Jeep Commander Arrives in Showrooms (AU)

Press Release

All-new Jeep® Commander - A Unique Blend of Capacity and Distinctive Design

• Commander grows Jeep® range

• Classic, rugged Jeep styling

• First-ever three-row Jeep accommodates up to seven passengers

• Theatre-style “stadium” seating with panoramic Command-View™ sun roof

• Best-in-class off-road capabilities with precise and responsive on-road dynamics

• Powerful diesel V6 and V8 petrol powertrains

• Top government safety rating from NHTSA

The all-new Jeep® Commander has arrived in Australia, the brand’s first seven-seat four-wheel drive, initiating the expansion of the Jeep vehicle line-up that will take place over the next four years.

Classic in design, the Jeep Commander is the first of the Jeep family to offer standard three-row seating, accommodating up to seven passengers.

The nimble, rugged 4x4 is engineered to perform as only Jeep vehicles can, offering more capability, more flexibility and advanced safety and security technologies that are sure to appeal to Australian customers.

“The Jeep Commander is the first seven-passenger 4x4 that is as capable as it is distinctive,” said Gerry Jenkins, Managing Director, Chrysler Group Australia.

“With its class-leading diesel V6 and two V8 petrol engines, Jeep Commander expands and strengthens what is already an excellent line-up - consisting of Wrangler, Cherokee and Grand Cherokee.

“And with a starting price of just $54,990, value is the word of the day!

“Our customers and dealers have long been requesting a seven-seat Jeep and now with the Commander we have the perfect solution.

“The Commander broadens the Jeep brand’s appeal. And with its unique looks, an increasingly important quality in today’s crowded marketplace, it allows customers to differentiate themselves.

“The Commander has been deliberately designed with the similar rugged looks of the original Cherokee that so many people love,” said Jenkins.

The Commander is designed to accommodate seven people with three rows of seats arranged theatre-style.

Even whilst accommodating extra passengers, the Commander is only 37 mm longer than the latest Jeep Grand Cherokee, for a nimble drive and responsive handling.

The Jeep Commander shares the same well regarded four-wheel drive systems, suspension and powertrains as the Grand Cherokee.

Three powertrains will be available in the new Commander - one diesel and two petrol engines. The new 5.7-litre HEMI® V8 petrol, with cylinder deactivation for fuel efficiency, is available in addition to the popular 4.7-litre V8 petrol. The diesel engine is an all-new state-of-the-art 3.0-litre V6 common-rail turbo diesel (CRD) from DaimlerChrysler producing class-leading levels of power and torque.

With a starting price of $54,990, the Jeep Commander is only a $1,000 premium over the renowned Grand Cherokee model.

The launch of the all-new Jeep® Commander signals the on-going Jeep product offensive scheduled for the next four years. Jeep Australia recently confirmed another all-new model for 2006; the fire-breathing, high performance, 313 kW Grand Cherokee SRT8 – one of the fastest four-wheel drives in the world.

The two new additions will grow the Jeep stable to five models in Australia.

Modern interpretation of heritage design with rugged look and a premium interior

The Jeep Commander’s upright windscreen and rear end, as well as its more vertical body sides and side glass, embody the vehicle’s classic Jeep styling. The side-view mirrors are also bold and purpose-built. Overall, Commander looks strong and confident because of its classic Jeep styling — upright and rugged. Commander engages the emotions because it is steeped in the heritage of Jeep design — integrating the past and present.

The satisfaction continues inside the vehicle, where great attention to detail is clearly evident. From the gear shift knob, to the four round gauges in the instrument cluster, to the new steering wheel, Jeep Commander is refined and uniquely Jeep in appearance.

Newly designed seats are supportive and comfortable and, for the first time in a Jeep, there are now three rows of them. With each row slightly higher than the one in front of it, this distinctive “theatre-style” arrangement improves forward visibility for every passenger and delivers an optimal all-round view. The second- and third-row seats fold forward to create a flat load floor. Jeep Commander is only 37 mm longer than the newest Jeep Grand Cherokee, even though it accommodates its three rows of seats. Since they share the same Jeep 4x4 systems, powertrains and wheelbase (2780 mm), Commander is just as manoeuvrable and off-road capable as the Grand Cherokee.

The Jeep Commander’s stepped roof provides second and third-row occupants with plenty of head room. Complementing the available front-mounted sun roof is Command-ViewTM the new and innovative skylights (complete with shades) over the second row of seats.

The lower portion of the dashboard panel is shared with Grand Cherokee, but the top section is all-new and prominently features four pairs of circular adjustable air vents and proudly displays 16 allen head bolts that also contribute to the mechanical, constructed look of the vehicle. Both the steering wheel centre and the gear selector knob present the Jeep logo framed in a bright ring with exposed simulated allen bolt heads to continue and enhance the overall design theme. A precise four-dial instrument cluster with LED illumination features black gauges with white graphics and red pointers for reading ease in all conditions.

Seating seven in style

The Jeep Commander has “theatre-style” seating that enhances the functionality of its three-row, seven-passenger layout. The second-row seats are mounted 117.3 mm higher than the front row, and third row seats are 120.45 mm higher than the second row — to ensure all occupants enjoy an excellent view of the surrounding cityscape or countryside.

The second-row 40/20/40 split seats are engineered so the outer sections fold down and tumble forward to allow passengers entry or exit from the third row on either side of the vehicle. All three second-row seatbacks can be folded onto the cushions to form a flat-load area.

For maximum comfort, Jeep Commander has standard heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system in the third row. Fully independent of the front system, it feeds warmed or cooled air to a single floor-level outlet and two circular rotating outlets on each side of the rear trim.

As well as seating seven in style, the Jeep Commander accommodates amazing space for passengers and cargo. With seven on board, there is room for 212 litres of luggage. Folding the third-row seats expands the cargo space to 1028 litres, and also folding the second row gives an impressive total of 1940 litres.

Engineered to go anywhere, do anything

Class-leading off-road capability and on-road refinement were mandatory for the Jeep Commander. So the Jeep engineering team went to the head of the class: they provided Commander with the same 4x4 systems, suspension and powertrains as the award-winning Jeep Grand Cherokee, including an independent front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering.

“Jeep Grand Cherokee reset the SUV benchmark with its on-road refinement, off-road mastery and overall performance in key areas of customer satisfaction,” said Thomas Hausch, Executive Director of International Sales and Marketing, Chrysler Group. “Now the all-new seven-passenger Jeep Commander, with the new 3.0-litre CRD V6 engine and a choice of two petrol V8 engines, including the 5.7-litre HEMI® with cylinder deactivation through the Multi-Displacement System (MDS), will become a compelling package for many customers.”