Alongside the completely redesigned Grand Cherokee, Chrysler’s Jeep division has updated its Liberty SUV line for 2005 with a mild facelift to coincide with the addition of the 2.8CRD Italian-made four-cylinder VM turbodiesel engine option already used in the US-built European versions. The range is badged ‘Cherokee’ outside North America.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
For the US, only the five-speed automatic transmission is on offer with the new oil burner; European buyers have a manual alternative.
The 2005 line has a restyled nose with flatter bonnet and taller grille and new, smaller foglamps inset below the headlamps rather than in the bumper.
Photos released for the New York motor show suggest there are now two sets of front end sheetmetal; the bonnet on the Wrangler version has less pronounced curves over the headlamps and a taller grille for more of an ‘original WWII Jeep look’ than the upmarket Limited with its prominent silver grille.
Inside, there are new instrument graphics and relocated power window switches.
Major mechanical changes are limited to a new six-speed manual gearbox in place of the previous five-speeder.
