New 2.2-litre diesel engine broadens the Cherokee's appeal, but it still lags behind premium rivals When the latest version of the KL-series Jeep Cherokee was launched last year, it was powered by a humdrum 168bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine that was all too gruff and struggled to propel the car's 1878kg mass with any reasonable level of performance.The American car firm recognised this inherent flaw and, as a result, has dropped that oil-burner from the line-up in favour of a gutsier 197bhp 2.2-litre diesel powertrain.It has 25% more torque than the previous engine, at 324lb ft. Jeep also claims this car accelerates almost two seconds quicker to 62mph, at 8.5sec, and has an extra 10mph added to its top speed - now 127mph.Combined fuel economy is claimed to be improved, too, from 48.7mpg to 49.6mpg, while CO2 output has dropped from 154g/km to 150g/km.The new, fifth-generation Cherokee finds itself in a highly talented class, with strong performers such as the Land Rover Discovery Sport, BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Volvo's XC60. And it's clear that Jeep aims to offer a similar premium feel with its mid-size SUV, but for a lower price. Two trim levels are available on the Cherokee with this engine - Longitude and Limited - and here we're testing the range-topping Limited 4WD model, paired with the nine-speed ZF automatic gearbox.
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