooved bonnet, but also benefits from exclusive 20-inch alloys. At the rear are distinctive twin exhaust pipes in the centre of the back bumper. Extra chrome detailing on the tailgate and side windows further distinguishes it from lesser models.

Under the bonnet, it gets the 6.1-litre HEMI V8 from the 300C SRT-8 super saloon. The unit provides 425bhp, and will give the Grand Cherokee a factory-limited top speed of 155mph, while the 0-60mph sprint will take approximately six seconds. The newcomer, which will take on the Range Rover Vogue, BMW X5 4.8iS and the Mercedes ML55, is set to go on sale here towards the end of next year, but will undercut its rivals by a significant margin. Buyers can expect to pay around н‚бЈ45,000 when it reaches British dealerships.

Meanwhile, Jeep has confirmed that more mainstream versions of the all-new Grand Cherokee will reach UK showrooms in late spring 2005, following the first public appearance of the model at next month"s Paris Motor Show.

Three engines will be available at launch - a 3.7-litre straight-six and two V8s. The smaller of the eights will be the 4.7-litre unit used by the current Grand Cherokee HO Overland, while the 5.7-litre HEMI from the 300C will be offered in more upmarket models.

A diesel variant will follow later in the year using Mercedes power, and a V6 oil-burner could also arrive in 2006. The new Grand Cherokee is expected to be a marked improvement in terms of build quality for the American manufacturer, with improved cabin materials and higher quality leather trim.

The mud-plugger will also demonstrate better dynamic agility on-road, thanks to its monocoque construction and electronically adaptable suspension. However, its off-road ability will still be second to none, thanks to Jeep"s proven Quadra-Trac and Quadra-Drive four-wheel-drive systems.