Long-term test: Jeep Cherokee 3,2 V6 4×4 Limited (Introduction)
Say hi to Bovril. An odd name for a car, granted, but an apt one nonetheless. You get two kinds of people in the world: those who like Bovril, and those who don’t. Given the new nose Jeep has given its fifth-generation Cherokee, this car, too, is a great divider.
Gone are the boxy looks long associated with Jeep, replaced with something far more urbane, sophisticated and downright futuristic. With its slim LED headlamps and shark-like snout, it’s either a car that really appeals to you, or it doesn’t at all. I quite like the bold, extrovert looks – at least it sets the Cherokee apart in a market segment proliferated by cookie-cutter models. It’s also a car that has some fairly big tyres to fill. As you may know, my previous longtermer – a Subaru Forester – performed with aplomb. To do the same, the Cherokee is going to have to meet the demands of a family and a committed mountainbiker. On paper, this shouldn’t be a problem – after all, the new Cherokee is a category winner in Australia, Canada and Scotland’s Car of the Year awards – and so far it has impressed.
In terms of spec and comfort, its interior is a step up from that of the previous-generation Cherokee, and the full-leather seats are among the comfiest I’ve encountered. There’s a premium feel to the cabin, and particularly impressive is the Uconnect infotainment system that includes a radio with USB/ aux-in/SD card, voice-control sat-nav, Bluetooth connectivity and climate control, all operated via an 8,4-inch touchscreen. There’s also a 7-inch HD colour screen between the rev counter and speedometer with user-friendly graphics and a scrollable menu.
I should point out that this vehicle costs R606 690. That’s R593 000 plus metallic paint, a wireless phone charger and the Electronic Convenience Group package with a 220 V power outlet and remote-start function on the keyless fob.
An element that is yet to impress is the 3,2 V6. Mated to a ZF nine-speed auto ‘box, it feels ponderous rather than eager.
Fuel consumption is high, too. I’m averaging between 12,0 and 13,0 litres/100 km. That said, so far it’s been used mostly for town driving and a thirsty off-road expedition. A planned road trip through the Karoo in a few weeks should give me both a better indication of its fuel consumption and ability to carry mountain bikes and associated paraphernalia.
Do you own an Jeep Cherokee 3,2? If so, please email us your thoughts or tweet me.
Current mileage: 2 391 km
Average fuel consumption: 12,31 L/100 km
We like: well-appointed interior, extrovert looks
We don’t like: fuel bills, old school engine