The popularity of sports utility vehicles in South Korea is expected to continue with local and foreign carmakers trying to lure local drivers with exquisite designs, fuel efficiency and engine power. But there’s nothing more original than Jeep is, said Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Sunday, stressing its efforts in continuing the brand’s legendary heritage for 75 years.

“Since the World War II, when the first Jeep was built, the brand has become one of the most successful SUV brands in the world, thanks to its identity as four-wheel-drive and incisive mobility,” the company said.

In 2014, the sales of Jeep worldwide surpassed the 1 million mark. A year later, its sales grew 22 percent on-year to 1.23 million.

Appealing its legacy as the original SUV, FCA’s Seoul office said it has introduced the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee that is better in fuel efficiency and more dynamic on the road than its predecessors.

Employing the Stop and Start system, which shuts off the engine when the vehicle stops and starts the engine again when it is ready to go, the latest Jeep brand improved fuel economy. It also offers different driving experiences -- either sports or comfort -- by adopting a speed sensitive electronic power steering wheel system.

The all-weather SUV is made of high-strength steel to keep its solid and unique architecture. It also features a 3.0 or 3.6 liter turbo diesel engine that meets Euro 6 emission standards for its Limited, Overland and Summit series.

The Grand Cherokee Overland with a 3.6 liter gasoline engine demonstrates its strength in power as it produces 286 horsepower with a maximum torque of 35.4 kilogram meter at 4,000 rpm.

Accentuating its masculinity with the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee retains its classic seven-slot grille, adaptive automatic high-beam control headlamps as well as LED signature daytime running lamp.

Inside the vehicle, a seven inch multi-view LCD monitor at the center of dashboard adds futuristic concept. Jeep’s complimentary software Uconnect infotainment system is also offers service in Korean, it added.

Prices range starts from 70 million won for Grand Cherokee Limited Diesel 3.0 while its Overland gasoline 3.6 starts from 68.7 million won. The Grand Cherokee Summit 3.0 diesel is offered at from 80 million won.

For more information, visit www.jeep.co.kr.

By Cho Chung-un (christory@heraldcorp.com)