New Jeep Commander And Dodge Caliber Unveiled
Published: 10th September 2005
Jeep Commander
Chrysler Group has unveiled two brand new vehicles - the Jeep® Commander and Dodge Caliber - that will be coming to the UK market in right-hand drive during 2006.
The Dodge Caliber will be the first of a series of new Dodge products coming into the UK over the next three years. The stunning five door hatchback will be powered by a 2.0-litre Volkswagen diesel engine, as well as being the first application of the new petrol ‘World Engines’.
Simon Elliott, Managing Director of Chrysler Group UK, said: "Although we have only revealed the concept car version of the new Dodge Caliber so far, confirmation of the VW diesel power plant in the production car is a significant step.
"The first of the new Dodge line-up looks outstanding, but we recognise that customers are looking for modern diesel engines with efficiency and performance that match the car’s striking looks. The new 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine will dramatically enhance the Dodge Caliber’s appeal in the UK when it arrives next July."
The 2.0-litre engine is a state-of-the-art, direct-injection turbo diesel with high-pressure fuel injection, a variable geometry turbocharger and four valves per cylinder. The turbo diesel engine is expected to position the Dodge Caliber among the best in its class for power, torque, acceleration and towing capacity. Maximum power is estimated at 100 kW (136 hp DIN), and peak torque is estimated at 320 Nm (236 lb.ft).
The Chrysler Group World Engine family is targeted to improve fuel efficiency by five per cent compared with the engines they replace - rivalling the best four-cylinder engines in the world. The 2007 Dodge Caliber will be available with all three displacements in the World Engine family: 1.8-litre, 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre. Performance objectives are targeted to match the best in the segment - 140, 150 and 170 hp, respectively.
The Jeep Commander, the first-ever Jeep to offer seven seats, will arrive in the UK in March 2006, expanding and strengthening the Jeep range.
Commander is only 47 mm (1.8 in.) longer than the new Jeep Grand Cherokee, even though it is designed to accommodate three rows of seats, so it is as manoeuvrable and off-road capable as the Grand Cherokee. Jeep Commander shares the same state-of-the-art 4x4 systems, suspension and powertrains as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, including an independent front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering.
Simon Elliott added: "The Jeep Commander initiates the expansion of the Jeep vehicle line-up. Chrysler Group also revealed two new Jeep concept cars - the Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot - at the show. These two compact SUVs focus on performance and fuel economy as well as nimble handling and a flexible interior, and help demonstrate where the Jeep brand may be heading at the other end of the range."
Jeep Commander
Our Jeep Commander Guide lists the full specification of the current UK Commander range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price : £31,590
Body Style:
Fuel:
Model in the range: 1
We have road tested the Jeep Commander, to read our in-depth car review:
Jeep Commander Review - Apr 2007
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 6th July 2008
