ALL-NEW JEEP CHEROKEE LAUNCHES IN IRELAND

The all new Jeep Cherokee: Where legendary off-road capability meets premium driving dynamics in a distinctive, high quality and efficient package, introducing smart new technology to the mid-size SUV segment to make it one of the most user-friendly cars in its class.

Powered by a choice of 140hp and 170hp 2.0-litre MultiJet II turbo-diesel engine, the new Cherokee is now one of the cleanest cars in its class. The front-wheel drive 140hp manual version is capable of 5.3 L/100km on the combined cycle and emits just 139g/km of CO2, placing it in Tax Band B2 (€280 per annum) while top-of-the range 4X4 version, which is equipped with a class-first nine-speed automatic transmission, falls into Tax Band C (€390 p.a.) with emissions of 154g/km and fuel economy figure of 5.8L/100km.

Of course, as the Cherokee wears the legendary Jeep badge it also has to be one of the most capable cars around, no matter what surface it's on. New suspension combines with a very rigid bodyshell to make it comfortable, refined and enjoyable to drive on the road. The fuel-efficient Jeep Active Drive I four-wheel drive system automatically switches between front and all-wheel drive when required and Jeep's Selec-Terrain system offers up to five different four-wheel drive modes to ensure drivers employ the most suitable settings for the prevailing conditions.

Taking cues from its Grand Cherokee stable mate, the new Cherokee has a stylish, well-equipped interior that exudes premium craftsmanship. It's also comfortable and versatile with figure-hugging front seats and rear seats that fold and recline as well as sliding backwards and forwards to maximise either leg room or boot space.

All new Cherokees are packed with technology too. Each model features a Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) screen in the instrument cluster available in either monochrome or colour. In the centre console there's a choice of either a 5.0-inch colour touch-screen for the Uconnect^TM infotainment system or, in another first for the class, a spectacular 8.4-inch version. Even the entry-level Longitude model comes with cruise control, parking sensors and dual-zone air-conditioning as standard. And some neat options can be specified. These include the full-length CommandView sun roof and a charging pad that can replenish compatible smart phones without the need to plug them in.

The Cherokee is one of the safest cars on the road: it has already been awarded five stars by EuroNCAP and has more than 70 available safety features, including Forward Collision Warning with Crash Mitigation which employs radar to help the driver avoid, or limit the effects of, any impact, and ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist which first finds a suitable parking space and then helps the driver reverse into them by controlling the manoeuvre.

The result is a car that combines the traditional Jeep values of simplicity and versatility with style, efficiency and technology to create a no-compromise all-rounder capable of doing the famous seven-slotted grille justice.

DESIGN: STYLISH IN THE CITY, TOUGH ON THE TRAIL
When it came to designing the all-new Cherokee, the team at Jeep had to be mindful that they were recreating a legend. The new car had to remain true to the Jeep brand and DNA, yet move the story on with an efficient but capable looking form that would age as gracefully as its predecessors. The result is a car with a smooth and sophisticated appearance that nonetheless appears rugged and capable, with aggressive wheel-to-body proportions, a powerful stance and commanding road presence.

Mark Allen, head of Jeep Design, said: "Our objective with the Cherokee was to convey visually that this is an all-new Jeep while still communicating legendary best-in-class capability. But the rest of the equation has changed. Our vision was a smooth and flowing upper body with signature Jeep cues such as the peaked seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches and the functional ‘kink' in the beltline mated to a tough, durable lower body. We wanted a design that is fluid and efficient yet still rugged and as at home on the trail as outside the theatre."

The Jeep Design team spent a lot of time working on the aerodynamic features of the new Cherokee in order to reduce drag and help improve fuel economy, such as the rear spoiler, integrated underbelly pans and aerodynamic spats on the sill and tail lamps that have been designed to improve separation from the air. Lightweight aluminium wheels have also been designed to optimise aerodynamic efficiency.

The bonnet incorporates Jeep's iconic seven slotted grille, albeit with a crisp curve which was also a feature on many classic Jeeps. LED lighting technology is used throughout the all-new Cherokee and features in the slim daytime running lights which sit high on the nose for water fording and lie above a projector headlamp.

In profile, Jeep's signature trapezoidal wheel arches are clearly visible, while the window line draws inspiration from the half doors on the Jeep Wrangler by dipping down towards the front. This gives the driver better visibility and helps to improve the view of obstacles while driving off-road.

