The Jeep Commander will be the largest passenger model ever produced by the legendary American four-wheel-drive company when it goes on sale in the US later this year, taking its place above the legendary Grand Cherokee.
And there is a good chance the mighty Commander could join the Jeep line up in New Zealand.
“Jeep has never had a 7-seater before, so the Commander would be an excellent product to move the brand into a new area of the market,” says Brett Aspden, General Manager of Chrysler Jeep New Zealand.
“We are currently researching the sales potential for the Commander in New Zealand. If it does come here, we are unlikely to see it until well into 2006, however.”
That will give potential purchasers time to acquaint themselves with the controversial ‘heritage’ styling of the Commander.
The designers have based the big new Jeep on the boxy appearance of famous models from the Jeep lineage, including the 1946 Willys Station Wagon, 1963 Jeep Wagoneer and the previous model Jeep Cherokee that was replaced in 2001. All were square and rugged looking vehicles, just like the new Commander.
The Chrysler Group has deliberately set out to produce ‘love-it-or-hate-it’ designs in recent years as it looks to stir up passion about its vehicles.
The strong, upright appearance of the Commander hints at its military past, as well as enforcing confidence in its four-wheel-drive ability. The utilitarian look can also be seen in the roof rails that continue from the roof down the rear of the vehicle.
The main function of the Commander is to be able to transport seven people in full comfort, total safety and over a variety of road surfaces, whilst also providing excellent towing ability for those who want to take a boat, caravan, horse float or trailer with them.
Unlike most other 7-seater 4WD vehicles, the Jeep Commander has been designed specifically to accommodate that number of occupants without compromise, delivering excellent legroom for those in the third row of seats. Each of the two rear seat rows is higher than the one in front, thus offering stadium-style seating. The Commander’s roof even steps up to provide more head room for those in the rear and the twin skylights complement the front sunroof.
Although it has the same wheelbase as a Grand Cherokee, the Commander is longer and taller, yet still possesses the same awesome off-road ability. It is equipped with the new Quadra Drive II four-wheel-drive system, featuring elecronically-activated axles. It also offers traction control for improved grip on road and ESP electronic stability control.
Power is provided through a choice of either a V6 or V8 engine, including the range-topping 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with multi-displacement technology (four of the cylinders shut down during cruising to save fuel).
A new safety feature in the Commander is a system that will activate the vehicle’s front and side airbags if it senses that the vehicle is about to roll over.
The Wrangler, Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and now the new Commander make up the four vehicles in the Jeep model range. According to the Jeep marketing team, new exciting models are expected to be seen in the next five years.
