Jeep takes on Cruiser and Patrol

Jeep has launched its Commander full-size SUV Down Under. Available with a choice of V8 petrol and V6 turbodiesel powerplants, the three-row seven-seat five-door wagon is aimed four-square at the Japanese nameplates that have dominated this segment Down Under, namely Toyota LandCruiser and Nissan Patrol.

The Commander is being launched to the media this week in central NSW. Dealer stocks are already in the country with the first deliveries imminent.

The Commander features traditional (read: boxy) styling but looks better in the metal than images suggest. While a full seven-seater it is just under 40mm longer that Jeep's Grand Cherokee flagship model and shares its wheelbase.

The Jeep boasts "theatre-style" seating. The second-row seats are mounted 117.3 mm higher than the front row, and third row seats are 120.45mm higher than the second row. A stepped roof provides extra headroom for second and third-row occupants.

Available with 4.7-litre V8, 240kW HEMI V8 and a 160Kw 510NM 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6, the Commander features the same dual-range 4x4 system, suspension and powertrains as the Grand Cherokee including independent front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering.

Five Commander variants will be offered across two models: Commander and Commander Limited. The big news is pricing, with the Commander's starting just $1000 over the Grand Cherokee.

Prices kick off from $54,990 for the Commander 4.7-litre V8 with the 3.0-litre CRD V6 pegged at $59,990. Three Limiteds are offered 4.7L V8, 3.0L CRD and the range-topping 5.7L V8 at $66,990, $69,990 and $71,990 respectively.

The Jeep adds a welcome addition to the range of tow vehicles from which owners of large caravans and boats can choose. All models have a full 3500kg towing capacity with maximum ball weight rated at 327kg.

"Our customers and dealers have long been requesting a seven-seat Jeep and now with the Commander we have the perfect solution," said Gerry Jenkins, Managing Director, Chrysler Group Australia.

"The Commander broadens the Jeep brand's appeal. The Commander has been deliberately designed with the similar rugged looks of the original Cherokee that so many people love," said Jenkins.

The Jeep Commander is built at the Magna Steyr Manufacturing Facility in Graz, Austria, on the same production line as the Grand Cherokee.

CarPoint will publish its launch review of the Commander next week.