New Jeep Cherokee has launched in Australia with an all-new model offering improved fuel economy, and promising improved on-road ride and handling – it’s also the first 5 star ANCAP Jeep.

WHILE WE NORMALLY associate Jeep with rugged go-anywhere ability, the KL Cherokee offers three new four-wheel drive systems: Jeep Active Drive 1 (standard on Longitude and Limited) and is able to switch from front-wheel drive to all-wheel drive without any driver interaction; Jeep Active II offers low-range with a 2.92:1 ratio, while Jeep Active Drive Lock adds a locking rear differential for improved low-speed traction. The new Jeep Cherokee also offers a nine-speed transmission, the first in the segment to do so.

There are four models are available from launch: Sport, Longitude, Limited and Trailhawk with two powertrains that are new to the Cherokee line: the 2.4-litre TigerShark l-4 and the 3.2-litre V6 Pentastar. The 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder TigerShark engine (which has to be the best name for any engine in the history of engines) is fitted exclusively to the two-wheel-drive Sport model, delivers 130kW of power and 229Nm of torque. The 3.2-litre V6 Pentastar provides 200kW and 316Nm of torque.

The Jeep Cherokee also receives Jeep’s clever Selec-Terrain system and is fitted to four-wheel drive versions of the Longitude, Limited and Trailhawk Cherokee models. This system offers  five modess: Auto, Snow, Sand/Mud, Sport and Rock.

In case you haven’t already noticed, the new Jeep Cherokee offers a striking, concept car-esque design on the inside and outside, characterised by its slimline daytime running lights and iconic seven slot grille. Multiple trim levels and colour choices allow Cherokee customers to personalise their vehicle. All models come with a centre stack mounted Uconnect multimedia touch screen to control the vehicle’s functions and systems, 12.7 centimetre(5.0-inch) on Sport and Longitude and 21.3 centimetre (8.4-inch) on other models.

KL Cherokee’s safety systems include cost-options that are new to mid-size Jeep SUVs: Blind-spot Monitoring, Rear Crosspath Detection, Forward Collision Warning Plus, LaneSense Lane Departure Warning Plus, and reversing camera dynamic grid lines – seven airbags are standard. It is also the first Chrysler Group vehicle to feature the ParkSense Active Park Assist System, which is able to park the vehicle into parallel and perpendicular parking spaces.

Fiat Chrysler Group President and CEO Veronica Johns said all-new Cherokee would provide Australian customers with a new and compelling choice that also set new standards for its mid-size SUV rivals.

“Cherokee is one of the most anticipated vehicles to enter the Australian market this year, bringing unmatched all-terrain capability, the segment’s first nine-speed automatic transmission and bold, distinctive styling,” Ms Johns said.

“The Cherokee line-up will cater to all types of customers, from the city commuter who appreciates technology and comfort to the serious off-road enthusiast who demands dependable capability that only a Jeep can deliver”

Pricing:

Sport 4×2 2.4-litre MultiAir Tigershark l-4 9-speed auto $ 33,500 (+ORC)
Longitude 4×4 3.2-litre V6 Pentastar 9-speed auto $ 39,000 (+ORC)
Limited 4×4 3.2-litre V6 Pentastar 9-speed auto $ 44,000 (+ORC)
Trailhawk 4×4 3.2-litre V6 Pentastar 9-speed auto $ 47,500 (+ORC)

The new Jeep Cherokee is on-sale now, and we’ll have our first impression online next week.