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National Roads and Motorists’ No.

650
ROAD TEST REPORT Association Limited
ABN 77 000 010 506

trading as
By Bob Hudson MIAME
MEMBER SERVICES June 2002
August
Vehicle Evaluation Engineer NRMA Member Services

JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT


2.5 Litre Turbo Diesel Manual
FEATURES
BEST WORST
New diesel engine gives Cramped footwell in manual version
improved on-road performance Rear tailgate needs a lot of space to
Good off-road ability fully open
Improved luggage space Small rear door openings
The new Jeep Cherokee that debuted late last These latest Cherokees to some extent at least,
year not only presented a bold new look, it also re-invent the traditional Jeep look, with the front
JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT
introduced two new engines, new suspension and end featuring a very prominent seven-slot grille SPECIFICATIONS
steering, and a number of new features. flanked by round headlights. The body coloured ENGINE:
In this report we test the Sport version, wheel arches protrude a lot more than on the Type ....Four cylinder, in-line, DOHC, 16 valves
powered by the all-new 2.5 litre DOHC direct previous model and the new body is also taller. Capacity in litres..................................... 2.499
injection common rail turbo diesel engine built For greater cargo space, the spare wheel has Induction ......... Direct injection, turbocharged
by DaimlerChrysler. The previous diesel engine been moved outside and is mounted on the Fuel .......................................................Diesel
was an Italian-made 2.5 litre OHV unit with swing-out lower tailgate. The upper section is Claimed max. power ...... 105 kW at 3800 rpm
indirect mechanical fuel injection. glass and it can be opened via the remote, or by Claimed max. torque ...... 343 Nm at 2000 rpm
The Sport also comes with a 3.7 litre SOHC exerting gentle pressure on the lower gate release Specific power output.................42.0 kW/litre
V6 that produces more power and torque than handle. Access to the now usefully larger rear TRANSMISSION:
the previous 4.0 litre OHV in-line six. load area is easy with this system, however like Type .................................. Five speed manual
The more upmarket Cherokee Limited comes most swing-out tailgates, a lot of room is needed Driving wheels .....Selectable four wheel drive
only with the V6 petrol engine. There’s no choice behind the vehicle to fully open it. Speed per 1000 rpm in top gear....... 42.5 km/h
of transmissions - if you buy the V6 you get an Occupant space and comfort is still much the WHEELS: ....................... Steel, 7.0 x 16 inch
automatic, if you buy the diesel you get a manual. same as we reported for the previous model. Up TYRES: ...... Goodyear Wrangler, 235/70 R16
The diesel model comes with Command- front there’s a reasonable amount of legroom, but Spare: ....................... Matching size and type
Trac part-time 4WD while the two V6 models the footwell is cramped, leaving nowhere for STEERING:
have Selec-Trac (selectable) full-time 4WD. drivers of the manual version to comfortably rest Type ............... Power assisted rack and pinion
Prices start at $43,990 for the Sport V6, the their left foot. Seat comfort is a personal thing, Turns lock to lock....................................... 3.5
Sport diesel is $1,000 more at $44,990 and the however for me, the cushion was too short to Turning circle (measured) .............11.0 metres
Limited V6 costs $47,990. provide effective thigh support and the backrest DIMENSIONS:
Suspension changes include a switch from rear shaping didn’t suit me. Mass ................................................... 1735 kg
leaf springs to links and coils and a revised coil Rear leg space is reasonable and seat Length .............................................. 4496 mm
spring independent front suspension. There’s also comfort rates as average, but the seat width is Width (incl. mirrors 2100 mm) ........ 1819 mm
a new aluminium front diff housing, designed for a bit narrow to take three adults and the small Height............................................... 1866 mm
use with the IFS. A rack and pinion steering rear door openings make access awkward. Ground clearance (measured)............. 175 mm
system replaces the old recirculating ball system. As is usual for a diesel engine, best performance Seating capacity ............................................ 5
Though this latest Cherokee’s braking is available within a specific rev range and this Fuel tank capacity............................... 70 litres
system retains a front disc/rear drum set-up, new DOHC unit gives its best from 2,000 to TOWING:
both the discs and drums have been enlarged around 3,500 rpm. Below or above those speeds, Max. towed mass (trailer plus load)........ 2250 kg
for greater cooling capacity. The Limited there’s not a lot of urgency about its response. Max. towball download (laden trailer) . 225 kg
model’s ABS has been refined and electronic Nevertheless, this model (which is also NRMA THEFT RATING:
brake force distribution introduced. heavier) shaved 1.4 seconds off the 0-100 km/h Points on 0-110 scale (high score best) ....... 67
Equipment levels in the Sport version aren’t time recorded by the previous diesel we tested. It WARRANTY: .........Three years, 100,000 km
quite as extensive as those in the Limited, but was 1.2 seconds faster from 0-80 km/h and took MANUFACTURED IN:............... Ohio, USA
it still scores pretty well. In addition to items 0.6 seconds less to cover the standing 400 metres.
already mentioned, it has dual front airbags, We also recorded better fuel consumption TEST RESULTS
air conditioning, power windows, remote figures – 1.6 litres/100 km better in city ACCELERATION:
central locking, engine immobiliser, stereo running, 1.1 better in highway-type conditions 50 - 80 km/h (in 3rd) ............................ 5.2 sec
system with single CD player, exterior mirrors and 1.3 litres/100 more economical overall. 60 -100 km/h (in 3rd) ........................... 8.7 sec
that are heated, electrically adjustable and SUMMARY: 0 - 80 km/h ......................................... 10.2 sec
fully foldable, a tilt steering column and roof With its latest technology diesel engine 0 - 100 km/h ....................................... 15.6 sec
rails. giving more power and better fuel economy, 0 - 400 metres..................................... 19.8 sec
The Limited adds ABS, alloy wheels, leather and the new suspension and steering providing FUEL CONSUMPTION:
trim, power adjustable front seats, an alarm, front an improved on-road driving performance, the Litres/100 km in city ................................ 10.2
fog lamps, an overhead console with trip latest series Cherokee Sport diesel is a more Litres/100 km on highway.......................... 9.0
computer, a cargo compartment cover, a higher attractive proposition than the previous model. Litres/100 km overall ................................. 9.4
grade sound system with 6-stack CD changer, Though the two Cherokee V6 petrol models will BRAKING:
cruise control and front seat map pockets. provide stronger performance, plus the Distance to stop from 80 km/h ......33.4 metres
Though the Cherokee is quite a competent convenience of automatic transmission and NOISE:
off-road performer in standard form, there is the selectable full-time 4WD, the combination of a Interior at constant 80 km/h.............. 70 dB(A)
option of an ‘Off Road Group’ pack which diesel engine and manual transmission will
includes heavier duty tyres, and fuel tank and generally prove superior when the going gets • Test vehicle supplied by DaimlerChrysler
Australia/Pacific Pty Ltd
transfer case skid plates, for $1,090. tough, and will also save you money on fuel bills.
Call NRMA Technical Advice on 1300 655 443, should you require additional information on this vehicle, on other
makes, or for general advice on automotive matters.

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