For some time now, the Jeep Cherokee has dominated its South African market sector, and it is not hard to understand why, Jeep: the name along signifies ruggedness and reliability, and since taking over the company, Chrysler has steadily built on the brand’s reputation. A “late starter” in the global sense, Subaru nevertheless also has a wealth of all-wheel drive experience, and although only a minor player in world markets, its exploits on the world rally stage have earned the marque a remarkable cult following. Another area of Subaru expertise is turbocharging, so little wonder tat a forced induction derivative would form part of the model line-up.
With just over R1 000 separating the Cherokee LTD 3,7 and the newly launched
turbo Forester 2,5 XT, is the Jeep deservedly king of the urban off-roaders,
or is the svelte Subaru the new monarch? Back in February in CAR’s Top
12 Best Buys, we suggested Subaru had the edge…
Design
Cherokee
Forester
Absolutely no mistaking what the Cherokee is all about. Rugged looks, high stance,
short overhangs, big wheels under pronounced arches, plenty of ground clearance
(of which more later) all add up to a definitive 4×4 posture. The Jeep trademark
vertically slatted grille, and the spare wheel hung out at the back add to its
character. In profile, the proportioning is a bit odd, perhaps, with notably
tall and narrow doors and less-than-generous glazing. But it exudes a go anywhere
persona, carries plenty of credibility, and – rightly – demands to be taken
seriously. One editor described its looks as “aspirational”, another “retro
modern”
This is the second-generation Forester, and has been around since mid-2002.
Generally rated highly for its looks, it is attractive in a relatively understated
way, eschewing any real macho ornamentation except for over-sized foglights
and a huge bonnet scoop, which some testers disliked. (That turbo motor has
to breathe, though…) The Forester has the presence of a sport-utility,
but the looks and styling of a pumped-up station wagon. But do not be deceived,
as its ground clearance matches that of the Jeep. However, overhangs, particularly
the rear’s, would be a handicap in any serious outback travel.
Powertrain
Cherokee
Forester
Not quite falling into the “no substitute for cubic inches” category,
the Cherokee is powered by a relatively big capacity – 3,7-litres – V6 producing
155 kW at 5 200 r/min and 312 N.m at 3 800. Not particularly smooth (you can feel
a vibration in some conditions) or quiet, it is a straightforward engine with
single overhead cams and a modest rev limit of 6 000, but delivers plenty of torque
from low down. It sounds a lusty motor, and that is how it performs.
The only transmission available is a three-speed automatic with a lock-up overdrive
fourth activated via a button on the side of the shifter knob. It is not as
slick-acting as we would expect from an American autobox, and on occasion indulges
in hunting before settling on the best ratio. However, Jeep has developed a
really useful and practical drivetrain system. A lever alongside the gearshift
offers the choice of two-wheel drive, part-time four-wheel drive (which apportions
drive to all wheels if one of the rears begins to spin), permanent four-wheel
drive high range, and 4wd low range. Effectively, then, a configuration for
every condition, as befits a Jeep’s raison d’etre.
Under the Forester’s bonnet also lies a big capacity engine, but big only
in four-cylinder terms. Not only that, being a Subaru, the cylinders are horizontally
opposed. Turbocharged and intercooled, and with variable valve timing, the quad-cam
16-valve motor displaces 2,5 litres and produces 155 kW at 5 600 r/min and 320
N.m at 3 600, outputs that are near identical to the Cherokee’s. It revs
– willingly – to 6 500, always with that characteristic flat-four bleat.
When it comes to drivetrains, all Subarus have permanent all-wheel drive, but
only manual derivatives have high and low range transmissions. The test Forester
was an automatic (a manual version is available for R12 000 less), a four-speed
‘box with Normal and Power modes plus a useful Hold feature, selected via
a button on the console.
Most Tiptronic-type autoboxes have an often annoying habit of overriding the
driver’s manual selection of a gear, but by engaging the Scooby’s
Hold position, the ‘box will not shift up from the chosen intermediate.
The benefits are not just the additional control it offers the driver, but it
also acts as a descent control in severe off-road use. If the Forester ever
gets taken that far…
Comfort and features
Cherokee
Forester
The Cherokee’s interior is not as big as one might imagine. Headroom is just
about adequate at the front, but increases noticeably towards the rear. Legroom
is, again, only adequate, with passengers in the back benefiting from the limited
front seat travel. Seat upholstery is almost completely leather.
Although the padding density is cosseting there is no bolstering, so the impression
is always of sitting on, rather than in, the seat. The lack of support, coupled
with the high seating position, makes cornering feel a little roly-poly. The
multi-textured facia is shallow, and the windscreen uncommonly upright. Generally,
though, the cabin will accommodate four adults reasonably comfortably.
Limited is the higher of Jeep’s two spec levels offered on the Cherokee:
the less well-equipped Sport version is R37 000 cheaper. Included as standard
in the LTD are a rake-adjustable steering wheel, cruise control, electric adjustment
for the heated mirrors including retract (the glass is flat, which limits the
angle of vision), auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror, electric fore/aft
and cushion angle adjustment for the front seats, air-con with auto mode, powered
windows (but with all switches awkwardly located in the floor console), trip
computer including compass bearing, convenience function options, and a radio/tape/CD
front loader with satellite controls neatly set behind the wheel’s horizontal
spokes.
