Launched at this year's Geneva International Motor Show and introduced throughout Italy and the major European markets in April, the new Jeep Cherokee is finally in Malta and available for viewing and testing at the JEEP showroom in Valley Road, Msida.
JEEP's philosophy for this particular model has seen the car evolve into a completely new vehicle delivering to customers a fresh interpretation of the "Go anywhere, do anything" attitude, an attitude which forms the essence of every model belonging to the legendary American brand. "It's a whole generation ahead of just about anything else in its class. It is a blueprint for what a Jeep should be both now and for decades to come."
Today, the new generation of the Jeep mid-size SUV features a new sleek and athletic design, enhanced on-road driving dynamics and handling, legendary 4×4 capabilities, refined interior craftsmanship, innovative technology, new levels of efficiency, entertainment and comfort and 'five-star' safety and security features that allowed the vehicle to earn the designation of 'safest SUV' in its category from Euro NCAP.
The new Jeep Cherokee is available in both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations and offers a choice of three innovative four-wheel drive systems - Jeep® Active Drive I, Jeep® Active Drive II and Jeep® Active Drive Lock - that ensure benchmark 4×4 capabilities in all driving conditions. This vehicle is also the first mid-size SUV to feature rear axle disconnect, resulting in reduced friction and energy loss when 4x4 capability is not needed and ensuring improved fuel efficiency.
The new Jeep Cherokee has been marketed in Europe in three trim levels: the Longitude, the Limited and the Trailhawk, equipped with the new 2.0-litre MultiJet II turbo diesel or with a 3.2-litre Pentastar petrol engine. The efficient 2.0-litre turbo diesel delivers 170 horsepower and is coupled with the new nine-speed automatic transmission - a feature that the new generation Cherokee proudly introduces into its category. A 140 horsepower version of the 2.0-litre engine is also fitted on the new Jeep Cherokee in combination with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Both versions of the 2.0 turbo diesel incorporate standard 'Stop/Start' technology that improves fuel efficiency and reduces CO2 emissions. The 3.2-litre V6 Pentastar petrol engine delivering 272 horsepower completes the engine range and is offered only in combination with the new nine-speed automatic transmission.
"This new JEEP Cherokee represents a further expression of JEEP's constant evolution in terms of innovation, technology and performance, and consolidates the current strategy of expanding the JEEP range worldwide. This is why we feel this particular model is going to go down well in the a local market which is thirsty for aggressive new interpretations of a model that stands out for its uniquely adventurous identity," states Francesca Mamo, Managing Director of UCIM Co Ltd, representatives of the JEEP brand in Malta.
With the interior, on the other hand, Mopar set out to prove that the current 'street' requirements can go hand in hand with something no other brand can boast: the DNA that has made Jeep the authentic brand for more than 70 years. An entirely hand-made interior is precisely what was needed to reinforce this concept.
The new JEEP Cherokee is available for viewing and test drives from the JEEP showroom in Valley Road Msida. Prices start from €39,000 in Longitude trim that already comprises loads of features such as touch-screen with bluetooth, cruise control, dual zone climate control, and lots more! There then is the Limited version for €5,000 more that increases a massive 8.4 inch screen, a further TFT in the driver's binnacle, full leather with heated and ventilated front seats, HID headlamps, electric boot, and many more luxurious features! These and all other range prices are the exact showroom price the Cherokee is sold for in Italy, despite the Maltese Registration Tax incurred here. Clients now have the facility to go on http://carconfigurator.jeep.com/it_IT/cherokee/ and configure the Cherokee version and options on the Italian configurator and then order it for the same showroom price with Maltese registration INCLUDED! For more information visit the JEEP showroom in Valley Road, Msida.
The JEEP Cherokee has already been a recipient for a number of prestigious awards:-
- Motorweek has the Jeep Cherokee its Best Small Utility.
- Autobytel named the 2014 Jeep Cherokee one of the 10 Best Small SUVs.
- The 2014 JeepCherokee was named by AutoGuide.com Reader's Choice Crossover of the Year.
- The Texas Auto Writers Association gave the Cherokee the prestigious Compact SUV of Texas title
- Named Best Value On-Road in the Carspondent.com Active Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year competition
- Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com named the 2014 Cherokee one of the 10 Best SUVs Under $25,000
- The Rocky Mountain Automotive Press named the Cherokee the SUV of the Year.
- The Northwest Automotive Press Association named the Cherokee Trailhawk® the 2014 Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year and the 2014 Best Compact Utility of the Year.