NASREC, Johannesburg – The all-new Jeep® Cherokee remains true to its legendary 4×4 heritage while offering customers more on-road refinement and amenities. The new Cherokee takes on the Jeep rugged exterior design, and it now comes standard with the all-new Selec-Trac® II full-time four-wheel-drive system. Cherokee also now offers more standard features than ever before.
Inside, the all-new Jeep Cherokee will be available with supple leather seats offering single-colour leather featuring French-seam stitching. The passenger grab handle, console-storage cover and front-door trim panels also receive the same leather treatment, complete with the French-seam stitching. The emergency brake handle and transmission shifter receive exclusive leather treatment, brushed stainless-steel door-sill plates welcome passengers, and the floor carpet is augmented with premium floor mats.
In addition to an all-new interior design, the amenities, innovations, cargo and storage space continue to improve. An exclusive, all-new feature is the Sky Slider™ full-open canvas roof, giving the Jeep Cherokee customer an open-air experience. Rain-sensing wipers, express-up/down windows, and memory seats, radio and mirrors are added to the vehicle’s ever-growing list of available features and options.
Standard features now include automatic temperature control system, tilt steering column, luxury steering wheel, power and heated fold-away mirrors, power windows with driver-side one-touch, fog lamps and aluminium wheels.
Two models – Jeep Cherokee Sport and Jeep Cherokee Limited – are available in the South African market.
Classic Jeep design
The exterior design of the all-new Jeep Cherokee takes its cues directly from the Jeep brands legendary 65 plus years of heritage. Familiar design characteristics, such as the clamshell bonnet, seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel openings and rugged stance provide the vehicle with its classic Jeep style.
Standard on both Jeep Cherokee Sport and Limited is the signature seven-slot grille. A front-end module that spans across the vehicle houses the grille and headlamp system in a single unit. The structure is designed to meet pedestrian impact and other crash standards for all markets. Front lamp modules contain the halogen headlamps and standard fog lamps. The front fascia is body colour on all vehicles.
At the side of the vehicle, deep body sections and a high beltline produce a tough, strong and capable appearance. A wheels-to-the-corner stance and dramatic trapezoidal-shaped fender flares enhance the vehicle’s side profile. Fender flares are now painted body colour on both the Jeep Cherokee Sport and Limited models.
Dark Slate mould-in-colour bodyside mouldings accent the Sport model, and bright chrome side mouldings are on the Limited model. The Cherokee name is distinctly stamped into the side mouldings. A mould-in-colour side vent featuring seven slots is placed at the side of the vehicle’s elongated hood where it meets the fender, door and A-pillar. The spare tyre is now placed underneath the vehicle, allowing for increased interior space.
Industry-exclusive Sky Slider full-open canvas roof
The all-new Jeep Cherokee brings the open-air experience with the industry-exclusive Sky Slider full-length open canvas roof. The Sky Slider roof can be moved to several positions, including full forward, full rear or partially open to any position in-between with a convenient express one-touch switch.
The Sky Slider roof is made of a reinforced acrylic cloth, similar to a convertible top, which is weather-resistant and leak-proof. The top panel nests into a weather strip seal to help minimise wind noise. The roof utilises anti-pinch software that will prevent the roof from moving should it detect an object in its path. The Sky Slider roof is an optional feature on the Jeep Cherokee Limited, whilst the regular glass sliding sunroof will be offered as an option on both the Sport and Limited versions.
Functional interior space with more available amenities
The interior of the all-new Jeep Cherokee delivers simple, functional styling and provides customers with ample storage and organisational space.
Standard 60/40 split fold-flat rears seats and fold-flat front-passenger seat are perfect for loading, hauling and tailgating. The rear seats also incorporate a recline feature offering greater adjustment for passengers. The front and rear seats feature wide inserts and heavy bolstering designed to cradle occupants for a secure feeling. The seats have tall, square shoulders, and the bottom cushion has been lengthened for better thigh support.
The Sport model comes standard with cloth seats upholstered in YES Essentials seat fabric. This advanced fabric repels stains, controls odours and reduces static electricity. The new fabric can withstand endless cleanings without changing the texture, appearance or comfort of the seats or surfaces during ownership of the vehicle. Leather seats are standard on the Limited model.
A four-spoke steering wheel provides the all-new Jeep Cherokee with a generously tactile heft and feel. A leather-wrapped steering wheel is standard on Limited models and feature steering-wheel-mounted Electronic Vehicle Information Centre (EVIC) on the face and audio controls conveniently located at the rear. A tilt function is now standard on all models.
A new two-tone instrument panel treatment gives the vehicle a feeling of spaciousness. The Jeep Cherokee features a four-gauge instrument cluster with clear white on black graphics with orange pointers.
