Jeep Brand announced, on Feb. 3, that they will introduce the all-new Jeep Cherokee to Europe at the Geneva International Motor Show in March - and that it would include a 2.0L diesel power plant with two horsepower options mated to the new nine-speed automatic transmission. The 2014 Jeep Cherokee began selling in the North American market in November of 2013 and has sold over 40,000 units in its first three months – even outselling the iconic Jeep Wrangler in December and January – as consumers have embraced this new smaller Jeep Cherokee that matches the capabilities of its bigger sibling. Now, European consumers will have the opportunity to experience the new Jeep Cherokee and have a diesel engine option in addition to the 3.2-liter V-6 Pentastar gasoline engine and a 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir I-4 gas engine offered in Russia and the Middle East. Jeep says that this is the first time in Europe that this powertrain combination – the 2.0-liter Multijet II turbo diesel and the new nine-speed automatic transmission - has been offered in the mid-size SUV segment. The new turbo diesel will be available in two versions – 170 or 140 horsepower, both with 258 lb.-ft. of torque. The 170 horsepower version of the 2.0-liter engine will be mated to the nine-speed automatic transmission, with the 140 horsepower version matched to a six-speed manual transmission. Both versions of the 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine will incorporate ‘Stop/Start' technology for improved fuel efficiency. The European Cherokee will be available in two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations and will be also the first mid-size SUV in Europe to feature rear axle disconnect to improve fuel efficiency when 4x4 capability is not needed, says Jeep. The Jeep Cherokee will also offer European consumers a choice of three innovative four-wheel drive systems: Jeep Active Drive I, Jeep Active Drive II and Jeep Active Drive Lock. Jeep Active Drive I features a fully automatic, single power transfer unit (PTU) and delivers seamless operation in and out of four-wheel drive at any speed. Jeep Active Drive II includes a two-speed PTU with torque management and low range. Jeep Active Drive Lock, available on the gasoline engine vehicles only, includes all the features of Jeep Active Drive II and adds a locking rear differential for superior low-speed power delivery. The interior of the new Jeep Cherokee will feature all of the craftsmanship and exclusive easy-to-operate technology, now available in North America, that European customers also demand. In Europe, the new Cherokee will be introduced in all Jeep dealerships during the second quarter of 214 and will be available in three trim levels - Longitude, Limited and Trailhawk trim levels. — SG
