The all-new Jeep® Cherokee remains true to its legendary 4x4 heritage while offering customers more on-road refinement and amenities. The new Cherokee takes on the Jeep rugged exterior design and it now comes standard with the all-new Selec-Trac® II full-time four-wheel-drive system.

“Australians have long held a close bond with the Cherokee name - this bond is set to grow stronger with the arrival of the bigger, more powerful and more economical all-new Jeep Cherokee,” said Gerry Jenkins, managing director, Chrysler Australia.

“This off-roader has the right ingredients to stir the emotions of both the true Jeep enthusiast as well as new buyers to the iconic Jeep brand. This is achieved by offering standard features such as Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist and an all-new four wheel drive system called Selec-Trac II,” said Jenkins.

In addition to an all-new interior design, the amenities, innovations and cargo and storage space continue to improve. An exclusive, all-new feature is the Sky Slider™ full-open canvas roof, giving the Jeep Cherokee customer an open-air experience. Standard features now include automatic temperature control system, power and heated fold-away mirrors, power windows with driver-side one-touch, fog lamps and aluminium wheels.

Inside, the all-new Jeep Cherokee Limited comes with standard leather trim with French-seam stitching. The passenger grab handle, console-storage cover and front-door trim panels also receive the same leather treatment, complete with the French-seam stitching. The emergency brake handle and transmission shifter receive exclusive leather treatment, brushed stainless-steel door-sill plates welcome passengers, and the floor carpet is augmented with premium floor mats. This package is exclusive for Jeep Cherokee models sold in Australia.

There are two models – Jeep Cherokee Sport and Jeep Cherokee Limited. The all-new Cherokee is now available in Australian dealerships.

Classic Jeep Design

The exterior design of the all-new Jeep Cherokee takes its cues directly from the Jeep brand’s legendary 65-plus years of heritage. Familiar design characteristics, such as the clamshell bonnet, seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel openings and rugged stance provide the vehicle with its classic Jeep style.

Standard on both Jeep Cherokee Sport and Limited is the signature seven-slot grille. A front-end module that spans across the vehicle houses the grille and headlamp system in a single unit. The structure is designed to meet pedestrian impact and other crash standards for all markets. Front lamp modules contain the halogen headlamps and standard fog lamps.

At the side of the vehicle, deep body sections and a high beltline produce a tough, strong and capable appearance. A wheels-to-the-corner stance and dramatic trapezoidal-shaped flared guards enhance the vehicle’s side profile. The flared guards are now painted body colour on both the Jeep Cherokee Sport and Limited models. Dark Slate mould-in-colour bodyside mouldings accent the Sport model, and bright chrome side mouldings are on the Limited model. The Cherokee name is distinctly stamped into the side mouldings. A mould-in-colour side vent featuring seven slots is placed at the side of the vehicle’s elongated bonnet where it meets the front mudguards, door and A-pillar. The full sized spare wheel and tyre is now placed underneath the vehicle, allowing for increased interior space and rear visibility.

Industry-Exclusive Sky Slider Full-Open Canvas Roof

The all-new Jeep Cherokee brings the open-air experience with the industry exclusive Sky Slider full-length open canvas roof. The Sky Slider roof can be moved to several positions, including full forward, full rear or partially open to any position in-between with a convenient express one-touch switch.

The optional Sky Slider roof is made of a reinforced acrylic cloth, similar to a convertible top, which is weather-resistant and leak-proof. The top panel nests into a weather strip seal to help minimise wind noise. The roof utilises anti-pinch software that will prevent the roof from moving should it detect an object in its path. The Sky Slider roof is an optional feature on both the Jeep Cherokee Sport and Limited.

Functional Interior Space with More Available Amenities

The interior of the all-new Jeep Cherokee delivers simple, functional styling and provides customers with ample storage and organisational space.

Standard 60/40 split fold-flat and a fold-flat front-passenger seat on Limited models are perfect for loading odd shaped cargo. The rear seats also incorporate a 12 degree recline feature for more adjustment for passengers. The front and rear seats feature wide inserts and heavy bolstering designed to cradle occupants for a secure and comfortable feeling. The seats have tall, square shoulders, and the bottom cushion has been lengthened for better thigh support. The Sport model comes with YES Essentials seat fabric as standard. This advanced fabric repels stains, controls odours and reduces static electricity. The new fabric can withstand endless cleanings without changing the texture, appearance or comfort of the seats or surfaces during ownership of the vehicle.

Jeep Cherokee Limited comes standard with leather trimming featuring French-seam stitching. The passenger grab handle, console-storage cover and front-door trim panels also receive the same leather treatment. The park brake handle and transmission shifter receive exclusive leather treatment, brushed stainless-steel door-sill plates welcome passengers and the floor carpet is augmented with premium floor mats.

