UP until a couple of years ago, sales of Jeeps in the UK had become pretty much static, but things have changed a lot.

Dealers have seen much busier days since the brand new Cherokee SUV made its showroom debut.

Now, while the marque have been forever renowned for their tough-as-nails, razor sharp styled, all-American, all-wheel-drive vehicles, the Cherokee crossover has been given a slightly different twist.

For the fifth-generation, softer, more rounded-looking Cherokee, is full of sexy curves and flowing design features.

But if you thing the latest edition has gone soft to match its looks, then think again. For this is yet another go-anywhere masterpiece that revels when the going gets tough.

Jeep's traditional seven-bar grille has been retained, but this time it has taken on a "waterfall" effect, as if flowing down over front edge of the bonnet to the top of the massive front bumper.

To the side on the front wings come a pair of slim lamp clusters sitting above the main headlamps, which has given the big machine something of a mean and sinister look.

To the rear, slim LED tail lights have taken centre stage, but you can see hints of other crossovers coming through, namely Kia's previous Sportage, but to be fair it has worked well and overall the Cherokee is a pretty good-looking machine.

Inside, Jeep upped the ante big style, making the Cherokee much more premium, both in looks and overall quality.

Top-notch, soft-touch plastics on the dashboard and door panels abound, while the switchgear looked and felt they were well up for the job and will also ostand the test of time.

The large seven-inch touchscreen was simple to operate and the graphics are clear and easy to read, while the main instruments were also nicely positioned and well designed.

For the new Cherokee, Jeep offered the choice of three engines, a 138bhp two-litre MultiJet II and a more powerful 168bhp version, both straight from parent company Fiat's engine storeroom. These were mated to either a six-speed manual or a nine-speed automatic gearbox.

A 3.2-litre V6 petrol unit was also available, but sales of this version have been few and far between, leaving the diesels to pretty much battle it out for sales.

Two trim levels were also on offer.

The entry-level Longitude featured a full line-up of standard features, including cornering fog lamps, daytime running lamps, one-touch power windows, 17-inch alloy wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted audio and cruise control switches, ambient LED interior lighting, front passenger fold-flat seat with handy hidden in-seat storage space, dual-zone air conditioning, Uconnect radio with five-inch touchscreen, USB port in the instrument panel media center and 60/40 split rear bench seat.

The more upmarket Limited added a host of premium extras, including automatic bi-xenon headlamps, 18-inch polished aluminum wheels, keyless entry, heated and ventilated powered leather seats, leather-wrapped shift knob, nifty wireless charging pad, rear backup camera, powered tailgate and larger 8.4-inch sat nav screen.

The Cherokee was available in either two or four-wheel drive, the latter offering the choice of two all-wheel-drive systems, each with a different level of performance.

The fully automatic Active Drive I required no action from the driver, while Jeep Active Drive II was given a two-speed power transfer unit which included low-range gears and front and rear drive lock for low-speed power or towing.

All four-wheel-drive models also featured Jeep's Selec-Terrain traction control system with four driving settings: auto, snow, sport and sand/mud.

Out on the road, the Jeep gave a relaxed and composed drive, with ample power from the diesel engines to make swift progress.

The 168bhp version with automatic gearbox was both quiet and silky smooth, but even the less powerful 138-brake with manual box truly was a delight, although it was a tad more vocal, especially when given some welly from the right foot.

A 2014 63-plate 168bhp 4x4 Cherokee in Longitude trim with around 30,000 miles on the clock will cost somewhere between £10,910 and £15,700, while a similar-aged model in range-topping Limited spec will set you back between £12,755 and £18,350.

Smaller-powered, front-wheel-drive manual versions offer used buyers something of a bargain, with Longitude models coming in at between £9,240 and £17,835 and Limited models ranging from £11,125 to £16,015.