The Jeep Cherokee is from now on available in the UK with a more powerful diesel engine, which also offers greater torque and an increased driving range.

The new 2.2-liter MultiJet engine, available in 185PS (182hp) and 200PS (197hp) outputs, will join the existing 140PS (138hp) 2.0-liter diesel manual unit and will replace the 170PS (168hp) 2.0-liter automatic. Both variants produce 440Nm (324lb-ft) of peak torque at 2,500 rpm and are Euro 6 compliant. The 2.2-liter engines are available exclusively with Jeep’s 9-speed automatic gearbox.

The top 200PS variant is available on Limited specification, while the 185PS can be had with Cherokee Longitude and Longitude+ trims only. The new 2.2-liter engine is matched as standard to Jeep’s Active Drive I system, but can be specified with Active Drive II on the Limited 200PS 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 have a towing capacity of 2.5 tonnes.

Besides the new diesel engine, the Jeep Cherokee range now comes with 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.

In terms of dynamics, the 185PS variant in combination with 4×4 Jeep Active Drive I reaches a top speed of 125 mph (201 km/h) and accelerates from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 8.8 seconds. Combined fuel economy and emissions are 49.5 mpg UK (5.7 l/100 km) and 150 g/km.

The more powerful 200PS model in combination with 4×4 Jeep Active Drive I reaches a top speed of 127 mph (204 km/h) and accelerates from zero to 62 mph in 8.5 seconds. Combined fuel consumption is rated at 49.6 mpg (5.7 l/100 km), with corresponding CO2 emissions of 150 g/km.

The range-topping Jeep Cherokee 2.2 MultiJet II 200PS Limited 4WD automatic is priced from £37,995.

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