New Jeep Cherokee takes the hard line
Iconic American off-roader brand returns to traditional styling with its volume-selling SUVIt's hip to be square at Camp Jeep, and here's further proof. Following in the wheeltracks of the boxy seven-seat Commander comes the all-new Cherokee, which dispenses with any hint of curvature in favour of straight lines.
The newcomer -- known as the Liberty in the US -- debuted at the recent New York Auto Show (it's due Down Under in early 2008) and is set to replace the existing round-eyed Cherokee, which launched here in 2002.
Jeep claims the new vehicle, which shares its structure with the Dodge Nitro, remains true to the brand's 4x4 heritage. Yet the company boasts that the vehicle offers improved on-road ride and handling, thanks to new independent front and new five-link rear suspension.
Among the Cherokee's novel features is a 'Sky Slider' canvas roof that can be opened to yield an aperture spanning virtually the length of the roof.
In the US, the Cherokee will be available with two Jeep 'Trail Rated' four-wheel-drive systems -- Command-Trac (part-time 4WD) and the all-new Selec-Trac II (full-time 4WD).
Power comes from a 3.7-litre V6 rated at 157kW and 319Nm -- respectable, but by no means class-leading. Transmission choices in the US comprise a six-speed manual and a four-speed auto, but we're likely to get only the latter.
Visually, the Cherokee embraces the rugged, square-edged design language of its Commander sibling and Jeep says this was done to recapture the brand's core values.
It comes with a comprehensive armoury of safety features, including Electronic Stability Program, Electronic Roll Mitigation, Traction Control, ABS with Brake Assist, rain-sensing wipers, Tyre Pressure Monitoring, and side-curtain airbags.
Meanwhile, Jeep also used the New York show to unveil an updated version of its Grand Cherokee, which scores a tweaked 4.7-litre V8 with 227kW and 453Nm -- increases of 30 per cent and 10 per cent respectively.
The 2008 model-year Grand Cherokee also gains Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist and Trailer Sway Control.
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