Jeep Cherokee Takes NZ SUV Car of the Year

JEEP CHEROKEE TAKES NEW ZEALAND SUV CAR OF THE YEAR TITLE

The all-new Jeep Cherokee Limited has been named as NZ4WD Magazine’s 2014 Medium SUV of the Year thanks to it bringing Jeep’s unique off road abilities to its category.

“The V6 Limited has genuine Jeep blood in its veins and will survive soft road terrain most rivals will shy away from,” said NZ4WD Magazine judge Chris Lorigan. “The cabin is comfortable, the high grade leather seats are some of the best I’ve found ... “it’s incredibly responsive and has power to burn … and the impressive traction control system will see you right when the soft roading has other SUVs doing five point turns.”

Announced in the New Zealand Four Wheel Drive Annual 2015, which is published by New Zealand’s leading off road title, NZ4WD Magazine, the award is added to the many trophies awards with which the Jeep Cherokee has already been presented around the world.

“It’s one thing for Jeep Cherokee to collect awards around the world, but for us, this is the one that really counts,” says David Smitherman, Chief Operating Officer of Fiat Chrysler New Zealand. “That is because this award shows that the Jeep Cherokee is more than a great car, it is a great car in and for New Zealand. It is particularly gratifying that the judges recognised that although the Cherokee offers new levels of convenience and ease of use, it is still a Jeep at heart and has real abilities that put its rivals in the shade, providing it with a uniquely broad range of talents with which to offer owners.”

The award winning Jeep Cherokee Limited V6 has a recommended retail price of $61,990 excluding on road costs and is now complimented by a Turbo Diesel Cherokee Limited with an RRP of $66,990.

The Jeep Cherokee range opens with the Cherokee Sport at an RRP of $44,990 with the 2.4 litre Tigershark engine and with V6 power from an RRP of $54,990 for the Jeep Cherokee Longitude. Topping the range is Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk which is equipped with segment-leading off-road technology, including Jeep’s advanced 4WD system featuring a power transfer unit with locking differential and Selec-Terrain system.

JEEP WRANGLER SCOOPS TOP OFF-ROAD HONOUR FOR THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR

At the same time as the Jeep Cherokee has been collecting awards in New Zealand, its uncompromising brother, the Jeep Wrangler has been adding to its trophy cabinet in the UK with it taking 4x4 Magazine’s 4x4 of the Year, Hardcore class for the third year running and the Cherokee picked a up highly recommended gong in the Top Range SUV category.

In awarding it top honours for the third consecutive time, the 4x4 of the Year competition judges praised the Wrangler’s comfort, off-roading ability, iconic deign and classic appeal.

“While it has become more comfortable, and easier to live with, it has lost none of its off-road abilities. A rugged classic, comfortable, highly competent off-road and a joy to drive – what’s not to like?” says Nigel Fryatt, editor, 4x4 Magazine.

On Cherokee, Nigel Fryatt adds: “The new Jeep Cherokee looks great and comes in as our Highly Recommended award in the Top Range SUV class, thanks to its off-roading credentials.”

In New Zealand the classic Jeep Wrangler two door is available in three trim and equipment levels, a choice of V6 petrol or Turbo Diesel engines and manual or automatic gearboxes, starting at a recommended retail price of $46,990 for the Jeep Wrangler Sport two day 3.6 litre V6 six speed manual.

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