Jeep announces new diesel engine for popular Cherokee range

Jeep just announced changes to its popular Cherokee range, releasing details of a powerful new 2.2-litre diesel MultiJet engine, which offers an augmented range with better fuel economy, greater torque and improved standard content.

The new 2.2-litre engine will be available in 185bhp and 200bhp variants, and will be added to the current stable of 2.0-litre diesel 140bhp manual cars.

The new engine offers a significantly wider spread of torque from low rpm, greater power, improved performance and better fuel economy than the outgoing 2.0-litre 170bhp engine.

The new spec Cherokee is available only with Jeep's segment nine-speed automatic gearbox, and is matched to the Active-Drive four-wheel drive systems.

Standard equipment also include an 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 new 2.2-litre diesel engine is matched to Jeep's Active Drive I system, but can be specified with Active Drive II on the Limited 200bhp 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 added 'low range' capability and hill-descent control.