What's the news?

Jeep has announced prices for the Cherokee launch range, which we drove last month.

And it is certainly trying to tempt buyers out of their Audi Q5s, BMW X3s and Volvo XC60s by offering great value for money. Where these three all kick off in excess of £30,000, the Cherokee range starts at £25,495 for a front-wheel drive, 2.0-litre Longitude 140 six-speed manual model.

Order books are open now with the car officially going on sale in June, and at the other end of the launch range - which comprises two MultiJet2 diesel engines of either 140- or 170hp output - is the Limited 170 auto with all-wheel drive, yours for £35,695. For that, you get bi-Xenon headlamps, a power tailgate, 18-inch alloys, Nappa leather, keyless entry and go and plenty of other equipment.

The new SUV comes in a simplified line-up of Longitude, Longitude+ and Limited specifications, with even the entry-level Cherokee featuring dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth, DAB, rear parking assist, 17-inch alloys, LED tail-lights and a leather steering wheel.

Anything else?

The Cherokee range will be expanded to include a 3.2-litre V6 petrol Trailhawk variant later in the year, which is designed to be more rugged and properly off-road in its outlook.