The rear seat is split 60:40 and the cushion moves forward automatically as
the backrest is folded forward. Boot space is a modest 240 dm3 beneath the cargo
cover, and the loading height is 765 mm. The tailgate is horizontally split,
yet hinged on the left. The window pops open and rises automatically (to 1 810
mm) as the tailgate handle is pulled. Watch your chin…
Dual front airbags are fitted, and three-point seatbelts and head restraints
are provided for all five seating positions. The remote central locking buttons
are on a fob, and a key is required to open the fuel filler cap. Opening the
characteristic frameless doors, you will find the Forester is spacious inside,
with plenty of head-, leg- and elbow-room up front and behind. Seats are covered
mainly in patterned and plain cloth, and are comfortably supportive, with sensible
bolstering on the front chairs keeping torso and thighs secure, helped by inboard
foldaway armrests.
The environment is all very Subaru-ish, and the two-tone, textured facia is
functional without being notably stylish. You soon settle into the Forester:
it feels like a big car. Turbo derivatives come in two spec levels, both with
either manual or auto transmissions – the test vehicle was a base 2,5 XT. For
R30 000 more, there is an XTec version. The XT’s features list includes
a rake-adjustable steering wheel, cruise control, electric mirror adjustment,
air-con with auto mode, powered windows, remote fuel flap release, overhead
console with storage for spectacles and garage remote control, and a radio/tape/CD
front loader (capable of storing six CDs).
Only the rear seat backrest is split 60:40: the cushion stays put. Boot space
is a useful 344 dm3, despite having the full-sized spare wheel housed under
the floor. Loading height is 730 mm, and the one-piece tailgate rises to 1 860
mm. All five seats have three-point seatbelts and head restraints, and dual front
airbags are fitted. The remote central locking buttons are located on the key.
Performance and braking
Cherokee
Forester
The Cherokee is a competent performer that gives the impression of going more
quickly than it is. Zero to 0-100 km/h takes 10,44 seconds, and overtaking ability
is strong, accompanied by the roar of the V6. Top speed is 180 km/h. All-disc
ABS braking ability is on par with our SUV test average.
With a time of 7,02 seconds, the Forester is the quickest SUV to the benchmark
100 km/h we have tested. “It’s a rocket ship!”, noted one tester.
Yes, it outguns the BMW X5 4,6iS and the Mercedes ML55 – and a whole lot of
performance cars, too. Totally without drama, the Forester just gets up and
goes. Fast. The autobox smoothes out any turbo effect, which helps make overtaking
a doddle. Simply staggering. Top speed is limited to 210 km/h. ABS operates
on discs all round and they are well up to the job.
Economy
Cherokee
Forester
As a proper all-terrain SUV with a powerful petrol engine, the Cherokee’s fuel
index of 14,19 litres/ 100 km is more than respectable, and close to 500 km
should be possible from a 70-litre tankful. The Forester’s index figure of 11,53
litres/100 km seems remarkable by comparison, but as one tester remarked, “Anyone
who achieves that figure can’t be an exciting driver”. Dabbling with the Scooby’s
high performance does incur a penalty… With some restraint, 520 km should
be possible from the 60-litre tank.
Ride and handling
Cherokee
Forester
Although the Cherokee’s ride height has been lowered a tad since introduction,
it is still a tall vehicle with a consequent high centre of gravity. It feels
(the unsupportive seats contribute here) and looks (from the outside) less stable
than it really is, but it is not a vehicle that encourages the driver to hustle.
The ride is excellent, an attribute that carries over into off-road use.
Steering is a little dead in feel but accurate, and handling in general has
that typical 4wd trait of understeer building up to more understeer the harder
you go. In 2wd mode, care needs to be taken as it is easy to break traction
in slippery conditions, such is the engine’s torque. Wheels are 16×7-inch
alloys shod with P235/70 tyres.
Being more compact and equipped with rally bred 4wd technology, the Forester
turbo feels like an oversized hot hatch. It is one of those vehicles that wraps
itself around the occupants, making it very easy to revel in the sporty dynamics,
let alone the performance. The ride is firm, but not uncomfortably so, the steering
accurate, and the handling benign. It is so well sorted that skilled drivers
can drift or hang out the tail in the right conditions. In a nutshell, for an
SUV it is nigh on perfectly balanced. Alloy wheels, 16×6, 5-inch, are slicked
with P215/60 tyres.
Value for money
Cherokee
Forester
At the time of writing, the Cherokee was listed at R318 100, and the Forester
R316 950, a difference of just R1 150. With its Limited spec level, the genuine
all-terrain capable Jeep offers lots of bells and whistles together with its
sophisticated transmission, so its price tag is justifiable. The base Forester
turbo does not offer as much equipment and, in automatic guise, misses out on
a full-house all-wheel drive transmission. It has to sell itself on image and
performance.