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Powerful new engine, fresh new looks and reduced pricing
set to boost Jeep Cherokee appeal

2005 Jeep Cherokee Limited
2005 Jeep Cherokee Limited



1st December, 2004


Jeep has strengthened its popular Cherokee line-up for 2005 introducing a powerful new variable geometry turbo 2.8-litre diesel engine, a rugged Cherokee Renegade model and a new six-speed manual transmission for the 2.4-litre engine available on the Sport model. The new Cherokee line-up also boasts a host of exterior, interior and technical improvements to stand it even further apart from the competition.

In addition to these enhancements, the Cherokee has become more accessible with prices for the new range being realigned and a new starting recommended retail price of $34,990 for the entry level 2.4-litre petrol model.

“True to its Jeep heritage, the Cherokee continues to give customers a sense of personal capability and freedom by offering the best four-wheel-drive line-up in the segment,” said Gerry Jenkins, managing director, Chrysler Jeep Australia.

“The Cherokee is a unique vehicle delivering both the on-road refinement required by the mid-sized four-wheel-drive market and the off-road capability for which the Jeep brand is renowned."

“The fresh exterior, enhanced interior and improved powertrains add significant value and appeal to the 2005 model and with its realigned prices the Cherokee represents superb value,” said Jenkins.


New 2.8-litre common rail diesel engine will lead powertrain range

Powerful engines with plentiful “low-end” torque and wide power bands are Jeep brand hallmarks, and both Jeep Cherokee and Cherokee Renegade come with a choice of power units that exemplify this philosophy. Two engines are currently available to buyers of the new Cherokee and Cherokee Renegade models, with this to increase to three when the new diesel engine arrives early in 2005.

Leading the range will be the new 2.8-litre common-rail diesel (CRD) engine. With its variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) and rapid throttle response the new 2.8-litre common-rail diesel (CRD) engine minimises turbo lag and delivers nine percent more power (120 kW at 3,800 rpm) and 11 percent more torque (400 Nm at 1,800 rpm) compared to the outgoing 2.8-litre engine.

With many noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) improvements the engine also delivers smoother and more refined performance.

“Our new diesel engine provides the torque of a V8, the performance of a V6 and the fuel economy of a four cylinder,” said Craig Love, Vice President of Rear-wheel Drive Product Team. “We always say Jeep is the go-anywhere, do-anything brand, and these features give our owners even more capability to do just that.”


Two petrol engines complete the range

The choice of a newly improved 3.7-litre V6 petrol power unit or a four-cylinder 2.4-litre petrol unit complete the three-engine range for Jeep Cherokee. Performance on both engines has also been improved with reduced fuel consumption and NVH levels.

The introduction of a new German made, six-speed manual transmission for the 2.4-litre petrol engine improves gear-change quality and provides quicker take-off and brisker initial acceleration on the entry level powertrain.

A choice of the 3.7-litre V6 or, when it arrives, the 2.8-litre VGT CRD units are offered to Jeep Cherokee Limited and Renegade customers, while buyers of the Cherokee Sport are offered a third unit as standard – the 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol – with the 3.7-litre V6 and 2.8-litre VGT CRD as options.

The combination of engines with enhanced fuel economy, together with a five percent larger (77.6-litre) fuel tank, gives increased range for all Jeep Cherokee models.


Fresh new exterior styling for all models

The 2005 Jeep Cherokee is given a freshened exterior design with new front fascia, grille, fog lamps, fender flares, bodyside mouldings and new standard roof-rack rails and wheels.

Styled to highlight its on- and off-road suitability, the Jeep Cherokee Sport comes with a painted body-colour front grille and a front bumper with “twin-tube” appearance for a customised accessory look. The Cherokee Limited has a more up market treatment with chrome grille, body-colour painted fascias and wheel arches and alloy wheels. Both the bodyside moulding and the roof-rack rails are chrome finished.

