It's a rare event at Jeep, the launch of an all-new product line. The last one was in 1992, when Chrysler added the Grand Cherokee to its line-up.

It is so impressive in style and unique impression, DaimlerChrysler hopes that Cherokee enthusiasts - who purchased some 140,000 in the model year 2000 - will become Liberty loyalists, along with other new buyers. The 2002 Liberty represents a further move toward around-town and highway performance for the traditionally off-road-oriented Jeep brand, and considerable effort has been made by the designers of this new Jeep to maximize everyday use without compromising the rugged performance that has earned this nameplate its current fame.

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The 1998 Jeepster design study also provided some brand-identifying styling cues. From the seven-slat grille and round headlamps to the rugged fender flares, low beltline, short overhangs, and high glass-to-body proportion, the Liberty is from any angle immediately recognizable as a Jeep product. Upon closer inspection, a pleasant surprise, especially for Jeep: the body gaps, especially between the rubberized fenders and the stamped steel body, are impressively small and uniform, thanks we're told to the extensive use of three-dimensional design software and the accuracy of an all-new assembly plant in Toledo, Ohio.

Some pretty impressive ponies with a strong tow-rope, Under the sloping hood (it allows for excellent visibility while in the woods or the urban jungle) Jeep has installed a six-cylinder version of the Grand Cherokee's V-8 engine. With 90-degree architecture, an even-firing crank, active knock sensing, and a gear-driven balance shaft, the 3.7-liter V-6 makes 210 horsepower with supple smoothness. Also available are a 2.4-liter in-line four-cylinder and an international-only PowerTech common rail 2.5-liter, in-line four direct injection turbodiesel. Both versions are available with a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. Properly equipped, the Liberty can tow an impressive 5000 pounds

Of great importance is safety equipment, since today's daily commutes sometimes poses a greater threat to life and limb than the Rubicon Trail. Front airbags - of the multi-stage type that adjust their inflation force to the severity of the accident - are standard, and side-curtain airbags are optional. These head-protecting devices are a first for Jeep. Additional safety features include force-limiters on both front seat belts and a three-point belt for the middle rear seat. The new LATCH child-seat tethers are standard, the interior materials meet 2003 head-impact standards, and the large rearview mirrors, broad-sweeping wipers, and halogen headlamps provide the visibility needed for accident-avoidance. Anti-lock brakes are an option, although the braking system has been optimized for short stops both on and off-road

Interior styling in this five-passenger model (two up front, three in the rear) takes its inspiration from the Jeepster concept and, with its emphasis on geometric lines and round dash vents, blends nicely with the exterior. Black-on-beige gauges, deep-sculpted doors, and satin chrome highlights provide an upscale yet useful look. Woven cloth upholstery is standard, and two-tone leather is available. The rear seat folds in a 65/35 split with just one hand, and the rear cargo area offers tie-downs and clever hooks for grocery bags. But, perhaps best of all, the patented rear hatch release has one handle with two detents: pull it one notch, and the rear window flips up; pull it all the way and the swing gate opens as well, and away from the curb, to boot. A full-sized spare is stowed outside on the rear gate.

More than any manufacturer: Designed and marketed to compete with the Toyota RAV4, the Honda CRV, the Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute and Nissan Xterra, Liberty comes in two trims. The Sport model, with its two-tone body cladding, projects the traditional rugged image, while the monochromatic Limited is urban chic and includes a longer equipment list. Jeep will produce some 200,000 of its new model (30,000 will be turbodiesel versions for the European market) starting at a base price of $17,035 (2WD) and $18, 500 (4WD). JH/AutoNetDirect.com

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