Changes to the popular Cherokee range have just been announced by Jeep, with details of a powerful new engine, offering an augmented range with better fuel economy, greater torque and improved standard content.

The current two-litre diesel 140 hp manual versions have been joined by a modern 2.2-litre MultiJet engine, available with 185 hp and 200 hp outputs, and offering a significantly wider spread of torque from low rpm, greater power, improved performance and better fuel economy than the out-going two-litre 170 hp automatic engine. The new 2.2 engine is already Euro 6 compliant.

Available only with Jeep’s segment-first nine-speed automatic gearbox, and matched to the Active-Drive four-wheel-drive systems, all new Cherokee 2.2 versions are packed with equipment. The Cherokee range, from entry level, now has additional specification as standard including electric tailgate, windscreen wipers with rain sensor, dusk sensor, eight-position electrically adjustable seat, four-position lumbar adjustment and automatic anti-dazzle rear-view mirror with built-in microphone. The specification on all trim levels gives Cherokee a highly attractive equipment-to-price offering within the mid-size SUV class.

The new 2.2 MultiJet II engine, which places Jeep Cherokee towards the top of its class for performance, refinement and true efficiency, can now be ordered in the UK. Two power variants are available: 200 hp and 185 hp, both with 440 Nm of peak torque. The 200 hp variant is available on Limited specification while the 185hp is fitted on Cherokee Longitude and Longitude+ variants only.

The new 2.2 is matched to Jeep’s Active Drive I system, but can be specified with Active Drive II on the Limited 200 hp model.  Active Drive I offers Jeep’s original rear-axle disconnect system which improves fuel economy, while Active Drive II adds a two-speed power transfer unit, for 2:92:1 ‘low range’ capability and hill-descent control. Both versions carry an impressive towing capacity of 2.5 tonnes.

The Cherokee range has extremely strong technological credentials with the award winning UConnect system, a class leading touchscreen and Sat Nav unit and market-first wireless charging pad, all standard on Limited.

Cherokee also has a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating and is among the safest Mid-Size SUVs. The Limited 2.2 200 hp versions also offer the option of the ‘Technology Group’ pack. This ‘peace of mind’ oriented pack includes Advanced Brake Assist, Lane Departure Warning Plus, Smartbeam automatic main beam dipping function, Full Speed Forward Collision Warning Plus, Adaptive Cruise Control, as well as Start&Stop, mirror with Blind-Spot Monitoring function, and a rear parallel parking assist system.

Engine in detail

Made in the Pratola Serra plant, near Avellino, Italy, the new 2.2 MultiJet II engine delivers 200 hp (147 kW) at 3500 rpm and has a torque of 440 Nm at 2500 rpm making it one of the best performing four-cylinder turbodiesels in class.

Equipped with the innovative automatic nine-speed transmission and 4×4 Jeep Active Drive I, the Cherokee 2.2 MultiJet II 200 hp reaches a top speed of 127 mph. It accelerates from zero to 62 mph in 8.5 seconds, has an average combined fuel consumption figure of 49.6 mpg and CO₂ emissions of 150 g/km.

The Cherokee 2.2 MultiJet II 200 hp with Active Drive II and low-range has a top speed of 126 mph, 0-62 mph time of 8.7 seconds, and combined fuel consumption of 46.3 mpg, with 160 g/km of CO₂ emissions.

Finally, Longitude and Longitude+ trim levels are provided with a 2.2 MultiJet II 185hp (136kW) variant, in combination with 4×4 Jeep Active Drive I and the nine-speed automatic transmission. Equipped in this way, the Cherokee reaches a top speed of 125 mph and accelerates from zero to 62 mph in 8.8 seconds. Combined fuel economy and emissions are 49.5 mpg and 150 g/km.

In more detail, the displacement of the new engine (2184 cm³) was defined to obtain high power, torque delivery and fuel efficiency and is combined with an optimised exhaust gas treatment system. This consists of a close couple DPF (diesel particulate filter) with NSC (NOx storage catalyst) positioned in the engine compartment, operating together with the EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) control system. The engine is Euro 6 standard compliant.

The architecture of the new 2.2 MultiJet II four-cylinder engine includes a specific 16-valve twin camshaft aluminium head designed to withstand the increased working pressure of the common rail with Injection Rate Shaping, which operates at 2000 bar. The design of the pistons, connecting rods and crankshaft is optimised to limit weight.

The shape of the combustion chamber and the reduced compression ratio guarantee low NOx polluting emissions and high performance, while the brand-new solenoid injectors atomise the fuel very finely providing marked advantages in terms of quiet operation and fuel efficiency.

The engine is supercharged by a novel variable geometry turbocharger integrated in the exhaust manifold. This solution reduces the engine weight and improves the exhaust gas treatment system functionality. Other factors which contribute to increasing the efficiency of the new engine are the smart alternator, the variable displacement oil pump and the Start&Stop.

The Jeep Cherokee range starts at £26,095 OTR for the 2.0 MultiJet II 140 hp Longitude FWD manual, rising to £37,995 for the 2.2 MultiJet II 200 hp Limited 4WD automatic.

For the second year running, the Isuzu D-Max has won the ‘Pick-Up Truck of the Year’ prize at the Commercial Fleet Awards. The triumph was announced at the ceremony held last Thursday at The International Centre in Telford.