The restyled and repackaged Jeep Cherokee Renegade becomes the image leader for Cherokee and features a more rugged, classic Jeep appearance. The new Cherokee Renegade offers a distinct exterior when compared to the Sport and Limited models and will appeal to a slightly different buyer with its more rugged design.

Jeep Cherokee Renegade features a new flatter bonnet and taller grille, plus off-road fog lamps, “bolted-on” wheel arches and distinctive wheels.

Visual enhancements that further distinguish the Renegade include roof-rack rails, functional side rock rails and skid plate appliqué below the front bumper, all painted a bright silver.

All Jeep Cherokee models have a wider, more stable appearance thanks to completely re-designed front grille, front fascia and corner fenders that follow the sweeping line of the wheel arches and mount the park/turn lamps in a higher location for better protection. This also results in a broader look, which retains its famous Jeep seven-slot grille, and now has room to accommodate a fog lamp below each headlamp.

In addition, all models have new, more protruding side sills and a crisper bodyside moulding. Two new pearl-coat exterior colours, dark khaki and deep beryl green, are available on all models.

New 16-inch “Icon” painted five-spoke alloys are standard on Renegade models. Standard on Limited models are 16-inch “Mechanica” five-spoke machined-face alloy wheels, while new, 17-inch wheels will be optional for Limited models, available at a later stage.


Interior upgrades complement the exterior

All 2005 Jeep Cherokee models feature interior changes to complement the freshened exterior and to enhance customers comfort, practicality and appearance. They have new larger front seats for improved comfort, new rear seats which can be folded flatter for increased utility and improved cargo storage and easier-to-use controls with improved ergonomics, including cruise control as standard across the line-up.

The centre stack bezel and gear selector bezel are finished in silver mini carbon (Renegade) and satin silver (Limited and Sport). The Cherokee Limited and Cherokee Renegade models also come with a six stacker CD player with steering wheel mounted audio controls.

Two new interior colours, medium slate gray and khaki, are available on all models, while Limited can also be ordered in dark khaki/light greystone leather or slate grey/light slate grey leather.

On-road refinement is assisted by new seats that are improved through the use of dual-density foam. In addition to being more comfortable and providing improved lumbar support, the seats have a more contemporary look with new contours, sew styles and fabrics.

Front seats have cushions which are 5 mm longer and seat inserts that are 10 mm wider to accommodate larger occupants. The backrest is wider at shoulder height to ensure occupants do not feel “squeezed.”

Alterations to the profile of both the rear cushion and backrest have reduced the rear seat-fold angle, providing a flatter load floor for increased utility and improved cargo storage. The backrest and cushion split one-third/two-thirds when folded. When all seats are in use, an optional cargo organiser can be fitted in four different positions to accommodate and locate a wide variety of loads.

New instrument cluster graphics – white letters on a grey background – provide greater visibility at twilight and dusk and give a more refined look. Chromed bezels distinguish the Renegade and Limited models from the Sport.

Mounted on the centre stack, new heating/ventilation/air conditioning controls retain three rotary dials, but have separate AC and heated rear window select buttons, for added flexibility to meet occupant preference.

The power window switches have been relocated forward to a near-horizontal placement just behind the gear selector – greatly improving ergonomics and ease of operation.


Safety continues to be a priority

A higher level of safety features was introduced for the Jeep Cherokee in 2004, and this comprehensive passive safety package is carried over to the new models. Multi-stage driver and front passenger air bags plus side curtain air bags are standard on all models.


Cherokee more accessible with realigned prices

The entry level 2.4-litre petrol model is now priced from $34,990, a $500 reduction on the 2004 model. The starting recommended retail price for the refreshed 3.7-litre petrol engine moves down to $39,990 representing a $1,500 saving over the previous entry mark. And most impressive of all the 2.8-litre diesel engine will have a starting recommended retail price of $42,590 when it arrives - a $2,900 reduction compared to the previous entry mark.