At the rear there are full LED tail lamps while the tailgate extends right down to the rear bumper, which incorporates the fog lights and reflectors, to provide a low-loading sill.

INSIDE: FOCUS ON THE CUSTOMER
The interior of the Cherokee has been designed to combine the use of high quality materials with innovative colours, precision craftsmanship and state-of-the-art technology plus simple, clever features that combine to offer a truly customer focused environment.

The basic look of the Cherokee's interior builds upon that of the recent 2013 Grand Cherokee model - strong yet graceful with fluid shapes carrying the instrument panel around to the door panel. The overall feel is inviting, refined, comfortable and convenient.

High quality, soft-touch materials are employed throughout with particular attention paid to where occupants come into direct contact with the vehicle. The instrument panel has a stitched cover and there's also stitching on the centre and front door arm rests. The seats have been designed to support the contours of the body and the driver's seat can be specified to adjust electrically and has memory settings as well as heating and cooling functions.

Jeep's designers drew their inspiration for the interior from exotic locations and terrains around the world. Mount Vesuvius inspired the dramatic dark brown and indigo blue of the "Vesuvio" trim, with its Nappa leather hide, while the "Morocco" interior uses high contrast of the black and gold in its cloth or leather upholstery. The Cherokee also has the option of a new full-length dual pane CommandView sunroof with an electrical retractable blind.

State of the art technology
The interior of the Cherokee was designed to be easy to use with technology playing an integral part in the final execution. All models feature a Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) screen in the instrument cluster - a 3.5-inch monochrome screen in Longitude models and a 7.0-inch colour screen on Limited models - which allows the driver to receive information such as navigation instructions, vehicle speed, fuel economy details or audio information.

The Uconnect^TM infotainment centre features a large touchscreen that is attractive, intuitive and easy to use. Depending on the model and the equipment specified, it allows the driver to control the audio, climate controls, satellite navigation, heated and ventilated seats using large, easy-to-touch screen icons. It also includes Bluetooth connectivity and audio streaming capability, while this latest Uconnect platform delivers faster response times, sharper navigation and more extensive voice recognition capabilities. A 5.0-inch touch screen is standard on Longitude models while Limited models have an 8.4-inch touch screen, the largest in the segment.

A wireless charging pad is also available, concealed in the upper tray of the centre arm rest and compatible with any smart phone that is QI wireless charging enabled. Devices without QI technology can still employ the charging pad, but might need a separately purchased accessory. All models also have an SD card slot, audio AUX-IN jack, USB charging port and can be specified with two 12-volt power outlets. The Cherokee's steering wheel is also a new design with integrated audio, voice, and cruise control functions.

Clever storage
As the new Jeep Cherokee has been designed for use as a family car, particular attention has been paid to in-cabin storage with some clever, thoughtful, yet simple features to make owners' lives easier.

The glovebox storage is deep and large enough to hold a tablet or small laptop computer and there's a covered bin on top of the instrument panel to store often used but easily misplace items such as car park swipe cards or garage remote controls. The front passenger seat folds flat and has hidden in-seat storage courtesy of a flip-up passenger seat cushion. Two front cup holders have grips for different sizes of drink containers and are rubber lined to make them easier to clean.

Second-row passengers can relax in seats that recline and slide backwards and forwards to increase leg room or storage space as needed. The boot is equipped with Jeep's innovative Cargo Management System, which has a universal module rack mounted on the side of the rear cargo area with hooks, and a removable grocery bag. For those customers with more specific load-carrying requirement, Mopar® offers a full range of accessories including a cargo bin and mat, a foldable cooler and first aid and emergency kits.

ENGINES AND GEARBOXES: FIRST WITH A NINE-SPEED AUTOMATIC
Employing the Fiat Powertrain Technology-patented MultiJet II technology, an aluminium cylinder head, double overhead camshafts (DOHC) and four valves per cylinder, the 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine is available in two outputs: 140hp at 3750rpm with 350Nm of torque at 1750rpm or 170hp at 4000rpm and 350Nm of torque at 1750rpm.

The cylinder block is cast iron for high durability and there's a balance shaft unit to reduce engine vibration; Exhaust Gas Recirculation system with a cooler bypass for lower emissions and fuel consumption, as well a Variable Geometry Turbocharger to enhance acceleration.

