First Ride: Jeep Cherokee 2.2 Multijet Diesel - again puffed up

FCA presents its successful SUV with the new Multijet II Diesel and nine-speed automatic

First ride in the new 2.2 liter turbodiesel

The Jeep brand - known worldwide - stands for the term SUV and off-road vehicle. The American manufacturer has been steadily expanding its expertise in this segment for more than 75 years. In 2014 the one million mark was passed. With the Cherokee, Jeep is already producing the "top dog" in the SUV segment in its 5th generation. The new generation of Multijet engines should make it even more efficient and dynamic for its customers. Combined with a nine-speed automatic transmission and start & stop technology, peak consumption values ​​are expected. With a new engine under the hood, the Cherokee starts at a base price of 32.900 euros.

With the launch of the first Cherokee in 1984, Jeep introduced the mid-size SUV segment three decades ago, which was soon followed by a number of competitors. An essential feature of the Cherokee from 1984 was its completely new and self-supporting body, which enabled the vehicle to be particularly low in weight for off-road vehicles and thus reduced consumption. The current fifth generation of the Cherokee sets new standards in the segment. These are an athletic design, the first nine-speed automatic transmission in the segment, improved road dynamics, the well-known 4 × 4 properties, high-quality interior, innovative technologies and comfort as well as "five-star" safety and protection devices with which the vehicle achieves the highest rating Euro NCAP in the medium SUV segment.

So far, two petrol and diesel engines were offered for the Cherokee, with the new Multijet II generation a new 2.2 turbodiesel inline four-cylinder engine with two power levels and drives as well as a 2.0 turbodiesel with one power level and a six-speed manual transmission are available. The Cherokee customer does not have to do without a petrol engine and, like since 2013, can choose a 3.2 liter V6 Pentastar with nine-speed automatic. With its 200 kW (272 PS) it creates a real cruiser feeling at 315 Newtonmeter. The "small" diesel with a displacement of two liters has a total output of 103 kW (140 PS) and, with 350 Newtonmeter, takes it very well onto the road at 1500 revolutions. In the larger 2.2 liter diesel with 136 kW (185 PS) and 147 kW (200 PS), it is 440 Newton meters at 2500 revolutions that push the vehicle forward very impressively. Without exception, all units meet the required Euro6 emissions standard.

During test drives in the tranquil Rheingau, we experience the SUV very agile and lively, thanks to the new diesel power and the decoupled rear axle drive. The vehicle cushions bumps and potholes with ease. But the Cherokee also shows little effort with its four-wheel drive systems off-road. Depending on requirements, three different modes can be set here, which do not make driving outside of paved roads difficult. We do not quite reach the consumption values ​​specified by the American car manufacturer, but we are always within the tolerance range of 0,5 to 0,8 liters above.

At the Cherokee we climb into a bright and very friendly interior. The large front window brings a lot of light into the vehicle and the driver, front passenger and even the passengers in the rear have more than enough space. Equipped with wide head restraints, the top-of-the-range driver's seat can be adjusted 8, four of which are electrical with memory function for the lumbar support. In the second row there are three comfortable single seats. The luggage compartment volume is up to 591 liters when loaded up to the window edge with full seating. If the rear seats are folded down, the loading capacity increases to 1.267 liters when loaded up to the roof.

A TFT color screen is used for the central display in the dashboard. He provides all the basic information directly in front of the driver. The Unconnect, a navigation and entertainment system known from FCA, is optionally available. Most of the driving and comfort information as well as operating elements such as audio functions, climate control or seat heating and ventilation are clearly displayed here.

When it comes to safety, the American car manufacturer offers a lot more besides the usual features such as seven multi-stage airbags, an Electric Stability Control (ESC), a rollover prevention system and ABS with terrain calibration. On request, a collision warning system with collision avoidance, an adaptive cruise control system with distance control and Stop & Go, a lane departure warning system, a blind spot warning system, rear lateral movement detection and the automatic parking assistant "ParkSense" provide extensive support and relief for the driver.

The entry level at the Cherokee is the equipment line "Sport" with a basic price of € 32.900. The customer can already expect a lavish basic equipment here, which quickly leaves nothing to be desired. With the equipment lines "Longitude" and "Limited", the top equipment "Trailhawk" can meet all customer requirements, so that there is little space for additional equipment. The petrol engine 3.2 liter V6 Pentastar 200 kW (272 PS) in the "Trailhawk" version comes with € 48.000.

Jeep Cherokee 2.2 MultiJet, Active Drive II Limited:

Photos in the article: Stefan Beckmann Cover photo: Stefan Beckmann