New Jeep Cherokee: New York Auto Show 2013

The new Jeep Cherokee has its official public debut at the 2013 New York Auto Show today with 9-speed gearbox and based on a  Fiat platform.

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Last month, after a bunch of unflattering photos hit the interwebs, the Jeep Cherokee – baby brother to the Grand Cherokee and replacement for the Jeep Liberty (at least in the US) – was revealed and, although its looks are a bit challenging, we liked the cut of its jib.

Now, with the New York Auto Show about to kick off (which you might reasonably have thought was yesterday after the flurry of activity from Jaguar and Land Rover) we get a full set of photos of the Cherokee and specifications.

The new Cherokee sits on the Chrysler/Fiat Compact US Wide platform which gets independent front and rear suspension which, say Jeep, offers great on-road dynamics without sacrificing off-road ability and comes with a 9-speed auto box and a choice – at least in the US – of 184bhp 2.4 litre 4-cylinder or 271bhp 3.2 litre Pentastar V6. UK options are likely to be a 2.0 litre and 3/0 litre diesel.

Drivetrain options will be both front and all wheel drive with a choice of four different models – Sport, Latitude, Limited and Trailhawk – with the Trailhawk getting Jeep’s ‘Trail Rated’ badges and Selec Terrain (the Jeep take on Land Rover’s Terrain Response) with Active Drive Lock.

New Jeep Cherokee Pictures

The interior of the Cherokee looks to take its lead from the recently facelifted Grand Cherokee, with more European standards of trim and finish, with leather, electric seats, Infotainment, Cruise, Bluetooth, SatNav and most of the toys you’d want as standr or option depending on model.

It’s a strong offering from Jeep and could be a properly good seller in Europe. where it will take on crossovers / SUVs like Ford’s Kuga when it arrives in the summer from around £25k.