The second-generation MultiJet common rail injection system uses solenoid fuel injectors to introduce diesel to the cylinders at extremely high pressure - 1600bar. The engine management is capable of up to eight injections per combustion cycle for smooth and efficient engine operation in all conditions. The injection rate can even be modulated - a process called Injection Rate Shaping - to reduce noise, fuel consumption and emissions.

Efficiency is further improved with the standard Stop/Start system. This shuts down the engine when the car is at a standstill and restarts automatically when it's time to move off again. Drivers can deactivate the technology via a button on the dashboard if required.
The 140hp version, equipped with a manual transmission and two-wheel drive, is capable of 5.3L/100km on the combined fuel economy cycle and its CO2 emissions are 139g/km ensuring the new Cherokee is one of the cleanest cars in its class. With 4X4 this engine is still capable of 5.6L/100km on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 147g/km. The high-power engine offers170hp at 4000rpm and 350Nm of torque at 1750rpm and an economy figure of 5.8L/100km on the combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 154g/km.

Two transmissions are available in the new Cherokee, a six-speed manual or class-exclusive nine-speed automatic transmission which was engineered to improve fuel efficiency, reduce exhaust emissions and enhance performance by employing a wide range of ratios and more than 40 individual shift maps take into account variables such as engine torque, gradients and longitudinal and lateral acceleration.

In more detail, the transmission, which was developed with ZF, has four gear seats and six shift elements of multi-disc clutches, dog clutches and brakes. Only three shift elements are open at any time. With fewer open shift elements, drag losses through multiple parts rotating relative to one another are reduced. In addition, the gear ratios and the smaller steps between them that having nine speeds allows ensures there's the correct gear for every circumstance which helps to improve mechanical efficiency because the engine is operating at lower revs for more of the time. First gear has been specifically designed for aggressive launches while there are four overdrive ratios to benefit highway fuel economy and reduce noise, vibration and harshness levels. The result is an automatic gearbox that can provide fast, smooth changes and the ideal response to almost any conditions and style of driving.

DRIVING: ON-ROAD COMFORT, OFF-ROAD CAPABILITY
The Jeep name is synonymous with off-road capability and the latest version of the Cherokee lives up to the brand's heritage by combining premium on-road driving dynamics with unique trail-rated capability when the going gets rough.

The Jeep Cherokee sits on a new Compact US Wide (CUS-wide) architecture, employing common, modular and interchangeable components that allow multiple models to be built using the same basic underpinnings. The body structure is strong, light and solid thanks to the use of hot-stamped, high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel. The result is an SUV with the refined on-road manners of a premium car.

However, the materials are only part of the story. The new Jeep Cherokee has independent front suspension with MacPherson struts that provides 17cm of travel, while the rear independent multi-link suspension gives up to 19.8cm of travel for better articulation. The isolated rear cradle, aluminium front cross member and excellent torsional rigidity deliver a quieter, smoother ride with improved handling characteristics.

The Electronic Power Steering system (EPS) derives its power assistance from an electric motor rather than traditional hydraulics and controlled by sensors monitoring steering torque, steering wheel speed and angle, and vehicle speed. The results are optimal assistance at all speeds for the driver, plus less noise and better fuel efficiency. The EPS also helps the Cherokee feel nimble and manoeuvrable in tight spaces thanks to a turning circle of 11m for two-wheel drive models and11.6m for four-wheel drive.

The Cherokee is the first mid-size SUV to feature rear axle disconnect, resulting in reduced energy loss when 4x4 capability is not needed, and improving fuel efficiency. It switches seamlessly without input from the driver.

Jeep Active Drive I
Go-anywhere capability is a given with the Jeep brand and 4X4 versions of the new Cherokee in Ireland are offered with the Jeep Active Drive I system with a single Power Transfer Unit. This enables four-wheel drive to be engaged and disengaged at any speed with no input from the driver. The system offers balanced torque distribution with brake traction control and can deliver or restrict power to individual wheels in extreme driving conditions.

It works through a fully variable wet clutch that's housed in the rear drive module. This clutch supplies the proper amount of torque for all driving conditions from slippery surfaces to aggressive starts. A sophisticated computer program enables this to work alongside the ESC system to deliver outstanding driving dynamics.

Selec-Terrain system
All models fitted with Jeep Active Drive I also feature the Selec-Terrain traction control system. With the push of a button on the Selec-Terrain dial, drivers can choose one of up to five customised settings: Auto, Snow, Sport, Sand/Mud and Rock. The system has been designed to allow drivers to maximise the Cherokee's four-wheel drive system for unsurpassed control and capability. Selec-Terrain electronically co-ordinates and optimises up to 12 systems including the ESC, electronic brake controller and powertrain controller.

