Jeep Cherokee (Liberty) test drive since 2007 SUV

Cuba magic

Jeep Cherokee. Price: 1249250 rub. On sale: from September 2008
Apparently, with the advent of the 4th generation of Jeep Cherokee, he will again have a lot of fans who turned away from the model with the end of Cherokee Classic. The novelty was returned to what the previous series did not have, masculinity. But the Indian without a courageous profile is all that lion without a mane

Oleg Kalaushin, 39 years old, automobile journalist, driving experience 21 years old, personal car - Renault Logan
It seems that both the design group and the leadership of the corporation in a word, the entire Chrysler is influenced by a certain magic cube. Otherwise, how to explain that in fact, all cars of this concern have such primitive chopped forms? It seems that there are still very few, and from the factory gate they will begin to carry cars on square wheels. After that, in fact, here everything will finally go to the joy of competitors. Nevertheless, we would not reckon the new Jeep Cherokee to the number of victims of these spells. On the contrary, the car only won, because he finally lost his puppy muzzle, personifying a third -generation model. A real SUV should be brutal, and it has become so.
However, it would be wrong to put this appearance to deserves from Jeep, because the new Jeep Cherokee is the same Dodge Nitro. Nevertheless, one should not believe that they differ only in the grilles of the radiator. In fact, this is only that which is the first to catch the eye. More detailed study of the appearance of the new Cherokee allows you to identify several more differences. In particular, we are talking about traditional trapezoidal wheeled arches, a different form of bumper and hood. People will even be more attentive to note for themselves that the glass of doors of the second row at Cherokee, unlike Nitro, have a window, and the side glass of the luggage compartment does not extend to the door rack. These machines and fifth doors vary. Moreover, here we can say not only about the length and form of stamping under the license plate, but also about functionality: the fifth door of the Indian already has an opening glass.
Involuntary associations with Nitro are also suggested when meeting with the Cherokee salon. In fact, these two salons are identical both in form and in content, with the only difference being that the turkey shield has more dazzle in terms of dials and near the selection selector of the automatic transmission, where Nitro just has a small box for a trifle, there is an original type of switch responsible for the operation of all -wheel drive. Yes, yes, unlike Dodge, Jeep is not a banal crossover, but a full-fledged SUV with all the attributes necessary for this high title. The new SELEC-TRAC II permanent all-wheel drive system is included in the basic package of all Jeep Cherokee and allows the driver to control its work modes. In normal mode, the 2WD system distributes torque only on the rear axle of the car, which significantly affects fuel saving. In conditions of light off -road or on a slippery road surface, you can use the 4WD Auto mode. Then the electronics itself will make a decision when and how much torque to throw to the front or rear bridge if necessary. But the last 4WD Low mode will come in handy when the wheels are really serious off -road or a steep rise. In this mode, for maximum adhesion to the road, the torque of the engine during second transmission increases to 2.72 times and, moreover, the center differential is strictly blocked.
We attracted our attention and another button responsible for activating the aid system for descent from the mountain. Earlier, Hill Descent Control was presented only at the Jeep Grand Cherokee, now it has become available in Cherokee. Unlike many systems of this kind, it allows the driver to use gas and the brake without turning off the system and, moreover, restores the previous speed after the driver releases the gas or brake pedal. It is also nice that such a system is a basic equipment in the presence of an automatic gearbox. Well, since we will not have a manual box yet, we can safely say that all Cherokee in our market will receive such a priori system.
There are two engines for today: a gasoline six of 3.7 liters and a 2.8 -liter turbodiesel. For the test we preferred to take the second option. I must say that this Italian engine took root very well on an American car. Equipped with a turbocharger with a variable geometry of the turbine, it produces 460 nm of torque at 2000 min-1. Maximum power in 177 hp The engine reaches at 3800 min-1, which is very good for the dynamic indicators of the car. What, what, but shooting from a traffic light with such a labor engine will not. The potential of the engine is also positively affected by off -road. Of course, we did not climb into the wilds, but where we intended to drive. And they used the lowering only once and then for the sake of general development.
As for handling, in general, miracles should not be waiting. Never a real SUV will show you on the highway a removal of a good car, as vice versa. In a good passenger car, you are unlikely to drive further than the lawn near the supermarket. But compromises can be. The main thing is to choose the right priority. And if you still have an off -road abilities of the car, then Cherokee is just such an option. After all, as you know, a real Indian forever everywhere nishtyak. Well, or almost everywhere.
What was he like...
The first Jeep Cherokee was a modified Wagoneer, whose debut took place already in 1965. However, the 1984 car, that is, the second generation, settled in our minds most firmly in our minds. At one time, Jeep Cherokee, the only one in a compact class, had four doors and two Comandtrac and Selecttrac all -wheel drive systems. The competitors had six years to catch up with Jeep in this segment. In the same year, the car was called the best SUV.
Driving
On the highway, the behavior of the car cannot be called exemplary. The reason is insufficient feedback of the steering. However, on the off -road Cherokee is very good.
Salon
Spacious and convenient, depressing only a huge amount of hard plastic.
Comfort
At a completely acceptable level, there is only a place for the rest of the driver’s left leg. On a long trip, this will be tired.
Safety
Four airbags, ABS, ESP, Brake Assist in the database.
Price
At the level of competitors.
Advantages and disadvantages
+ Good off -road makings, decent sound insulation, spacious and quite convenient salon.
- a tendency to transverse buildup, not enough informative steering wheel.

Specifications
Mark and Model - Jeep Cherokee
Dimensions - 4493x1839x1736 mm
Engine - gasoline, 2768 cm3, 177 hp/3800 min -1
Transmission - automatic, 5 -speed
Dynamics - max 179 km/h; 10.5 s to 100 km/h
Competitors - Ford Escape, Land Rover Freelander

Our opinion
Finally, the appearance of Jeep Cherokee again became the way that should be: a straightforward, uncompromising, generally real SUV in image and capabilities. In this regard, we can please admirers of the 1984 machine: hey, stop grumbling, you have a new icon!

Author: Oleg Kalaushin
Photo: Igor Kuznetsov
 
 
 
 

Source: Magazine 5 wheel [December 2008]