A facelift should, by definition, be subtle in effect. It should contemporise without compromising the identity of the original work, which is no doubt why the new Jeep Cherokee looks almost identical to the old one. On sale in December, the range has undergone subtle revisions and now offers a butch new variant, the Renegade.

Self-consciously targeted at a more youthful market, the Renegade is so macho that it could almost be described as homoerotic. Spotlights adorn the grille and roof and there’s a unique bonnet and grille ensemble that hints at the age-old Wrangler. The five-spoke alloys are bespoke and so are the plastic wheelarches that boast fake pop-rivets. No doubt it’ll look just the ticket in Chelsea.

The Sport and the chrome-lined Limited models also get revisions to the grille, lights, body mouldings and wheels, but only Jeep-spotters will notice the difference. And even they will be hard pressed to spot the changes inside: the electric window switches are now more sensibly located on the centre console, and the instrument dials are now black on white. But many of the Cherokee’s basic failings remain.

It seems odd that a brand that seeks to highlight its ‘authenticity’ should choose to fill the cabin with faux detailing. The carbonfibre-effect fascia on the Renegade is truly dreadful and the fake aluminium in the Limited is little better. Customers spending upwards of £20,000 will expect higher standards.