Following in the footsteps of its recently launched bigger brother – the Grand Cherokee SUV – the Cherokee midsize SUV forms the second key model in a multiple product assault and will be followed by the new Renegade compact SUV in spring 2015.

With a sleek and athletic exterior the new Jeep Cherokee maintains the Jeep DNA but brings a cutting-edge, revolutionary design that also represents a major evolution of the model and puts in an exemplary performance when it comes to crash safety.

Available in two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations, the new-generation model is engineered to ensure benchmark on and off-road capabilities under all driving conditions.

This vehicle is also the first mid-size SUV to feature rear axle disconnect, which seamlessly switches between two-and four-wheel drive, ensuring improved fuel efficiency.

Along with its impressive off-road abilities, the new SUV brings impressively low CO2 emissions that lead to low Benefit in Kind (BiK) taxation costs for company car drivers.

The engine line-up comprises the new 2.0-litre Multijet II turbo diesel and the 3.2-litre V-6 Pentastar petrol engine.

The efficient turbo diesel is available in two versions, offering customers a choice of 168 or 138bhp outputs, both generating 258lb.ft of torque. Helped by “Stop/Start” technology, the 138bhp front-wheel drive version with six-speed manual gearbox returns 53.3mpg on the combined cycle and delivers emissions of 139g/km.

Meanwhile the 168bhp version, which comes with Active Drive I four-wheel drive, is coupled with either a six-speed manual or the all-new nine-speed automatic gearbox. CO2 emissions for this model are 147g/km for the manual, rising to 154g/km for the auto version and economy of 48.7mpg on the combined cycle.

Four trim levels are offered: Longitude, Longitude+, Limited and Trailhawk. Three of the four – Longitude, Longitude+ and Limited – can be specified with either diesel engine and in two or four-wheel drive while the top-end Trailhawk only comes with the higher-powered diesel, auto box and four-wheel drive.

Standard features on all models include cruise control, parking sensors and dual-zone air-conditioning, with options including a full-length CommandView sun roof and a Wireless charging pad.

OTR prices start from £25,495 for the Cherokee 2.0 Longitude 140 6 Speed Manual FWD rising to £35,695 for the Cherokee 2.0 Limited 170 9 Speed Automatic 4×4. The Trailhawk model will be available by special order only from the end of the year.