The new Jeep Cherokee, recently introduced at an international car launch held in South Africa, is not just an improvement on the outgoing model….The new Jeep Cherokee, recently introduced at an international car launch held
in South Africa, is not just an improvement on the outgoing model – DaimlerChrysler’s
competitive pricing could provide a stiff challenge to retailers of British and
German luxury off-roaders.
The thrust of DaimlerChrysler’s marketing campaign is that the “2001
Jeep Cherokee was designed from the ground up to provide the Jeep brand’s
hallmark off-road capability, as well as exceptional on-road ride and handling”.
“The Jeep Cherokee truly is the best of both roads, no matter where you
take it,” said Craig Love, vice president, Jeep Platform Engineering. “Cherokee
can take on any trail that any other Jeep can handle. But what this capability
means to everyday drivers is the confidence of knowing you’re behind the
wheel of a tough, rugged, durable vehicle that can handle just about anything
– on-road or off.”
“This car is positioned in a sweet spot between ‘soft-roaders’
and the big hardcore off-roaders,” says Gene Heidemann, director of sales
and marketing operations for DaimlerChrysler Overseas.
Among the outstanding features of the Cherokee’s design is a brand new
Jeep-engineered independent four-link front suspension, combined with a three-link
solid axle rear set-up and an all-new rack and pinion steering system.
The models feature two four-wheel-drive modes – “Command-Trac” part-time
four-wheel drive and “Selec-Trac” full-time four-wheel drive, and
a standard limited slip Trac-Lok rear differential assists progress in conditions
of limited grip. The vehicle boasts up to 20 cm in suspension travel and, in
addition to a 24,3 degree breakover angle, Cherokee has short front and rear
overhangs that produce high angles of approach (class-leading 38 degrees) and
departure (32,4 degrees).
The line-up will comprise two 3,7-litre V6 models, both automatic, and two
2,5-litre turbo diesel units, both manual. Trim levels are Sport and Limited.
The new Powertech 3.7-litre V6 engine is based on the V8 unit from the top-of-the-marque
Grand Cherokee and uses a balance shaft for increased smoothness. The engine
is said to produce 155 kW at 5 200 r/min with a 312 N.m of torque at 3 800 r/min.
Jeep claim a top speed of 180 km/h and a zero to 100 km/h time of 10,8 seconds.
The turbo-diesel model features a d-o-h-c common rail four-cylinder Mercedes-Benz
engine that produces 105 kW at 4 000 r/min and 343 N.m at 2 000 r/min. Jeep
claims a top speed of 164 km/h, 0-100 km/h time in 15,3 seconds. Fuel consumption
is said to be 7,5 litres/100 km on the extra urban cycle, 11,7 litres/100 km
in city driving, and nine litres/100 km on the combined cycle.
The Cherokee was also designed with practicality in mind. For increased interior
cargo space, the full-size spare wheel is mounted to the rear tailgate, which
operates with a patented single-action swing gate/flipper glass system.
“This unique pull-type latch mechanism makes the opening of the flipper
glass window and swing gate an intuitive, one-motion operation, versus competitors’
multiple steps. Pulling the release handle performs both operations, as the
latch includes a detent to separate the functions. Pressing the cargo door button
on the keyless entry transmitter or turning the key in the swing gate lock also
opens the flipper glass window,” the manufacturer claims.
Both models feature a generous list of standard features. The Cherokee Sport
is aimed at consumers who want a lower-priced Jeep with basic luxury fitments,
whereas the Cherokee Jeep Limited’s upmarket features include leather upholstery
and alloy wheels.
Power steering, electric windows, air conditioning, ABS and dual airbags are
standard equipment throughout the range, and the 3,7-litre petrol models have
the option of permanent four-wheel-drive.
