An even better equipped top-of-the-range Chrysler Neon has been added to the Chrysler Jeep(r) UK line-up for summer and it goes on sale in time to meet the August 1st sales demand.

Badged the Neon 2.0 SLX, this new variant is based on the current Neon 2.0 LX Automatic and offers a host of extra equipment including alloy wheels, front fog lamps, six speaker stereo radio cassette and a 'power bulge' bonnet. Further distinguishing features include body coloured door handles.

Standard equipment also includes a quartet of big car features known as "The Four A's" - air conditioning, anti-lock brakes, airbags for driver and passenger and automatic transmission at no extra cost. Central door locking, power assisted steering, electric front windows and electrically adjustable and folding door mirrors are also included in a generous standard specification.

Like all Neons, the SLX is fitted with a 131 bhp, 2.0-litre 16-valve engine which offers spirited performance and a potential top speed of 121 mph. It also boasts low running costs thanks to a competitive insurance group rating of just 8e and fuel economy figures which better many 1.6-litre cars. Over the extra urban cycle, automatic Neons return almost 43 miles per gallon, while manual transmission versions return over 48 mpg.

Available in a choice of three colours - black, deep amethyst pearlcoat and red - the Neon 2.0 SLX has an exceptionally competitive on-the-road price of £14,250 and is available now through the 98-strong Chrysler Jeep network of dealers.

This new version broadens the appeal of the Neon range in the UK, where it has been a runaway success since it was launched in June last year. Following Chrysler Jeep Imports UK's first-ever TV advertising campaign when Neon was first launched, over 18,000 serious customer enquiries were received in less than a month and all 1,500 Neons planned for sale in 1996 were either sold or ordered in just 21 days. Dealers were inundated with customer enquiries and, as a result, all TV advertising from July onwards was suspended to allow dealers to keep up with demand.

Since launch, over 4,400 Neons have been sold or ordered by UK customers and in April, the UK was once again the top selling market in Europe for the model.