By David Bonnici
A local car dealer lamented how the SUVs in his brand’s range don’t have the “driveway cred” of the Jeep Cherokee.
After years as a fringe dweller in Australia’s highly competitive SUV market, the Cherokee has experienced a steady rise in popularity thanks to its rugged appeal and effective marketing campaign.
I was pretty excited to test drive the new base-model two-wheel-drive Jeep Cherokee Sport but found that it’s driveway credibility and aesthetic appeal were pretty much the only things that set it apart from its Japanese and Korean competitors.
It’s a nice enough vehicle to drive. The ride is smooth, the suspension set between firm and soft in a way that Goldilocks’ would approve.
The 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder engine pulls it along OK but protests a little when you put the foot down.
It has a 7-inch touch screen with Chrysler’s U-Connect system that brings together media, phone, climate control and reverse camera in a user-friendly way.
This is a nice, features-packed 2WD SUV for people who want something more than a station wagon, and it’s good value at $35,000.
But if you want something more in keeping with Jeep’s “don’t hold back” image you only need go one up in the Cherokee range.
The eloquently named Longitude costs $5000 more than the Sport, but for that you get four-wheel-drive and a gutsy 3.2-litre, six-cylinder engine amongst other features.
I liked this so much I drove it to Sydney!
The extra power made it feel like a bigger car. It thinks it’s a V8 but has reasonable fuel economy. It even has a sports-car-like throaty note when you put the foot down and there’s a seamless shift through the nine-speed automatic transmission.
The Longitude also has a ‘Selec-Terrain’ traction control system, which lets you choose between on- and off-road settings including Auto, Snow, Sport, Sand/Mud.
On the road it handles nicely and is comfortable to drive. The seats have electronic settings, including lumbar adjust, and I felt great after a day in the saddle. I was even looking forward to the return trip.
The back seats are roomy with plenty of head and legroom and there’s ample storage including a deep centre console and a clever space under the front passenger seat cushion.
The Longitude’s standard features include roof rails, automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, 17-inch alloy wheels and leather trim.
It also has an option for the 8.2-inch U-Connect screen that includes satellite navigation providing clear direction.
The elephant in the room with the new Cherokee range (which includes the higher priced Limited and Trailhawk models) is its shark-like front, which seems to divide people.
I liked the big grille of the previous models, but I’ve come around. I reckon it looks best with darker colours.
It is available at Caroline Springs Chrysler Jeep Dodge, 1107 Western Highway,
www.carolinespringschryslerjeep.com.au
