CherokeeTrailHawk_Ext_07

Here comes unconventional. The Jeep Cherokee KL caused quite a stir when it was unveiled at the 2013 New York Auto Show, and the effect is no less today at the new Jeep Glenmarie showroom, when it officially enters the Malaysian scene.

Our Cherokee is powered by a 2.4 litre Tigershark Multiair 2 four-cylinder engine that develops 174 hp at 6,400 rpm and 229 Nm of torque at 3,900 rpm. Transmission is a nine-speed auto. There's Jeep Active Drive Lock 4WD with rear-axle disconnect - the system automatically switches between two- and four-wheel drive depending on conditions.

Available here in a sole Trailhawk trim, the SUV sports dark neutral grey exterior accents on the grille, wing mirrors, bumpers and roof rails. Length, width, height and wheelbase are 4,624 mm, 1,904 mm, 1,732 mm and 2,719 mm respectively. The bi-xenon headlamps are self-levelling, and feature LED DRLs.

The car also rides an inch higher than the Longitude variant available in other markets, and features off-road suspension and 17-inch aluminium wheels wrapped in 245/65 tyres. The bumpers are also of a more 'off-road' design than the Longitude's, and sport red front tow hooks. The power tailgate opens to reveal 506 litres of boot space; fold the 60:40-split back seats and you get 1,500 litres.

Inside, you'll find an 8.4-inch Uconnect touch-screen with navigation, MP3 and USB, leather upholstery, keyless entry and start, auto dual-zone air-con, plus auto lights and wipers. Also to be found are Selec-Speed Control (basically hill descent control) and Selec-Terrain with five traction control settings, including Rock mode.

Through the leather-wrapped steering wheel, which is tilt- and telescopically-adjustable, you'll see a seven-inch colour TFT screen. Above your head is a dual-pane sunroof, and the driver's seat is eight-way power-adjustable, with four-way lumbar adjustment.

Suspension is handled by MacPherson struts up front and multi-links out back, and there's electric power steering. Safety kit comprises seven airbags (including driver's knee), ESC, Hill Start Assist and Trailer Sway Control. The engine can even be started remotely.

Fully-imported (CBU) from the US, the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is priced at RM338,889, OTR without insurance (or RM348,011 with insurance). A five-year/150,000 km warranty is included. See full specifications on CarBase.my.