THE best selling 4x4 in Chrysler Jeep's UK range now has even wider appeal with the introduction of a new diesel-powered luxury version.

The new Jeep Grand Cherokee 2.5 Turbo Diesel Limited, which goes on sale in the UK this month, blends the luxury, refinement and all-round ability of the Grand Cherokee with the power, torque and fuel economy of a turbo diesel engine. Its arrival broadens the Grand Cherokee range to five versions.

Fitted with the proven 2499cc VM turbo diesel engine, the new Grand Cherokee 2.5 Turbo Diesel Limited has the same luxurious equipment specification as the award-winning Grand Cherokee 4.0 Limited and it goes on sale with the same on-the-road price of £29,995.

Standard equipment on the new vehicle include climate controlled air conditioning, cruise control, leather seats, electrically heated power door mirrors, 16x7 alloy wheels and power adjustable, heated front seats with memory setting on the driver's side, all fitted as standard.

Also fitted as standard are electric windows all-round, leather steering wheel, six-speaker radio cassette with CD compatibility and interior roof console with compass, outside temperature gauge and trip computer.

Safety and security are enhanced with anti-lock brakes, driver and passenger airbags and a Category One Thatcham-approved remote control alarm and rolling code immobiliser. The four wheel drive system fitted to the new vehicle features 'Quadra-trac' permanent four wheel drive - the first time this system has been available with the diesel engine - along with a viscous coupling and limited slip rear differential. It is fitted with a five-speed manual transmission.

Five exterior colours are available, with no extra cost for special paint, and there is a choice of two leather trim colours. The only optional extra available is a sunroof, which costs £645.

The European-built four cylinder OHV turbo diesel engine utilises indirect multi-point injection and produces 114 bhp at 3900 rpm and 221 lb ft of torque at 2000 rpm. This provides a maximum speed of 96 mph, where permitted, and allows the vehicle to accelerate from 0-62 mph in 14.9 seconds.

Ownership of all Jeep vehicles incorporates Jeep Privileges, a range of services which offers a standard three year/60,000 mile warranty and, new for 1998, three years European roadside assistance.

"There has been a gap in our Grand Cherokee range for those customers wishing to combine the luxury and refinement of the Limited specification with the fuel economy benefits provided by our turbo diesel engine. So we are delighted to introduce this vehicle to meet that demand," says Richard MacKay, Managing Director of Chrysler Jeep Imports UK.

Since its introduction in the UK in March last year, the Grand Cherokee has proved to be a remarkable sales success, with over 8,300 having been sold making it the best selling petrol engined 4x4 on the UK market. It has also picked up a string of awards during that time. Both What Car? and Auto Express magazines have voted it '4x4 of the Year' for two years in succession.

For more information, contact Cubbin & North, New Chester Road, Birkenhead. Phone 643-9300.

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