Towing
The braked towing capacity of the 140hp 2.0-litre turbo diesel with front-wheel drive is 1,800kg; the 140hp with four-wheel drive can pull up to 1,600kg; and the 170hp 4x4 automatic is a best-in-class 2,475kg.

SAFETY: MORE THAN 70 FEATURES
The new Jeep Cherokee isn't just a safe pair of hands when it comes to driving off road - it is safe whatever the conditions. The Cherokee has already been awarded five stars by the prestigious EuroNCAP organisation and was rated best-in-class for 2013 in the ‘Small Offroad 4x4' category with a score of 83 per cent.

The Cherokee's success at providing excellent passenger protection comes from having safety engineered into it from the ground up. Its new Compact US Wide (CUS-wide) architecture employs 65 per cent high-strength steel on top of which there are more than 70 active and passive safety features, some of them firsts in this class of car.

Forward Collision Warning with Crash Mitigation
This system employs radar and video sensors to monitor the gap to vehicles or large obstacles in front. If it detects the Cherokee approaching something in its path too quickly it activates the brakes and warns the driver to enable them to avoid, or reduce the effects of, any impact.

Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist
Using ultra-sonic parking sensors, this class-leading option finds parking spaces that will accommodate the Cherokee and then helps the driver reverse into them. It works for car park-style perpendicular parking and on-street parallel parking manoeuvres. The system controls the steering angle, the driver, the gear position, brake and accelerator. Information about the manoeuvre and where the car is in relation to other vehicles is displayed on the TFT screen in the instrument cluster with a 1941 Willys Jeep graphic on either side of the open parking space. ParkSense is operated by buttons on the steering wheel and is currently only available on Limited automatic versions.

The Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop&Go (ACC)
Pre-setting a cruising speed means that the driver can relax in the knowledge that should the Cherokee start closing on another vehicle in the same lane, the cruise control will automatically decrease its speed. If the vehicle in front speeds up or moves out of the way, the ACC will accelerate again. The driver can adjust the distance between the Cherokee and the vehicle in front making ACC versatile and a real safety benefit, particularly when driving in poor weather or reduced visibility.

LaneSense Lane Departure Warning
This employs a camera-based vision sensor to establish the Cherokee's position on the road. If the car starts to drift out of its lane with no turn signal activation, there's a visual warning and small amount of torque on the steering wheel. There's a secondary visual warning if the system senses the driver unintentionally drifting too far.

Blind Spot Monitoring
By using dual ultra-wideband radar sensors the Cherokee can help change lanes safely, notifying the driver if there's anything in their blind spot. Notification is via illuminated icons in the door mirror and a selectable chime.

Rear Cross Path (RCP) detection
By taking parking sensors a step further, RCP warns drivers backing out of parking spaces of traffic moving towards their vehicle. It's activated when reverse is selected and notifies the driver by illuminated icons in the door mirror plus a selectable chime.

Seven airbags as standard
In addition to these innovative features, the Jeep Cherokee comes with seven airbags as standard. These include front seat multi-stage airbags, side bags, window bags and driver's side knee airbags. Included is Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) which determines whether a crash warrants airbag deployment and whether primary or secondary stage inflation should be implemented. The ORC also determines whether the curtain and thorax airbags should deploy in side impacts. As well as airbags there are adaptive front seats belts with active load limiters designed to prevent excessive chest loading in an impact.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is also standard, as is Electronic Rollover Mitigation which uses the same sensors as the ESC to detect a possible rollover situation and does its best to prevent it. The ABS anti-lock brake system is also standard and it features rough-road detection. Vibrations from driving on a rough surface cause oscillations in the wheel speed signals. The ABS computer knows the car is on a rough surface so the braking is calibrated differently, holding brake pressure for longer pulses to improve stopping ability.

Irish pricing for the new Jeep Cherokee is as follows:

VERSION PRICE
CHEROKEE LONGITUDE 2.0 140HP 6SP MANUAL 4X2 €36,000
CHEROKEE LONGITUDE 2.0 140HP 6SP MANUAL 4X4 €39,500
CHEROKEE LONGITUDE 2.0 170HP 9-SP AUTO 4X4 €43,750
CHEROKEE LIMITED 2.0 140HP 6SP MANUAL 4X2 €43,150
CHEROKEE LIMITED 2.0 140HP 6 SP MANUAL 4X4 €46,650
CHEROKEE LIMITED 2.0 170HP 9-SP AUTO 4X4 €50,900

The Jeep Cherokee is offered in two versions: Longitude and Limited.

