Jeep KK Cherokee Review
As Chrysler Australia boss Gerry Jenkins says, "there is a lot new about the KK".
The new model has a more traditional, 'boxy' style with squared off corners, upright seven slot grille and prominent wheel arches. In short it looks like a Jeep, with styling cues borrowed from the original 1994 XJ Cherokee, but this is where the comparison ends. The KK also looks a little like the Dodge Nitro and the bigger Jeep Commander from some angles. The Cherokee accounts for 30 percent of all local Jeep sales, so there is much riding on its success.
The KK is a more refined, bigger and purposeful vehicle than before. The body is substantially longer, yet the overall length is marginally less than the superseded model. This is achieved by removing the spare wheel from the back door to under the vehicle. The wheelbase is up by 45mm and there is 25cm more usable space inside. This may not sound like much, but it does make an enormous difference. There is a 23mm wider track and the turning circle is significantly improved.
The Cherokee is powered by two familiar powerplants - a 3.7-litre V6 petrol and 2.8-litre turbo-diesel. Both have been tweaked to produce minimal increased power and torque, with the 3.7L producing 1kW and 7Nm more than before at 151kW at 5200rpm and 314Nm at 4000rpm.
The 2.8-litre CRD is used in the Wrangler and Dodge Nitro, but is new to the Cherokee. Power is up 10kW and a strong 60Nm for 130kW at 3800rpm and 460Nm at 2000rpm.
Jeep claim 80 percent of torque is available mid-range and this combined with the high torque figure make the CRD a formidable engine. Official fuel consumption figures show the CRD using 9.4 litres/100km, marginally down on the outgoing engine. The petrol unit uses 11.7 litres/100kms, a 0.5 improvement.
The petrol engine is only available with a four-speed automatic transmission, with no manual option offered in any Jeep Cherokee. The diesel model is supplied with a Mercedes sourced five speed automatic, which is also found in the Grand Cherokee and the Chrysler 300C.
The diesel unit is the pick of the engines, with its variable geometry turbocharger and rapid throttle response. The four speed box used in the petrol model has been around for a fair while and isn't as precise, and 'hunts' for gears especially on windy tarmac terrain.
The Cherokee is now standard with Selec-Trac II four-wheel drive system that allows simple shift on the fly operation. The Selec-Trac II 4WD system is a full time, active on demand system that anticipates and prevents wheel slip before it occurs. Essentially this is a part time system that directs torque between front and rear axles via a clutch pack rather than gear type centre differential.
Transfer case operation is via a simple toggle switch (see picture previous page) which allows the driver to select 2WD, 4WD Auto and 4WD low range.
Two wheel drive is via the rear axle, while 4WD Auto can be used on or off road, with normal torque distribution is 42 percent to the front and 58 percent to the rear, varying as determined by conditions. In 4WD low the torque split is 50:50 with a low range ratio of 2.72:1.
The Cherokee is armed with a full arsenal of traction and safety aids, which include ABS?brakes, electronic stability program that includes brake assist, traction control, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, electronic roll mitigation, brake-lock differentials and tyre pressure monitoring.
Cherokee rides on a new independent coil sprung front suspension and an equally new five-link rear suspension. Steering is via a power assisted rack and pinion system.
Jeep has joined other manufacturers and included hill descent control, which works by means of an electronic brake, with HDC supplementing the gear reduction and engine braking. The driver can select the speed of descent, which is a good thing. One scary function Jeep engineers have included in the package is the dubious ability to offer HDC?in neutral - a no, no in most driver manuals!
Inside the Cherokee has been refreshed with a new dash and equipment, and for the first time the optional Sky Slider fully opening roof is available. The Cherokee is offered in two trim levels, Sport and Limited. Standard equipment includes cruise control, ESP, halogen headlamps, fog lights, power heated exterior mirrors, 12V power plug, AM/FM/MP3 stereo with 6-disc DVD/CD changer and auxiliary jack, rear park assist, tilt adjust steering column (no reach adjust), power windows, fold flat passenger seat, remote keyless entry and anti-theft engine immobiliser.
Additional equipment on the Limited includes vehicle information centre, auto headlight controls, leather trim, 6-way power adjust driver's seat, driver lumbar support, heated front seats, 9 speakers, tyre monitoring display and 18-inch wheels.
Prices start at $39,990 for the Sport 3.7-litre V6 petrol and $45,990 for the Limited V6 petrol. The 2.8-litre CRD diesel Sport is priced at $43,990 and $49,990 for the Limited.
Options for the Limited offered are the MyGIG multi-media infotainment system with satellite navigation at $3,000, sunroof $2,000 and the Sky Slider roof $3,000. Metallic paint for all models is an extra $300.
The interior of the Cherokee is much roomier with additional useable space. Seating is comfortable and the on the fly 4x4 system is far more user friendly and effective. The finish of the interior still needs improvement, being a collection of hard plastic surfaces. Notwithstanding, the KK Cherokee is a major leap forward and Jeep have realistic expectations for its success.
Brian Tanner
Specifications
Engines
Petrol: 3.7L V6
Power: 151kW @ 5200rpm
Torque: 314Nm @ 4000rpm
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Max. speed: 193km/h
Diesel:?2.8L CRD?turbo-diesel
Power: 130Kw @ 3800rpm
Torque: 460Nm @ 2000rpm
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Max. speed: 179km/h
Four wheel drive system: Selec-trac II?active full time
Steering: Power assisted rack and
pinion
Turns lock to lock: 3.4
Turning diameter: 10.8 metres
Tyres: P235/70R16 (Sport); P235/60R18 (Limited)
Wheels: 16 x 7.0 (Sport); 18 x 7.0 (Limited)
Brakes: front 302 x 28mm; rear 316 x 12mm
LxWxH: 4493 x 1839 x 1797mm
Wheelbase: 2694mm
Track: front & rear 1549mm
Ground clearance: 189/196 (Sport/Ltd)
Curb weight: 1936kg (3.7L Sport); 1985kg (2.8L Sport); 2040 (3.7L Limited); 2090kg (2.8L Limited)
Cargo volume: 419 litres Rear seats up; 1404 litres rear seats folded
Fuel tank capacity: Petrol (73.8 litres); diesel (70 litres)
Towing capacity: 2270kg braked; 1600kg unbraked
