The reason was simple enough; the new version of this American classic had already impressed me late last year with its more rigid body structure.

Cherokee had previously been a bit too flexible, tending to develop creaks and groans in the bodywork when taken into truly rough terrain.

But its body structure had been quite aggressively strengthened and reinforced, resulting in a much stronger and quieter body that actively resists flexing and twisting. And now with the added torque of a turbodiesel, it promised to be an even better off-road performer than its 4.0 litre petrol engined sibling.

A read of the specifications creates the impression that the diesel does not seem too impressive being only 2.5 litres, with a power output of just 85kW compared to the petrol engine's 131kW, but its torque delivery of 300Nm is line-ball with the 4.0 litre engine.

Some things don't change of course - Cherokee's driving position remains one of the more compromised for taller people.

Cherokee now also has a compass, in an overhead binnacle above the interior rearview mirror, and in these days of mobile phones, and all their accessory kits, there is a power outlet jack in addition to the cigarette lighter.

And the two moulded drink-holders in the centre console are different sizes; one holds a standard can, while the other takes a 500ml flavoured milk bottle securely - clever thinking, as there's nothing worse than seeing a bottle of milk go hurtling all over the carpet.

Jeep's use of a safety switch on the clutch, to prevent starting the engine while in gear, is even more valid in the case of the diesel. When already warmed up, diesels are instant starters so you could otherwise find yourself stampeding straight through a wall or over the car in front of you in a carpark.

Another good feature is that the headlight flasher control is of the double-action type - forward for high beam, back to flash the lights - and those lights are unusually good, with a decent spread of light on low beam and an almost `laser-like' reach on high that enables you to spot kamikaze `roos before it's too late.

But most importantly, what's the diesel like?

Oil-burners often have to be patiently coaxed up to the highway speed limit, but Cherokee's diesel is a surprisingly eager performer. Its modest power output is not reached until 3,900rpm, but all 300 Nm of torque are available at just 2,000rpm - the turbo is an early-riser and having so much pure `grunt' on tap so early in the rev range makes a power of difference.

At highway speed, there is no need to even think about downshifting to overtake - just a light squeeze of the throttle results in a surprising headlong rush forward.

And it really delivers the goods when taken off the bitumen. Jeep's "Selec-Trac" 4WD system is one of the more innovative types around, and it combines well with the diesel and its smooth-shifting manual box to make Cherokee a real `anywhere-anytime' vehicle.

In heavy sand, despite Cherokee's 2170kg weight, it simply churns its way through with the diesel plonking along and pulling like a bull in springtime. (And that was before I remembered to lower the air pressure in the tyres…)

Although we never had a chance to hitch a trailer of any type onto the Jeep, I have no doubt that the diesel would be just as adept at pulling heavy weights as it is at pulling itself through heavy terrain.