Standard on Limited models is a leather-wrapped steering wheel with wheel-mounted Electronic Vehicle Information Centre (EVIC) on the face and audio controls conveniently located on the rear of the wheel.

A new two-tone instrument panel treatment gives the vehicle a feeling of spaciousness. The Jeep Cherokee features a four-gauge instrument cluster with clear white on black graphics with orange pointers.

The centre stack – black on Jeep Cherokee Sport models and satin silver on Limited models – neatly houses the climate controls, vents, radio and switch bank. For the first time, Cherokee will now be available with the MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System and eight premium speakers and a subwoofer. Standard on both Cherokee models is an all-new automatic temperature control system with cabin air filtration.

Also at the centre stack is an open bin with a rubber mat, perfect for placing mobile phones, hand-held PDAs or coins. A small enclosed storage compartment left of the steering wheel provides additional storage for the driver.

Audio and Navigation Systems

The Limited Jeep Cherokee is available with a variety of audio systems and will offer the innovative MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System that features built-in navigation, audio, entertainment and communication systems. MyGIG allows customers to use touch screen or voice commands to control features and includes a 20 gigabyte hard drive where music and photos can be stored. An integrated music jukebox supports Gracenote music file management to add song, artist and album information to the music files automatically. Space is reserved on the hard drive for approximately 1,600 songs – more than 100 hours of music. The system also includes a voice-memo recorder feature.

The voice dialogue system recognises more than 100,000 words. The navigation system features both 2-D and 3-D bird’s-eye views of roads and multiple route calculation alternatives. Maps and guidance are displayed on a motorised, flip-down 6.5 inch thin film transistor (TFT) colour display. The TFT screen uses an active matrix for viewing from angles up to 180 degrees – perfect for the centre of an instrument panel.

All radio head units available in the Cherokee feature a 3.5 millimetre audio input jack for easy connection to an MP3 player. The Infinity® Premium Sound System offers a total of nine speakers, which includes one 6.5 inch subwoofer. It also includes an eight channel amplifier producing 368 watts of power.

Cargo and Utility

There are several storage and convenience features designed into Jeep Cherokee’s spacious rear cargo area. Both left and right trim panels have cargo tie-down loops for securing items to the load floor. The left trim panel houses a concealed compartment for jack storage and tools.

The load floor system has a reversible carpeted surface. Dual latches on either side release for access to a 10 centimetre deep waterproof storage bin beneath the lid – perfect for muddy boots or fresh flowers.

Proven 3.7-litre V-6 Petrol Engine

The 3.7-litre SOHC V-6 petrol engine provides the Jeep Cherokee with competitive peak power and torque while providing smooth, quiet operation and proven durability. It produces 151 kW at 5,200 rpm and 314 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm.

Refinements in the valve train and combustion chamber enhance low-speed torque while providing a smooth idle and minimal engine noise. A sophisticated Electronic Throttle Control system helps to improve drivability and acceleration feel. The exhaust gas recirculation valve helps to increase the engine’s fuel economy.

Economical and Powerful 2.8L CRD

The Jeep Cherokee is also available with a 2.8-litre DOHC 16-valve common-rail turbo diesel engine. With its Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) and rapid throttle response, this engine enables the Cherokee to claim best-in-class torque of 460 Nm at 2,100 rpm with the five-speed automatic transmission and towing capacity of up to 2,270 kilogrammes (braked) and a driving range of over 700 kilometres. Maximum power is 130 kW at 3,800 rpm.

A forged steel crankshaft now features eight counterweights compared to the prior crankshaft which had four. A structural oil pan assists in reducing noise, vibration and harshness on the new engine.

The VGT now has an electronically controlled actuator as opposed to a pneumatic actuator on the previous engine. This provides improved cold launch performance and it also allows the turbocharger to spool up faster from idle, minimising turbo lag and providing good low-end and high-end torque.

Automatic Transmissions

There are two transmissions offered on the Jeep Cherokee – five-speed automatic and four-speed automatic transmission – depending on the engine choice.

The Jeep Cherokee equipped with the 2.8-litre CRD engine is available with the five-speed automatic transmission. The Mercedes-Benz sourced transmission is shared with the Jeep Grand Cherokee and improvements include quieter operation.

The four-speed automatic transmission is standard with the 3.7-litre V-6 petrol engine. The transmission incorporates a variable hydraulic line pressure feature to improve fuel economy.

All-new Full-time Four-wheel-drive System

“The Jeep engineers know how important off-road capability is for the Cherokee buyer and now with Selec-Trac II, life is made that little bit easier with its simple shift on the fly operation,” said Jenkins.

The all-new Selec-Trac II full-time four-wheel-drive system is standard on both Jeep Cherokee Sport and Limited models. The Selec-Trac II four-wheel-drive system is a full-time, active on-demand system that anticipates and prevents wheel slip before it occurs. It is ideal for a wide range of road settings, including dry pavement conditions not typically suited for conventional part-time four-wheel-drive systems.

