A more sophisticated passenger cabin, along with smoother and quieter performance, are among the highlights featured in the 2010 Jeep Cherokee that is just being introduced to New Zealand.
The Jeep Cherokee is the latest in the Chrysler stable to benefit from the attention of the specialist "Interior Group" established by the company to lift the bar even higher and create cabin environments that are class-leading.
Among the changes adopted for this legendary 4x4 model are richer, darker tones for the upholstery and trim, which boosts the feeling of quality for both the Cherokee Sport and the leather-appointed Cherokee Limited.
Other interior changes include a real leather steering wheel and audio controls for the Sport model and the standard inclusion of a Bluetooth hands-free cellphone link, known as U-connect, in the Limited model.
And on the outside, much of the chrome work has given way to colour-coded paint for the trim, in line with the trend to less external 'bling'. The Cherokee Sport now joins the Limited model in having rear parking sensors to warn of close objects or children when reversing with audible and visual display. Another safety feature that is now standard is active head restraints for the front seats, to prevent whip-lash in the event of an accident.
The Jeep Cherokee also drives better, thanks to improvements made to the shift quality of the sequential shift automatic transmission fitted to the 3.7-litre V6 petrol engine. It provides for a smoother and enhanced driving experience.
Drivers can also hone their smooth driving skills by watching the special “Eco Meter” that indicates when the vehicle is being driven at its most efficient and economical.
Both petrol and diesel versions of the Cherokee are equipped with additional sound proofing that lowers mechanical noise and makes the Jeep among the quietest in its class.
In spite of these and other improvements, the Jeep Cherokee pricing remains at the same level since the all-new model was released in 2008, starting from $46,990.
The strong, characteristic styling makes the Cherokee instantly recognisable as a Jeep, especially the familiar seven-slot grille that harks back to its war-time lineage.
Whilst it boasts many luxuries and amenities that make this vehicle very easy to live with on city streets, with standard safety features including ESP, ABS, ETC and Electronic Rollover Mitigation and full side curtain airbags, the new Cherokee hasn’t given up its ability to venture off the beaten track. Under the stylish five-door body is a rugged SelecTrac II four-wheel-drive system that can be engaged in high ratio on the move, simply by flicking the small electrically-activated switch next to the main gear-lever. For increased traction over difficult terrain, the Cherokee is among the few, true four-wheel-drive vehicles to provide a low ratio transfer case. This system has an Auto mode that senses when tyres are slipping, directing power to those wheels with the most grip.
For tricky downhill driving on slippery surfaces, all Cherokee models are fitted with Hill Descent Control that keeps the vehicle under precise control for improved safety and comfort.
Both the Sport and Limited Cherokee models are available with the 3.7-litre V6 petrol engine and sequential automatic transmission, producing 151kW at 5,200rpm and 314Nm of torque at 4,000rpm. The Cherokee Limited also offers the option of a 2.8-litre Common Rail Diesel (CRDi) engine with an outstanding torque figure of 460Nm at 2,000rpm and maximum power output or 130kW at 3,800rpm, along with its own sequential shift auto transmission.
