Here's some more snippets from this week's announcements of the Liberty Renegade...

The new 2005 Jeep Liberty continues to expand the Jeep brand portfolio with its freshened exterior and interior design on Sport and Limited models, new Liberty Renegade design with unique exterior, as well as the addition of the first diesel engine in a compact SUV for North American markets.

Since its introduction, the Jeep Liberty has attracted nearly 75 percent new buyers to the Jeep brand, while still appealing to Jeep 4 x 4 owners.

"The Jeep Liberty proves that Jeep is a growth brand.  We have expanded the number of new buyers who are attracted to our performance and heritage," said Jeff Bell, Chrysler Group Vice President – Jeep. "Depending on their needs, buyers have the opportunity to get the Jeep 4 x 4 capability in a very nicely equipped Liberty Sport or, opt for a more premium model with the Liberty Limited."

For 2005, the new Jeep Liberty Renegade will offer a distinct exterior when compared to the Sport and Limited models, and will appeal to a slightly different buyer with its more rugged design.  The Jeep Liberty Renegade model will feature a new flatter hood and taller grille, plus off-road foglamps, taillamp guards, fender flares, available all-terrain tires and higher ground clearance.

“With the more dramatic design change to the new 2005 Liberty Renegade, we expect to broaden the appeal of the Liberty Renegade even more to those who may have longed for a four-door Wrangler,” said Bell.

In addition to the design changes, the Jeep Liberty will be offered with a new diesel engine option for the first time in North American markets.  The newly revised 2.8-liter common rail diesel engine (CRD) gives buyers state-of-the-art technology to fit their lifestyle.  The 2.8-liter CRD is equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission on the 4 x 4 Jeep Liberty Sport and Jeep Liberty Limited models.

Providing class-leading torque and towing, the diesel engine will attract yet another buyer to the Jeep Liberty.  The 2.8-liter CRD engine is rated at an estimated 160 horsepower (120 kW) at 3800 rpm and with 295 lb.-ft. (400 N.m) of torque at 1800 rpm for unmatched towing power.  Diesel engines offer another option for increased torque, towing and range, while improving fuel economy an average of 25 percent and reducing CO2 emissions by an average of 20 percent.

Bell added, “Our new diesel engine gives you the performance of a V-6 with 25 percent better fuel economy.  We always say Jeep is the go-anywhere, do-anything brand, and the new diesel gives our owners even more capability to do just that.”

New this year for gasoline versions of the Liberty is a six-speed manual transmission, which replaces the previous five-speed manual transmission.  The new NSG 370 six-speed transmission offers improved quality and NVH specifications.  It is available on 4 x 2 models and 4 x 4 Sport and Renegade models.