Interior styling

The first thing that strikes me when I enter the Liberty is the pushed-forward-and-up uncomfortable driving position. Whether you attempt to change the position of the seat with the power operated base or the manually adjustable seatback, the feeling remains the same. The next item on the list of complaints is the location of the audio and, in our case, the navigation system's commands. They are placed in the middle of the center console. Not only are the buttons tiny and difficult to decipher, but the driver must remove his/her eyes from the road and really look down to consult the miniscule screen. I firmly recommend that those who use the navigation system ask the passenger to read it or that the driver should simply stop, pull over and refer to the map. Otherwise, it will be an accident waiting to happen.

The dash in and of itself is quite nice and overall well laid out. The chrome-rimmed gauges are large and easy to peruse. The plastics used in the cabin look better than they feel to the touch; a nice illusion. The HVAC controls are three simple to use rotary knobs.

If the outer dimensions of the Liberty are smallish, then its interior proportions by default are also restricted. With the driver seat in its lowest position, there are barely 5 cm of room above my head. Elbow room is also limited as is the cargo area. To add to what I was mentioning above, the comfort levels of the other seating sections is no better - the rear bench is short and completely lacks support.

Technical

For 2005, a third engine has been added to the list of available powertrains. The base engine, offered only in the Sport model, is a 2.4L 4-cylinder that develops 150 hp at 5 200 rpm and 165 lb/ft of torque at 4 000 rpm. The second is a 3.7L V6 that puts out 210 hp at 5 200 rpm and 235 lb/ft of torque at 4 000 rpm. The new addition is a turbo diesel 2.8L 4-cylinder that makes 160 hp at 3 800 rpm and a stump pulling 295 lb/ft of torque. The 2.4L and the V6 received a 6-speed manual transmission as standard equipment. The V6 can be mated to an optional 4-speed automatic and the CRD gets a 5-speed automatic transmission. All Libertys are shod with 4-wheel disc brakes. The Command-Trac part-time 4WD system is standard and the Select-Trac part/full time 4WD system is optional with the V6 or the diesel.

On the road

The CRD engine is great. Torque is abundant and delivers a nice swift kick in the pants when taking off from a light. This powerplant is simply a workhorse that is betrayed by the Multispeed automatic. The slushbox is very lazy on the downshift and not too eager to upshift either. DaimlerChrysler states that the diesel engine can deliver between 14 and 32% better fuel economy when compared to equivalent gasoline engines. My average fuel consumption was of 14L per 100 km. I do not know of many large displacement 4-cylinder engines that consume up to 18.5L per 100 km. There is no denying though the CRD is an impressive engine. To DCX I ask: please make a 6-speed manual available.