This premium system offers a 4WD Auto mode that is just right for full-time driving. When driving in 4WD Auto mode, the system uses vehicle sensors to adjust and redirect torque between the front and rear axles based upon real-time driving conditions, providing the vehicle with responsive performance.

For added capability when negotiating steep grades, rough terrain or extremely poor traction surfaces, the transfer case includes a 4WD Low mode. This second speed gear multiplies engine torque 2.72 times and locks the clutch pack for maximum traction.

Electric shifting between 2WD, 4WD Auto and 4WD Low is accomplished with a console-mounted switch. A pushpin button is used to shift to Neutral mode. Selec-Trac II is standard on both Jeep Cherokee models.

All-new Suspension and Steering Systems

An all-new independent front suspension, all-new five-link rear suspension and a power rack-and-pinion steering system contribute to the all-new Jeep Cherokee’s blend of on-road ride comfort and nimble, confidence-inspiring handling.

The independent short- and long-arm coil spring front suspension provides drivers with an optimum combination of ride, handling and a steering feel that is unattainable with typical strut-type suspensions. A link-type stabiliser bar helps control body lean in cornering and lane-change manoeuvres. Ample wheel travel and tuned jounce bumpers help maintain the vehicle’s consistent ride quality. A low-arm design mounts the upper control arm on the longitudinal rail of the front body structure for optimum stiffness to minimise noise, vibration and harshness.

A new five-link rear suspension, including upper and lower trailing links and a track bar, provides greater lateral stiffness, making the vehicle feel more responsive. The solid axle delivers uniform handling and stability when the vehicle is loaded or towing a trailer.

To help provide a premium on-road driving experience and confident road feel, Jeep Cherokee engineers focussed on the vehicle’s steering. The power rack-and-pinion steering imparts a precise feel and provides a turning circle similar to vehicles with a shorter wheelbase.

Jeep-engineered Hill Descent Control

Operational in the 4WD Low position, Hill Descent Control provides downhill assistance at a controlled rate of speed with more precision and smoother operation than simply using the brakes. By means of electronic brake control, Hill Descent Control supplements the gear reduction and engine braking that a traditional mechanical low-range transfer case provides. Unlike most of its competitors, the new Jeep Cherokee with Hill Descent Control offers extremely smooth transitions between speeds and allows the driver to use the throttle and brakes without turning the system off, with a smooth and controlled return to the preset speed after the driver releases the throttle or brakes.

Hill Descent Control was engineered to provide the smoothest transitions possible, even from a complete stop on extremely steep and slippery surfaces.

Hill Start Assist

A Hill Start Assist system is new for Jeep Cherokee. It provides the driver time to transition from brake to throttle to achieve a smooth launch on a grade. The system will hold brake pressure for two seconds upon the driver’s release of the brake pedal. The Hill Start Assist system decreases wheel pressure in response to increasing throttle to provide a smooth launch. This system is extremely helpful when driving in urban as well as off-road areas with steep hills. Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist are standard on all Jeep Cherokee models.

Jeep Cherokee Safety and Security Equipment

“The all-new Jeep Cherokee offers 30 safety and security features,” said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President – Product Development, Chrysler. “With a broad range of engineering technologies, Jeep Cherokee is offering customers peace of mind with more standard and available features and equipment.”

Jeep Cherokee continues to build on its already long list of Safety and Security technologies:

• Advanced multi-stage air bags
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Rough Road Detection
• All-speed Traction Control
• Auto-reverse sun roof/Sky Slider
• Auto-reverse driver window
• BeltAlert
• Brake Assist (Electronic Brake Control)
• Brake/Park interlock
• Child seat anchor system (ISOFIX)
• Child-protection rear door locks
• Crumple zones
• Digressive load-limiting retractors
• Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)
• Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)
• Energy-absorbing steering column
• Height-adjustable front seat belts
• Hill Descent Control
• Hill Start Assist
• Interior head-impact protection
• Knee bolsters
• Low-risk deployment front passenger air bag
• ParkSense® Rear Back-up System
• Remote keyless entry
• Safety cage body structure
• Seat belt pretensioners (both front seat belts)
• Sentry Key® Engine Immobiliser
• Side guard door beams
• Supplemental side curtain air bags
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
• Vehicle theft security alarm

Jeep Cherokee Sport (RRP)

• 3.7L V6 Auto $39,990
• 2.8L CRD Auto $43,990

Jeep Cherokee Limited (RRP)

• 3.7L V6 Auto $45,990
• 2.8L CRD Auto $49,990

Options (RRP)

• Premium Paint $300 (Sport/Limited)
• MyGIG (Sat Nav) $3,000 (Limited)
• Power Sunroof $2,000 (Limited)
• Sky Slider Roof $3,000 (Limited)