“Jeep is not only launching an all-new two and four-door Unlimited version of the iconic Wrangler in 2007, we are taking more than 65 years of legendary 4x4 leadership to a growing area of the market with two new compact four-wheel drives,” said Gerry Jenkins, managing director, Chrysler Group Australia.

The all-new Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited will be the first to arrive in March.

Touted as the best Wrangler ever, the all new model builds on the successful, original Jeep formula with an all-new frame, exterior and interior design, engines and safety and convenience features. It delivers more capability, refinement, interior space, comfort, open-air fun, power and fuel efficiency.

Additionally the all-new Wrangler Unlimited, featuring a one-of-a-kind, four-door open-air design, further expands the Jeep experience to new dimensions. With room for five adult passengers – a Wrangler first – and the most cargo space ever offered in a Wrangler, the new addition combines class-leading off-road capability with everyday practicality.

“Wrangler Unlimited expands the Jeep experience and core values to go anywhere and do anything, now with more family and friends and more gear,” said Jenkins.

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited features a 2,947 mm wheelbase, achieved by adding 523 mm to the standard all-new Wrangler’s 2,424 mm wheelbase. This allows for a larger rear seat that features three seating positions, as well as more hip room, legroom, shoulder room and cargo space.

Notably, for the first time ever in a civilian model, the new Jeep Wrangler range will offer a diesel engine, a 2.8-litre common-rail turbo diesel, in addition to the 3.8-litre V6 petrol engine.

Two compact four-wheel drive vehicles will also come to Australia 2007. The Jeep Compass, arriving in March and the Jeep Patriot, arriving in the third quarter of the year, are compact four-wheel drives that deliver a competitive package of performance and fuel economy, with a design and price that will appeal to a new class of Jeep buyers.

Both vehicles are designed to reach younger customers who may not have previously considered the brand but value the distinctive Jeep look and see four-wheel drive as a must-have on their daily drive.

“The new Jeep Compass offers modern Jeep looks, a roomy interior, a choice of fuel efficient diesel and petrol engines and an all-new 4WD system in a compact sized package,” said Jenkins.

The all-new 4WD system, Freedom Drive I, which will also be standard on the Patriot, is a full-time, active four-wheel drive system that offers the driver tangible benefits in every day driving conditions such as wet and slippery tarmac as well as great off-road ability.

“These two compact four-wheel drive vehicles represent a new chapter in the history of the Jeep brand. The compact 4x4 segment is expected to increase in the future and these new vehicles mean the Jeep brand is ideally placed to meet this growing demand,” said Jenkins.

The Jeep Patriot offers a very different look and feel to the Compass, with a classic Jeep design.

Jenkins added: “When considering the role of the Compass and Patriot in the Australia our customer research indicated that the classic Jeep looks of the Patriot had a very strong impact with Australian buyers. Our research also suggested that the modern look of the Compass would be desirable.”

The Compass and Patriot will offer a 2.4-litre petrol and a Volkswagen-sourced 2.0-litre diesel engine.

Pricing and specifications for all models will be announced closer to each vehicle’s launch date.

Jeep range