Road Test: Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0 CRD 5dr Auto

There were two major spec issues with the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee - the sleepy five-speed auto and the too-small central info/nav screen. And now both have been fixed. An eight-speed 'box is now standard across the range and a 21cm screen is the norm on all but the base model.

But the world's biggest SUV maker didn't stop with just those two upgrades. Oh no. Once they had cracked open the spec, they went in and fiddled with a whole raft of other bits, too. So, outside, there's been a modest face 'n' tail lift that includes new LED lights, front and rear; inside, there's a new multifunction steering wheel and a much more modern gearshift, while all Grand Cherokees are now fitted with something called Eco Mode. This claims to reduce fuel consumption by optimising the shift pattern and lowering the ride height, to reduce wind resistance, from 52mph up.

There have been a number of other driveline refinements - upgraded four-wheel-drive systems and limited-slips included - but the single overriding change is the new smoothness from the eight-speed. That alone makes the Grand Cherokee feel a much more competent threat to the Europeans.