2005 model year Jeep Cherokee suggested retail pricing
Cherokee Sport
2.4-litre l-4 Manual $34,990
3.7-litre V6 Auto $39,990
2.8-litre CRD Auto $42,590
Cherokee Renegade
3.7-litre V6 Auto $39,990
2.8-litre CRD Auto $42,590
Cherokee Limited
3.7-litre V6 Auto $46,490
2.8-litre CRD Auto $49,090


Price includes Jeeps 3-year/100,000km warranty and 24hour Jeep Assist (roadside assistance) for the duration of the warranty.


Continued sales strength

Since the introduction of the all-new Jeep Cherokee mid-sized four-wheel-drive in 2002, its excellent balance of on-road refinement and off-road ruggedness and capabilities have continued to push the range to become one of the brand’s best-sellers around the globe.

The Jeep Cherokee continues to prove popular in Australia in 2004 with October year-to-date sales up 18 percent over 2003.




TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Jeep® Cherokee and Cherokee Renegade
The information shown is based on data available at the time of publication.

Body and Chassis
Five-seater, four-door sport-utility vehicle with all-steel unitary body/chassis unit. Choice of three longitudinally mounted front engines driving the rear or all four wheels (part time or full time), via six-speed manual, five-speed automatic or four-speed automatic transmission (depending on engine).

