THE 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee arrives in the UK this month and is all-new from the ground up. A sportier appearance and roomier interior mask significant improvements to its on-road handling and performance.

For outstanding driving dynamics, the third-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a new independent front suspension and rack and pinion steering for more responsive and precise on-road ride and handling.

For performance, the all-new three litre V-6 CRD engine offers 33 per cent more torque and 28 per cent more power than the previous model's diesel engine, while the 5.7 litre V-8 Hemi engine has a top speed of 129mph and a 0-62mph time of 7.1 seconds.

For on-and off-road traction and control, the latest Quadra-Drive II four-wheel drive system uses electronic limited slip differentials and has the ability to keep Grand Cherokee going even if only one front wheel has grip, on and off tarmac.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee also brings customers standard safety features including ESP, traction control, side curtain airbags and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

Three engines - the three litre V-6 CRD, the 5.7 litre V8 Hemi and 4.7 litre SOHC V-8 - will be available in the UK, all with a five-speed sequential gearbox and Quadra-Drive II as standard.

Maximum power of the 3.0 CRD engine is 218bhp DIN at 4,000rpm and peak torque is 376lb/ft from just 1,600rpm. Top speed is 124mph and 0-62mph in 9.0 seconds.

The 5.7 litre HEMI engine provides outstanding power and torque, at 326bhp DIN at 5,000rpm and 369lb/ft at 4,000rpm.

Jeep Grand Cherokee is also the first SUV to offer the multi-displacement system (MDS). On the 5.7 litre HEMI engine, MDS deactivates half the cylinders during cruising and light acceleration to increase fuel economy by up to 20 per cent, depending on driving conditions.

The 4.7 litre SOHC V-8 produces 231bhp DIN of power at 4,500 rpm and 302lb/ft of torque at 3,600rpm. Top speed is 124mph and 0-62mph in 8.8 seconds.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee also delivers class-leading towing capacity of 3,500kg (7,716lb) including nose weight).