Stephen Briers, Commercial Fleet editor, commented:  “Isuzu specialises in pick-ups with a network that understands the needs of fleets. The judges praised the D-Max’s five-year warranty, level of safety equipment and 3.5-tonne towing limit, and said that it is very competitive from a total cost of ownership perspective. As well as being a rugged performer and very capable off-road, the D-Max is equally at home on-road and delivers a comfortable, impressive driving experience.”

The prestigious annual Commercial Fleet Awards are highly regarded by motor manufacturers, supplier and fleet groups and individuals, since the judges base their selections on those who have achieved the highest possible level of excellence in their sector. The jury is made up of the Fleet News editorial team and experts from across the industry.

Isuzu’s UK’s General Manager, William Brown, commented: “This is well-deserved recognition of the continuing hard work and impeccable service delivered by our fleet sales team and our dealer network. It’s also testament to the attributes with which the D-Max continues to make a compelling case for fleet buyers: an unrivalled combination of class-leading capabilities, exceptional refinement and low ownership costs.”

The Isuzu D-Max is one of the most cost-effective pick-ups on the market with ultra-low insurance groups (8A to 10A), class-leading residual values and fuel economy (38.7 mpg combined), industry-leading fleet packages, all backed-up by the company’s pioneering five-year / 125,000-mile warranty.

Following record sales of more than 5,500 units in 2014 (up 33.7% over 2013), registrations for the first eight months of this year up again by 27.7%, demonstrating the continuous growth of the reputation of the D-Max.

The Isuzu D-Max is available in three body styles – single, extended and double cab – with prices starting from £14,999 (CVOTR) for the entry-level single cab 4×2 rising to £25,999 (CVOTR) for the range-topping Isuzu Blade. The Isuzu D-Max is fitted with a super-efficient 2.5-litre twin-turbo diesel engine, producing 163 PS and 400 Nm of torque, is able to tow a class-leading 3.5-tonnes (braked) while still returning fuel economy of 38.7 mpg (combined), and is available with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission.

Jaguar’s first family sports car has defied gravity by performing a record-breaking 360 degree loop, one day ahead of its global motor show debut in Frankfurt.

The all-new Jaguar F-PACE, the world’s most practical sports car, was driven with daring precision by expert British stunt driver Terry Grant. The F-PACE sped through the specially built structure, using its sports car derived technology and world-class collection of safety features to complete the record loop and officially signal the opening of order books worldwide.

Ian Callum, Director of Design for Jaguar said: “The Jaguar F-PACE is an SUV with the soul of a sports car. When we created this car we thought differently; we took a Jaguar sports car and made it family friendly. The F-PACE exudes performance yet you can fit five people and all their belongings in it. This is a car for people who love driving, who love design and who love technology – this is the ultimate practical sports car.” 

The extraordinary feat, showcased the powerful design of the lightweight F-PACE and its ability to combine agility with sports car speed and performance.

Fiona Pargeter, Global PR Communications Director, Jaguar Land Rover, said: “The F-PACE is a family car that is fast, fun and full of charisma, so completing the world’s largest loop the loop was the perfect reveal moment. The F-PACE is packed full of innovative technology and features the world’s most-advanced in-car entertainment system, matched with super-fast wifi connectivity. Customers are going to go loopy for the Jaguar F-PACE.”

Pro Driver Terry Grant undertook two months of intense physical and dietary training to ensure his body was prepared for the 6.5 G-Force, which is greater than the forces experienced by space shuttle pilots.

Months of planning went in to ensuring that both car and driver could complete this world record-breaking challenge. Precise physics, angles, speeds and dimensions were considered by a team of experts including structural engineers, mathematicians and safety experts.

Terry Grant, legendary stunt driver, said: “Driving the world’s largest loop tonight was a very proud moment in my career. The F-PACE’s supreme performance credentials and rigid lightweight structure gave me complete confidence that I had the strength and driving agility needed. I am delighted to bring the Guinness World Record back to the UK and help Jaguar run rings around their competitors ahead of the motor show tomorrow.”

Pricing for the F-PACE range starts from £34,170 and will go on sale from Spring/Summer 2016. For full range details and pricing please visit: http://newsroom.jaguarlandrover.com/en-gb/jaguar/

First Edition: Concept car design for the real world

To celebrate the launch of the all-new F-PACE, a special model called the First Edition, priced at £65,275 in the UK, will be available in strictly limited numbers and in the first year of production only. Powered exclusively by the 300PS 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine, the First Edition is distinguished by a unique metallic paint colour – Caesium Blue; a clear reference to the breakthrough C-X17 concept unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. Further highlights include 22-inch Double Helix 15-spoke wheels with Grey finish and contrast inserts, Adaptive Dynamics, Adaptive LED headlights, Gloss Black fender vents and a panoramic roof.

Inside, the Windsor soft-grain leather seats in Light Oyster feature twin-needle stitching and an embossed houndstooth pattern influenced by the C-X17’s award-winning interior. The traditional Jaguar craftsmanship blends seamlessly with the configurable 10-colour ambient lighting, state-of-the-art InControl Touch Pro infotainment system and the 12.3-inch HD virtual instrument cluster.

The all-new F-PACE is manufactured at Jaguar Land Rover’s UK Solihull Plant alongside the Jaguar XE sports saloon.