Still A Real Off-Roader
by Ross Finlay (13 Dec 03)

In our launch report of the 2.8-litre Cherokee CRD, we said that while this engine doesn’t have a great advantage in either power or torque over the modified-for-Jeep 2.5-litre Mercedes-Benz turbo diesel, the real point is that the peak figures for both attributes arrive at lower revs.

A return trip to the Cherokee CRD confirmed that there’s a benefit here, although the 2.8 engine comes only with an automatic transmission, and there’s no manual option, so that the performance is almost certainly subdued a little.

What we also got with the longer-term test car was a lot more engine noise, and we couldn’t figure out why that should have been so. This Cherokee was certainly a lot noisier than many of its direct common-rail rivals.

Although it’s similar in overall size to other 4x4s in this class, the Cherokee benefits from having a long wheelbase - comparing its side-on look with that of a Discovery is quite revealing. The Jeep provides good passenger room up front, and the high but not exaggerated roofline means there’s generous headroom for rear seat occupants.

Over the back, it’s mostly the fact that the full-size spare wheel is mounted on the tailgate which allows for a decent load volume. I’m beginning to think that an external mounting is the sensible thing for a 4x4 of this size, having been disappointed in a newer model of another make, in which the under-floor spare wheel takes up far too much of the rear load space.

A Sparring Partner

As we’ve mentioned before, the Cherokee has what Jeep calls a "flip up" glass in the left-hinged tailgate, and you’d better be ready for it. Stand too close when you swing open the tailgate, and the automatically released frameless window could give you an uppercut in passing.

Limited, of course, has a rather different connotation in the US from the one intended in the UK. There’s nothing utility about the Cherokee Limited, which is at the top equipment level without going into the luxury class. Some items are still optional, including the electric slide/tilt sunroof and the £1200 leather seats, heated in front.

Jeep has provided an elevated and comfortable driving position behind a padded leather steering wheel, and there’s an attractive green-backlit instrument array, which is OK for clarity in the dark but just so-so when lit up in daylight or the early stages of dusk.

A mixture of textures on the fascia material helps the look of the interior, and it’s only a mild shock to discover that they’re all hard vinyl.

There are some unusual (to UK motorists) features, like the fact that the trip computer display is mounted in the roof rather than on the fascia. It runs through all the usual information, and I’m still wondering if the fuel figures relate to small US gallons.

The Limited has a certain amount of metal trim on the console and steering wheel, which also accommodates the cruise control buttons. There’s a fair amount of stowage space, and instead of a magazine net behind the driver’s seat, Jeep has fitted what amounts to a modern version of the Pony Express rider’s satchel.

What’s The Word For It?

As so often, there are mixed feelings at CARkeys about the styling. I find the current Cherokee much more soothing and up-to-date to look at than its predecessor, thanks to the rounded panelling and less truculent front end. You might say it’s been de-butched, if the motor industry acknowledges that term.

The latest model is still very sturdily built, and there’s no doubt about its off-road pedigree. Very few owners are likely to test it to the full here, but it’s worth bearing in mind that, as well as the high ground clearance, 8" of suspension travel, robustly built control arms and carefully designed underside with very little to snag on rocks or other obstructions, the Cherokee has a particularly adaptable transmission.

You can select two-wheel drive, part-time four-wheel drive, full-time four-wheel drive and "4Lo". Something for almost every situation.

On the road - well, remember this is a 4x4 designed for smooth American surfaces as well as the ultimate in rough stuff. On in-between going, like bumpier UK tarmac, and over the kind of winding and undulating A and B-class roads so common in the CARkeys neck of the woods, the Cherokee doesn’t always appreciate a brisk attack, even if it does have anti-roll bars front and rear.

But it does feel more comfortable and easier to drive than some of the bigger American 4x4s, although I would still welcome a substantial reduction in the test car’s decibel level.

As for the automatic transmission, a longer spell of driving confirmed that using the overdrive on-off button on the side of the selector lever is a very slick way of slipping down from fifth to fourth for a bout of overtaking or a spot of storming the hills.

Price: £24,000
Capacity: 2776cc
Power: 148bhp
0-62mph: 12.6 seconds
Maximum speed: 108mph
Economy: 33.6mpg extra urban, 27.4mpg combined
CO2 emissions: 274g/km
Insurance: Group 16
Jeep figures.

Second Opinion
I hereby declare myself Leader of the CARkeys Opposition to the Cherokee's styling. I would also like a list of the cars - bigger American 4x4s or anything else - than which the Cherokee is "more comfortable and easier to drive". Can't think of many myself. In fact, if any inexperienced drivers I knew were to get behind the wheel of these for the first time, I would give them a long and earnest lecture on the subject of road safety and careful vehicle handling. That's because I feel the Cherokee feels more uncertain on tarmac than almost anything else on the market, which is ironic considering I also felt the models which were first imported to the UK a decade ago were great to drive. I don't disagree with everything written in the main article above, incidentally: I agree that the CRD is ridiculously noisy and that this should be fixed as soon as possible. David Finlay .

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