Jeep has facelifted its Liberty sport-cute model for 2005, adding a new Renegade trim level, and promising that the diesel version will be available in two trim packages.
The changed exterior appointments should be obvious to anyone who admires the existing package. It gets a new front fascia, grille, foglamps, fender flares and body side-moldings.
Inside refinements include relocated power window switches, new instrument panel cluster graphics and trim bezels, and improved seat comfort.
The restyled and repackaged Jeep Liberty Renegade becomes the image leader for Liberty, and features a more rugged, classic Jeep appearance.
Jeff Bell, the Chrysler group vice-president for Jeep, says the Liberty Renegade "is reminiscent of vintage Jeep vehicles with a new flatter hood, taller grille, off-road foglamps and taillamp guards."
Bell says this Renegade will feature functional rock rails, four skid plates, and available P235/70R16 all-terrain tires with wider, more aggressive treads, optional GPS DVD-based navigation radio, and "diamond plate-inspired" seat fabric.
For the serious off-road freak (or poseur), the Liberty Renegade is also available with an optional overhead light bar.
Bell speaks very well of the 2.8-litre common rail V6 diesel engine for Liberty and what it does for the brand's overall image. "The availability of a diesel engine on the Jeep Liberty reinforces the Jeep brand's leadership position in the sport-utility market, underscores our commitment to alternative fuels and technology, and gives customers an optional power plant that no other competitor can offer."