The centre stack – black on Jeep Cherokee Sport models and satin silver on Limited models – neatly houses the climate controls, vents, radio and switch bank. For the first time, Cherokee Limited will now be available with eight premium speakers and a subwoofer. Standard on both Cherokee models is an all-new automatic temperature-control system with cabin air filtration.
Also at the centre stack is an open bin with a rubber mat, perfect for placing mobile phones, hand-held PDA’s or coins.
Audio and navigation systems
The Jeep Cherokee is available with a variety of audio systems, and will offer the innovative MyGIGTM Multimedia Infotainment System that features built-in navigation, audio, entertainment and communication systems. MyGIG allows customers to use touch screen or voice commands to control features, and includes a 20-gigabyte hard drive where music and photos can be stored. An integrated music jukebox supports Gracenote music-file management to add song, artist and album information to the music files automatically. Space is reserved on the hard drive for approximately 1 600 songs – more than 100 hours of music. The system also includes a voice-memo recorder feature.
The voice dialogue system recognizes more than 100 000 words. The navigation system features both 2-D and 3-D bird’s-eye views of roads and multiple route calculation alternatives. Maps and guidance are displayed on a motorized, flip-down 6.5-inch thin-film-transistor (TFT) colour display. The TFT screen uses an active matrix for viewing from angles up to 180 degrees – perfect for the centre of an instrument panel.
All radio head units available in the Cherokee feature a 3.5 mm audio input jack for easy connection to an MP3 player. The Infinity® Premium Sound System on Cherokee Limited offers a total of nine speakers, which includes one 6.5-inch subwoofer. It also includes an eight-channel amplifier producing 368 watts of power.
Cargo and utility
There are several storage and convenience features designed into Jeep Cherokee’s spacious rear cargo area.
Both left and right trim panels have cargo tie-down loops for securing items to the load floor. The left trim panel houses a concealed compartment for jack storage and tools.
The load floor system has a reversible carpeted surface. Dual latches on either side release for access to a 100 mm deep waterproof storage bin beneath the lid – perfect for muddy boots or pots of flowers.
Proven 3.7l V6 petrol engine
The 3.7l SOHC V6 petrol engine provides the Jeep Cherokee with competitive peak power and torque while providing smooth, quiet operation and proven durability. It produces 151 kW at 5 200 r/min and 314 Nm of torque at 4 000 r/min.
Refinements in the valve train and combustion chamber enhance low-speed torque while providing a smooth idle and minimal engine noise. A sophisticated Electronic Throttle Control system helps to improve drivability and acceleration feel. The exhaust gas recirculation valve helps to increase the engine’s fuel economy.
Economical and powerful 2.8l CRD
The Jeep Cherokee is also available with a new 2.8l DOHC 16-valve common-rail turbo diesel engine. With its Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) and rapid throttle response, this engine enables the Cherokee to claim best-in-class torque of 460 Nm at 2 100 r/min with the five-speed automatic transmission, and best-in-class towing capacity of up to 2 800 kg and a driving range of 725 km. Maximum power is 130 kW at 3 800 r/min.
The new 2.8l CRD engine also provides weight savings of approximately 6 %, achieves increased cam belt life (durability now of 140 000 km) and features Piezo fuel injectors and a 2 000-bar fuel system to improve fuel-system speed and control.
A forged steel crankshaft now features eight counterweights compared to the four in the previous version. A structural oil pan assists in reducing noise, vibration and harshness on the new engine.
The VGT now has an electronically controlled actuator as opposed to a pneumatic one on the previous engine. This provides improved cold launch performance, and it also allows the turbocharger to spool up faster from idle, minimising turbo lag and providing good low-end and high-end torque.
All-new full-time four-wheel-drive system
The all-new Selec-Trac II full-time four-wheel-drive system is standard on both Jeep Cherokee Sport and Limited models. The Selec-Trac II four-wheel-drive system is a full-time, active on-demand system that anticipates and prevents wheel slip before it occurs. It is ideal for a wide range of road settings, including dry pavement conditions not typically suited for conventional part-time four-wheel-drive systems.
This premium system offers a 4WD Auto mode that is just right for full-time driving. When driving in 4WD Auto mode, the system uses vehicle sensors to adjust and redirect torque between the front and rear axles based upon real-time driving conditions, providing the vehicle with responsive tractive performance.
For added capability when traversing steep grades, rough terrain or extremely poor traction surfaces, the transfer case includes a 4WD Low mode. This second speed gear multiplies engine torque 2.72 times and locks the clutch pack for maximum traction.
Electric shifting between 2WD, 4WD Auto and 4WD Low is accomplished with a console-mounted switch. A pushpin button is used to shift to Neutral mode.
Manual and automatic transmissions
Three transmissions are offered on the Jeep Cherokee – a six-speed manual, five-speed automatic and four-speed automatic transmission – depending on the engine choice.
