At Liberty to go

How does a carmaker replace a model that's become an American icon? DAVID LINKLATER reports on the latest Jeep.

It's not easy replacing a legend. So maybe it's best to make like you're not doing it at all. Meet the all-new Jeep Liberty. But first, say goodbye to the very old Cherokee.

During this month's Detroit Motor Show, DaimlerChrysler announced that it was finally set to flick the off-switch on Cherokee production.

Sales that fell by 14 per cent in 2000 played a major part in the legendary Jeep's downfall, but despite its waning popularity, the Cherokee has remained an important image-leader for Jeep.

Ancient it may be by today's standards but the Cherokee was a cutting-edge vehicle when it was released in 1984. With its car-like monocoque construction, estate-style body shape and user-friendly four-wheel-drive system, it played a huge part in popularising the urban off-roader.

The Grand Cherokee was initially touted as a replacement in 1992 but when the larger car was launched the company decided there was room for both. As late as last year it was predicting that the Cherokee would last at least until 2002.

It will be a hard act to follow. The Jeep Liberty off-roader, set to go into production this year, is ostensibly a replacement for the revered Cherokee, although DaimlerChrysler is reluctant to say as much.

Instead, the company calls it a "contemporary" model that will "expand the depth and breadth of the Jeep brand." There's even speculation that the Cherokee could continue alongside the Liberty in America for a few months to avoid upsetting the Jeep traditionalists.

But that won't be the case in New Zealand. When the Liberty is launched in October the Cherokee's days in the Kiwi market will be done, says Brett Aspden, national product manager for Chrysler Jeep New Zealand. "Our ability to order the Cherokee will run out well before the Liberty arrives and there's no suggestion that the two cars will be sold side-by-side here," he says.

"I think that there's been a lot of nervousness about the Liberty. It was always going to be a unique vehicle and there were fears that it wouldn't look like a real Jeep.

"But now that the car is launched, everybody can see that's definitely not the case."

The exterior sports a fascinating blend of modern proportions and retro styling detail. The upright body shape and squared-off wheel arches echo the Grand Cherokee, while the goggle-eyed front and short overhangs are derived from the Wrangler and two Jeep show cars of recent years: the Dakar from 1997 and the Jeepster of 1998.

Spearheading the Liberty engine line-up is a new 3.7-litre V6, producing 157kW at 5200rpm and 305Nm at 4000rpm. It is derived from the 4.7-litre V8 that powers top versions of the Grand Cherokee but has a number of unique features including a gear-driven balance shaft and new-design composite intake manifold.

Supplementing the new V6 is the 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine available in United States versions of the PT Cruiser, though there is a question mark over its availability for export.

Specifically aimed at export markets, though, is a new 2.5-litre common rail turbo diesel, making 105kW at 4000rpm and a muscular 343Nm at just 1800rpm.

Aspden says that he can't confirm engine and transmission availability at this stage, but both the V6 and turbo diesel would have to be front-runners. The former will definitely come in automatic form, with the possibility of a five-speed manual too.

The Liberty's on-road handling will benefit from a new independent front suspension design, while the rear suspension is a development of the link-coil arrangement in the Grand Cherokee.

The Liberty is slightly smaller than the Cherokee but features much improved interior space.

Multi-stage "intelligent" airbags are standard, while the Liberty is also the first Jeep to be offered with side curtain-style airbags as an option.

Family-friendly features include a split-folding rear seat that can be operated with one hand, tie-downs in the cargo area and a side-hinged tailgate with a separate top-hinged glass window.

The Liberty should also be a quality leader for Jeep. It will be built at the new Toledo North assembly plant, which was only in the design stages when Chrysler Corporation was merged with Daimler-Benz in 1998.

Many of the German company's assembly techniques and quality control processes have been incorporated into the plant.

For example, DaimlerChrysler's Performance Feedback System is connected to tools throughout the factory and will halt production if, say, a bolt is not tightened to the correct specification.

Other production processes include giant "gummiband" rubber conveyors for the assembly lines and the Sindelfingen Sealer System, a state-of-the-art operation that adjusts the amount of sealer applied to the car according to body panel.

The plant will produce the Liberty for the American and all export markets, including New Zealand, in sport and limited models. Pricing is impossible to predict at this stage, says Chrysler Jeep New Zealand. The current Cherokee starts at $53,900.