Engines

3.7-litre PowerTech™
Availability Sport, Limited and Renegade
Type Petrol, six-cylinder, V-type, 90-degree
Capacity 3.7 litres (3701 cc)
Maximum power 150 kW @ 5200 rpm
Maximum torque 307 Nm @ 3700 rpm
Compression ratio 9.6:1
Bore and stroke 93.0 x 90.8 mm
Camshafts Chain drive, single overhead (SOHC) per bank
Valve system 12 valves, 1 intake and 1 exhaust per cylinder
Fuel system Sequential multi-point electronic fuel injection
Materials Cast iron block with twin aluminium cylinder heads
Emission class Euro IV
2.8-litre VGT CRD
Availability Sport, Limited and Renegade
Type Common-rail diesel, four-cylinder, in-line, turbocharged
Capacity 2.8 litres (2776 cc)
Maximum power 120 kW @ 3800 rpm
Maximum torque 400 Nm @ 1800-2000 rpm
Compression ratio 17.5:1
Bore and stroke 94.0 x 100.0 mm
Camshafts Belt drive, double overhead (DOHC)
Valve system 16 valves, 2 intake and 2 exhaust per cylinder
Fuel system Common-rail direct electronic fuel injection @ 24,000 psi
Materials Cast iron block with aluminium cylinder heads
Emission class Euro III
2.4-litre PowerTech
Availability Sport
Type Petrol, four-cylinder, in-line
Capacity 2.4 litres (2429 cc)
Maximum power 108 kW @ 5200 rpm
Maximum torque 215 Nm (159 lb.-ft.) @ 4000 rpm
Compression ratio 9.5:1
Bore and stroke 87.5 x 101.0 mm
Camshafts Belt drive, double overhead (DOHC)
Valve system 16 valves, 2 intake and 2 exhaust per cylinder
Fuel system Sequential multi-point electronic fuel injection
Materials Cast iron block with aluminium cylinder heads
Emission class Euro IV
Transmissions
Six-speed Manual
Availability Standard fit with 2.4-litre petrol
Type Six-speed manual, fully synchronised, overdrive top ratio
Gear ratios
1st 4.459
2nd 2.614
3rd 1.723
4th 1.248
5th 1.000
6th 0.838
Reverse 4.06
Final drive ratio 4.10
Five-speed Automatic
Availability Standard fit with 2.8-litre VGT CRD
Type Five-speed automatic with overdrive top ratio and electronically controlled lock-up torque converter and gear-shift points
Gear ratios
1st 3.00
2nd 1.67
3rd 1.00
4th 0.75
5th 0.67
Reverse 3.00
Final drive ratio 4.10
Four-speed Automatic
Availability Standard fit with 3.7-litre petrol
Type Four-speed automatic with overdrive top ratio and electronically controlled lock-up torque converter and gear-shift points
Gear ratios
1st 2.84
2nd 1.57
3rd 1.00
4th 0.69
Reverse 2.22
Final drive ratio 3.73
Drivelines
Rear axle Trac-Lok™ limited-slip differential on all models
Command-Trac®
Type NV231/NV241, part-time four-wheel drive
Operating ranges 2WD, 4WD part-time, neutral, 4WD low
Low range ratio 2.72:1
Torque split 48/52 percent front/rear
Selec-Trac®
Type NV242, full-time four-wheel drive
Operating ranges 2WD, 4WD full-time, neutral, 4WD low
Low range ratio 2.72:1
Torque split 48/52 percent front/rear
Suspension and Damping
Front Independent with double wishbones, coil springs, gas-filled shock absorbers and anti-roll bar. 20 cm wheel travel
Rear Live axle with twin lower trailing arms and A-shaped upper locating arm, coil springs, gas-filled shock absorbers and anti-roll bar. 20 cm wheel travel
Steering
Type Hydraulic power-assisted rack and pinion
Turns 3.42 turns lock-to-lock
Turning circle 10.94 m kerb-to-kerb
Brakes
Front 288 mm ventilated discs
Rear 284 mm solid discs
Systems
Servo-assisted Tandem diaphragm, vacuum assist
ABS Three-channel, anti-lock braking, standard
Traction control Standard
EBD Electronic brake force distribution, standard
Wheels and Tyres
Standard fit equipment listed.
Sport
Type and material “Full Face” five-spoke steel
Front and rear 16.0 x 7.0 inch
Front and rear P235/70R16 A/S
Limited
Type and material “Mechanica” five-spoke machine face alloy
Front and rear 16.0 x 7.0 inch
Front and rear P235/70R16 A/S
Renegade
Type and material “Icon” five-spoke painted alloy
Front and rear 16.0 x 7.0 inch
Front and rear P235/70R16 A/S
Dimensions
Dimensions are in millimetres (inches) unless otherwise noted.
Overall length (w/spare tyre) 4500
Overall width 1824
Overall height (to roof rack) 1819 – Sport, Limited
1834 – Renegade
Wheelbase 2647
Overhang, front 735
Overhang, rear 1052
Underbody ground clearance 200
Track, front 1524
Track, rear 1519
Approach angle 34.6 degrees
Departure angle 31.2 degrees
Breakover angle 21.2 degrees
Interior Dimensions and Volumes
Front
Head room 1035
Leg room 1036
Shoulder room 1436
Hip room 1448
Rear
Head room 1072
Leg room 945
Shoulder room 1436
Hip room 1204
Cargo
Rear seats up 878 L
Rear seats folded 1954 L
Weights
2.4-litre 2.8-litre CRD 3.7-litre
Kerb weight 1747 kg 1962 kg 1829 kg
Maximum payload 522 kg 522 kg 522 kg
Gross vehicle weight 2359 kg 2563 kg 2540 kg
Capacities
2.4-litre 2.8-litre CRD 3.7-litre
Max. towing capacity 900 kg 2800 kg 2265 kg  
Fuel tank capacity 77.6 L – all models
Fuel Consumption (L/100 km)
2.4-litre 2.8-litre CRD 3.7-litre
Combined cycle 10.5 9.9 13.0  
Urban cycle 14.0 12.7 18.0  
Ex-urban cycle 8.8 8.2 10.3  
Combined CO2 (g/km) 255 262 314  
Performance
2.4-litre 2.8-litre CRD 3.7-litre
0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) 13.9 sec. 13.5 sec. 10.8 sec.
Maximum speed 167 km/h 174 km/h 180 km/h
Warranty
Duration Three years, 100,000 kilometres



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