Chrysler has priced its redesigned US-market 2008 Jeep Liberty from $US20,990, reducing the base price by $1,000 and adding, it says, $1,400 worth of extra equipment.
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The new model reaches US dealers later this summer – it was launched at the New York motor show last April – with increased cargo length and rear seat legroom, and a claimed industry-exclusive ‘Sky Slider’ full-length, open-canvas roof is optional.
the industry-exclusive Sky Slider full-length, open-canvas roof.
With an MSRP of $1,200, the Sky Slider roof is versatile and can be moved to several positions, including full forward, full rear or partially open to any position in-between with a convenient express one-touch switch.
The new opening roof is made of a reinforced-acrylic cloth, similar to a convertible top, that is weather resistant and leak-proof. The top panel nests into a weather strip seal to help minimise wind noise and the system has anti-pinch software that prevents the roof from moving if something is in its path.
Jeep is carrying over the previous Liberty’s Sport and Limited specification levels and will offer both two- and four-wheel drive models in the US. A 210hp 3.7-litre petrol V6 engine is standard and there is a choice of four-wheel drive system.
‘MyGIG’ multimedia ‘infotainment’, remote start, memory seats, mirrors and radio controls, and express up/down windows have been added to the model line’s roster of features and options.
Standard equipment includes side curtain air bags, electronic stability program, electronic roll mitigation, all-speed traction control, brake assist, anti-lock brakes and tyre pressure monitoring while rain-sensing wipers and rear park assist are optional.
Export models will again be called Cherokee and are expected to include a diesel engine option (most likely the VM 2.8-litre I4 from the outgoing model or a Mercedes three-litre V6) and manual transmission.
Chrysler UK said the redesigned model reaches Europe in the first half of 2008.
Chrysler planned a trial batch of 5,000 previous-generation diesel models for the US a couple of years ago, and ended up selling 11,000, but there are no diesels in the redesigned US Liberty range yet – the VM I4 sold in Europe cannot meet strict new US emissions rules without major reworking. The automaker is expected to launch a ‘clean’ diesel option at some point, possibly using Mercedes’ Bluetec technology, but has not revealed any plans.
The Liberty is built at the Chrysler’s Toledo North assembly plant in Ohio, alongside the Dodge Nitro.
