What's all this about?

Jeep has added a new 2.2-litre, MultiJet diesel engine to the Cherokee range. The Italian-made motor is available in 185- and 200hp outputs, with improved economy and emissions compared with the outgoing 170hp, 2.0-litre unit. Prices start at £33,045 for the 185hp version.

Sounds good, tell me more.

Both engines come with a nine-speed automatic transmission and 'Active Drive' four-wheel drive. Active Drive I is standard with both power outputs and offers a rear axle disconnect feature to improve economy. The 200hp version can be ordered with Active Drive II for an extra £1,200; this adds a low-range transfer box and hill-descent control.

What's the economy like?

With Active Drive I the combined cycle fuel economy is 49.6mpg with CO₂ emissions of 150g/km; Active Drive II reduces the economy to 46.3mpg and adds 10g/km to the emissions. Other official performance data includes 0-62mph in 8.8 seconds for the 185hp version and 8.5 for the 200hp Active Drive I (Active Drive II increases the time by 0.2 seconds). The claimed top speed is 127mph for both power outputs using Active Drive 1 with a 1mph reduction for Active Drive II.

Anything else new?

All Cherokees come with extra equipment including an electric tailgate, windscreen wipers with rain sensor, dusk sensor, eight-position electrically adjustable seat and automatic anti-dazzle rear-view mirror with built-in microphone. Limited 2.2-litre 200hp versions offer the option of the 'Technology Group' pack. Among the features of the pack there is Advanced Brake Assist, Lane Departure Warning Plus, Full Speed Forward Collision Warning Plus, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind-Spot Monitoring function and a rear parallel parking assist system.