The six-speed manual transmission is standard on all Jeep Cherokee models featuring the 2.8l CRD engine. It provides optimal shift quality, quiet operation and high quality. All ratios are synchronised, including Reverse. State-of-the-art synchroniser materials ensure a constant coefficient of friction throughout the service life with high-wear resistance. For precise shifting, a multi-rail shift system is used. Hard-finished gears allow for quiet operation. The two-piece aluminium case with integrated clutch housing contributes to powertrain stiffness and light weight.
The Jeep Cherokee equipped with the 2.8l CRD engine is available with the five-speed automatic transmission. It is shared with the Jeep Grand Cherokee and improvements include quieter operation.
The four-speed automatic transmission is standard with the 3.7l V6 petrol engine. The transmission incorporates a variable hydraulic line pressure feature to increase fuel economy.
All-new suspension and steering systems
A new independent front suspension, new five-link rear suspension and a power rack-and-pinion steering system contribute to the new Jeep Cherokee’s blend of on-road ride comfort and nimble, confidence-inspiring handling.
The independent short- and long-arm coil spring front suspension provides drivers with an optimum combination of ride, handling and a steering feel that is unattainable with typical strut-type suspensions. A link-type stabiliser bar helps control body lean in cornering and lane-change manoeuvres.
A new five-link rear suspension, including upper and lower trailing links and a track bar, provides greater lateral stiffness, making the vehicle feel more responsive. The solid axle delivers uniform handling and stability when the vehicle is loaded or towing a trailer.
To help create a premium on-road driving experience and confident road feel. The power rack-and-pinion steering imparts a precise feel and provides a turning circle similar to vehicles with a shorter wheelbase.
Jeep-engineered Hill Descent Control
The Jeep-engineered Hill Descent Control system is now available on the all-new Cherokee. The system has been designed to mimic the downhill control and flexibility afforded by the ultra-low gearing found in a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. This gearing provides for six speeds of controlled hill descent.
Operational in the 4WD Low position, Hill Descent Control provides downhill assistance at a controlled rate of speed with more precision and smoother operation than simply using the brakes. By means of electronic brake control, Hill Descent Control supplements the gear reduction and engine braking that a traditional mechanical low-range transfer case provides.
Unlike most of its competitors, the new Jeep Cherokee with Hill Descent Control offers extremely smooth transitions between speeds and allows the driver to use the throttle and brakes without turning the system off, with a smooth and controlled return to the preset speed after the driver releases the throttle or brakes.
Hill Descent Control is standard on all Jeep Cherokee models with automatic transmissions.
Hill Start Assist
A Hill Start Assist system is new for Jeep Cherokee. It provides the driver time to transition from brake to throttle to achieve a smooth launch on a grade. The system will hold brake pressure for two seconds upon the driver’s release of the brake pedal. The Hill Start Assist system decreases brake pressure in response to increasing throttle to provide a smooth launch. This system is extremely helpful when driving in urban as well as off-road areas with steep hills.
Hill Start Assist is standard on all Jeep Cherokee models.
Jeep Cherokee safety and security equipment
Jeep Cherokee continues to build on its already long list of Safety and Security technologies:
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Advanced multi-stage air bags
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Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Rough Road Detection
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All-speed Traction Control
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Auto-reverse sun roof/Sky Slider
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Auto-reverse driver window
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BeltAlert
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Brake Assist
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Brake/Park interlock
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Child seat anchor system (ISOFIX)
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Child-protection rear door locks
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Crumple zones
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Digressive load-limiting retractors
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Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)
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Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)
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Energy-absorbing steering column
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Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS)
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Height-adjustable front seat belts
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Hill Descent Control
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Hill Start Assist
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Interior head-impact protection
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Knee bolsters
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Low-risk deployment front passenger air bag
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ParkSense® Rear Back-up System
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Remote keyless entry
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Safety cage body structure
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Seat belt pretensioners (both front seat belts)
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Sentry Key® Engine Immobiliser
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Side guard door beams
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Supplemental side curtain air bags
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Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
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UConnect® Hands-free Communication System
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Vehicle theft security alarm
Jeep Cherokee pricing
The new Jeep Cherokee is available from Jeep dealerships in the following derivatives:
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Jeep Cherokee 2.8l Sport Manual R339 900
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Jeep Cherokee 2.8l Sport Automatic R349 900
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Jeep Cherokee 3.7l Sport Automatic R299 900
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Jeep Cherokee 2.8l Limited Manual R364 900
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Jeep Cherokee 2.8l Limited Automatic R374 900
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Jeep Cherokee 3.7l Limited Automatic R324 900
Various optional extras can also be added to further individualise the range:
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MyGig Infotainment and Navigation system
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Power sunroof
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Sky slider full open roof (Limited only)
All Chrysler group products come standard with a three year / 100 000 km warranty and maintenance plan.