National Roads and Motorists No. 650
Association Limited
ROAD TEST REPORT
ABN 77 000 010 506
trading as
By Bob Hudson MIAME
MEMBER SERVICES
NRMA Member Services June 2002
Vehicle Evaluation Engineer
August
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,
JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT
year not only presented a bold new look, it also re-invent the traditional Jeep look, with the front
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
SUMMARY:
that are heated, electrically adjustable and
0 - 80 km/h .........................................10.2 sec
With its latest technology diesel engine
fully foldable, a tilt steering column and roof
0 - 100 km/h .......................................15.6 sec
giving more power and better fuel economy,
rails.
0 - 400 metres.....................................19.8 sec
and the new suspension and steering providing
The Limited adds ABS, alloy wheels, leather
FUEL CONSUMPTION:
an improved on-road driving performance, the
trim, power adjustable front seats, an alarm, front
Litres/100 km in city ................................ 10.2
latest series Cherokee Sport diesel is a more
fog lamps, an overhead console with trip
Litres/100 km on highway..........................9.0
attractive proposition than the previous model.
computer, a cargo compartment cover, a higher
Litres/100 km overall .................................9.4
Though the two Cherokee V6 petrol models will
grade sound system with 6-stack CD changer,
BRAKING:
provide stronger performance, plus the
cruise control and front seat map pockets.
Distance to stop from 80 km/h ......33.4 metres
convenience of automatic transmission and
Though the Cherokee is quite a competent
NOISE:
selectable full-time 4WD, the combination of a
off-road performer in standard form, there is the
Interior at constant 80 km/h..............70 dB(A)
diesel engine and manual transmission will
option of an  Off Road Group pack which
" Test vehicle supplied by DaimlerChrysler
generally prove superior when the going gets
includes heavier duty tyres, and fuel tank and
Australia/Pacific Pty Ltd
tough, and will also save you money on fuel bills.
transfer case skid plates, for $1,090.
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.