2008 Grand Cherokee - Jeep's most luxurious SUV yet
2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee promises more luxury
Author: Chris Barker
Published: 20 March 2008
A change is as good as a rest so they say, and Jeep are no different to any other car manufacturer presently attempting to keep its best-selling brand prominent in the buying public's conscience, whilst not exactly being in a rush to to re-invent the wheel.
Hence the Jeep Grand Cherokee, re-modeled for 2008. Although in fairness there is an all-new model – the S-Limited - more about that later though.
No, wholesale changes aren't for Jeep; instead they're simply swapping the current dashboard materials for a more tactile affair, at the same time as introducing new colours and textures to the rest of the Grand Cherokees cabin-space. Innovation doesn't stop there, as a more user-friendly steering column, reconfigured armrests, improved instrument agglomeration and some re-jigged, er cup-holders hint heavily at a new style direction.
Those planning on buying the Grand Cherokee Limited and Overland sub-models will console themselves as they'll receive more than a liberal sprinkling of leather though.
The MyGig infotainment system represents some more considered thought however, as an MP3-compatible, touch-screen activated navigational device that allows users to log up to 1600 tunes on a hard-drive and a hands-free communicative assemblage that utilises Bluetooth technology to allow voice interaction is let loose in the confines of all Grand Cherokees. Providing you've circled the option box in the Jeep brochure.
Word on the street is that the bystander can't fail to notice the Grand Cherokee 08's new front fascia and grille framework, set in a new body-coloured front sill from their kerbside glances.
A new headlamp element and air dam extend the visual fascination, and an unaccustomed spectrum of alloys go some way to make amends for Jeep not going the whole hog and bringing out a new Grand Cherokee.
So to the S-Limited, a retrofit of the new and improved 2008 Grand Cherokee rank and file that lends much of its presence to the brutish SRT-8. The front fascia and side sill mountings, 18” alloys, the body-coloured SRT-8 wire-mesh feature of the front grille, rear spoiler and gangsta window tints do little to dispel the rumour that the S-Limited is simply a watered-down version of the imposing SRT-8.
But who cares when it's £10k less? The inside fares well too, the whole MyGig shooting party along with the heavy-handed daubing of leather and aluminium create a particularly inviting living-space.
The Mercedes Benz diesel engine continues to do all that its asked and the Grand Cherokees price sticker remains as competitive as ever in the luxury SUV marketplace.
Its lofty off-road ambitions are surpassed as was ever the case, with the Hill Descent Mode coping effortlessly with whatever inclement conditions thrown at the flagship Jeep.
Chrysler will be pinning its hopes on the new Jeep Cherokee SUV after its fortunes have been badly hit by the downturn in the US market.
The new Jeep Cherokee mid-sized 4x4 is on sale now from £24,595. More space, higher specification will impress, but the drive is still not up to European, Japanese or Korean competitors.
New Jeep Cherokee given exterior makeover and trim TLC for £24,595. Not too much mind, as hard as nails 4X4 is secure in on and off road preferences this August. Land Rover Discovery, Nissan X-Trail and Honda CR-V? Do Jeep a favour.
New Jeep Patriot Compact SUV is accessorized to within an inch of its 20” rims, as after-market goody packages afford the 4X4 some star quality before it hits UK streets. The Jeep Patriot off-roader just got sexy!
RGVA, the UK’s leading vehicle branding company, are today launching just seven models of the Limited Edition Led Zeppelin Jeep Patriot
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