Cherokees Are Ready to Invade Europe

The all-new Jeep Cherokee, launched in the United States in 2013, is making its European debut at the 84th Geneva International Motor Show on March 4, 2014. Also making its debut in the new Jeep Cherokee, is the new 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine, combined with the new nine-speed automatic transmission. The all-new Jeep Cherokee delivers a fresh interpretation of the “Go anywhere, do anything” attitude of the legendary Jeep brand, while providing the advanced technology and fuel efficiency that European customers demand.

This is the first time in Europe that this powertrain combination – the efficient 2.0-liter Multijet II turbo diesel and the new nine-speed automatic gearbox – has been offered in the mid-size SUV segment.

The new turbo diesel is available in two versions offering customers a choice of 170 or 140 horsepower outputs, both generating 350Nm of torque (258.16 lbs. ft.). The 170 horsepower version of the 2.0-liter engine is coupled with the nine-speed automatic gearbox, while the 140 horsepower version of this engine is matched to a six-speed manual transmission. Both versions of the 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine incorporate ‘Stop/Start’ technology that improves fuel efficiency and reduces CO2 emissions.

The European line-up also includes the 3.2-liter V-6 Pentastar petrol engine paired to the new nine-speed automatic transmission, producing 272 horsepower and 315Nm of torque (232.34 lbs. ft.). In Russia and the Middle East, the new Jeep Cherokee will also be offered with the 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir I-4 petrol engine.

Available in two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations, the new generation Jeep Cherokee is engineered to excel on all terrains. This vehicle is also the first mid-size SUV to feature rear axle disconnect, resulting in reduced friction and energy loss when 4×4 capability isn’t needed and ensuring improved fuel efficiency.

The new Jeep Cherokee offers the European market a choice of three innovative four wheel drive systems: Jeep® Active Drive I, Jeep® Active Drive II and Jeep® Active Drive Lock. Jeep® Active Drive I features a fully automatic, single power transfer unit (PTU) and delivers seamless operation in and out of four-wheel drive at any speed. Jeep® Active Drive II includes a two-speed PTU with torque management and low range. Jeep® Active Drive Lock available on gas units only includes all the features of Jeep Active Drive II and adds a locking rear differential for superior low-speed power delivery.

With a sleek and athletic exterior the new Jeep Cherokee remains true to the iconic brand while moving forward into the next era with a shape that is as efficient as the vehicle and will age gracefully without losing the DNA that makes it a true Jeep.

The interior of the new Jeep Cherokee delivers the craftsmanship and exclusive easy-to-operate technology that European customers demand. The front seats are available with heating, ventilation and memory adjustable mechanisms. The world-class thin-film transistor (TFT) 7-inch full-color reconfigurable instrument cluster allows the driver to enjoy a customized user experience and receive information and vehicle feedback in the format they prefer.

In addition, the new Cherokee also offers an advanced touchscreen multimedia command center and features the newly designed leather-wrapped, three-spoke, Jeep steering wheel with remote audio, voice and speed controls, adding a new level of technical sophistication.

Standard safety features on the new Jeep Cherokee include seven airbags (front seats multistage air bags, side bags, window bags, driver side knee air bag), ESC (Electronic Stability Control) with ERM (rollover mitigation) and ABS (anti-lock brake system) with both on-road and off-road calibration.
To ensure maximum protection, additional safety feature options for the new Jeep Cherokee include new systems such as the innovative Forward Collision Warning-Plus, ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control-Plus, Lane Departure Warning-Plus, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path Detection.

Maximizing safety and security with the development of the new Cherokee allowed the mid-size SUV to earn the prestigious Euro NCAP five-star rating last year with an overall score of 83 percent. The new Cherokee also earned the ‘best in class’ designation from Euro NCAP in the Small Off-road 4X4 category for the year 2013.

In the U.S., the all-new Jeep Cherokee sold more than 29,000 units within the first two months. In Europe, the new Cherokee will be introduced in all Jeep dealerships during the second quarter of 2014 and will be available in three trim levels – Longitude, Limited and Trailhawk trim levels.