The Jeep Cherokee Longitude is extremely well equipped with LED Daytime Running Lights and LED tail lights; front cornering/fog lamps; 17-inch aluminium wheels with TPMS; window surrounds, grilles, roof rails and exhaust tips with a chrome finish; dual-zone climate control; remote central locking; electric windows with one-touch operation in the front; heated and power-folding door mirrors; front and rear luxury floor mats; a tilting and telescopic steering column and six-way adjustable driver's seat, all as standard. Other luxuries include a leather-wrapped steering wheel with remote audio controls; the 5.0-inch Uconnect^TM touchscreen infotainment centre with six speakers, USB and Bluetooth connectivity; ParkSense Rear Park Assist with Stop and cruise control.

The Limited version adds the 8.4-inch Uconnect^TM touchscreen infotainment centre with satellite navigation system, DAB radio and an Alpine nine-speaker sound system, as well keyless Enter'n Go; self-dimming rear view mirror; tinted privacy glass; rain-sensitive windscreen wipers; automatic HID bi-xenon headlamps with washers; heated and cooled front seats with an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat with four-way lumbar adjustment and two memory settings, as well as full Nappa leather trim. Other features include a wireless charging pad for phones and tablets, a seven-inch TFT colour screen in the instrument cluster, a rear reversing camera and 18-inch polished aluminium wheels.

Key options include special paint for €900, the full-length glass sunroof with a tilt/slide forward portion and electric blind for €1,400 and a full-size steel spare wheel for €285.

HISTORY: 70 YEARS IN THE MAKING
As World War Two raged in Europe, the US military realised it needed to update its modified Ford Model T based reconnaissance vehicles. It developed a lengthy specification list and invited 135 vehicle manufacturers to bid on production.

The Willys-Overland Quad design triumphed and quickly became known as the ‘Jeep'. The name's origins are uncertain. Some claim it came from the slurring of the letters GP, the military abbreviation for General Purpose. Others say it was named after a character ‘Eugene the Jeep' in the popular Popeye cartoon strip. Whatever, it was a massive success with more than half a million of the drab olive green vehicles built for action in all theatres of World War Two.

After the war Willys trademarked the Jeep name and turned its military vehicle into an off-road workhorse for farmers, the Utility Jeep. The first civilian Jeep, the CJ-2A was built in 1945 and the basic design developed as the years went by. In 1953, Willys-Overland was sold to Henry J Kaiser for $60 million and the company immediately began investigating expanding the Jeep product range.

The CJ-3B, little different to the wartime model, continued in production until 1968. More than 150,000 were sold and other models were added to the range. In 1955 came the CJ-5 which was built until 1983 with more than 600,000 sold.

In 1963 Jeep introduced the first automatic transmission to a four-wheel drive vehicle in the new Wagoneer, a predecessor to the Cherokee. But despite that and the CJ's success, Kaiser lost money on Jeeps and in 1970 it was bought by American Motors Corporation (AMC).

Built on the same SJ platform as the Wagoneer, the Cherokee was sold as a two-door version between 1974 and '83. In 1984, Jeep invested $250m to replace the Wagoneer with the XJ or Cherokee. It was built on a revolutionary monocoque platform instead of the traditional chassis and frame. Other highlights included the introduction of Jeep's Command-Trac four-wheel-drive system and Quadra-Link coil front suspension. It was available as both two and four door models until 1988.

The XJ version of the Cherokee was the first vehicle with a choice of 4x4 systems: Command Trac part-time and Selec-Trac full-time. Although sales of the Cherokee soared after the 1984 re-design, AMC sold to the Chrysler Corporation on August 5, 1987 and the popular Jeep brand became part of Chrysler's Jeep/Eagle Division. It has gone from strength to strength ever since.

Today, the Jeep vehicle line-up is available in 120 countries around the world and includes Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, all-new Cherokee and, in early 2015, will welcome the all-new Jeep Renegade to the range.

For more information visit www.jeeppress.ie and you can direct readers to www.jeep.ie for more details of the new Jeep Cherokee and other models in the Jeep Ireland range.