As Jeep's most popular model, it was important to get this new version right. Not simply because the Cherokee is a bit of an off-road icon, but also because it fits into a segment in which it needs to compete with the likes of the Ford Kuga, VW Tiguan and Honda CR-V.The Cherokee's new look is a good start. Gone are the rounded headlights, replaced by a more rectangular light housings and chrome grille, which gives it great road presence. The whole car appears more muscular and powerful with chunky wheel arches and muscular rear flanks. Inside, the Cherokee's smart looks are continued with a stylish looking dash and leather seats. It's also very well equipped. So much so, that the options list only includes £3150 of extras consisting of the Sky Slider full open roof, Entertainment and Navigation pack, sunscreen glass and special paint.The Cherokee's cabin is light and roomy and the front seats are both comfy and supportive. It's deceptively spacious in the rear and the boot is a reasonable size too. However, despite being a major improvement on the old car, the cabin isn't particularly plush. There's an air of ruggedness about the interior, which although it suits the Cherokee's off-road persona, doesn't feel as luxurious as some of its rivals.So how does it drive? There are few models in this segment - Land Rover aside - that boast such impressive off-road abilities as the Cherokee. Its 2.8-litre diesel engine - the only engine available to the UK market - isn't a new unit, but has been re-engineered to offer 302lb ft of torque - or 339lb ft if you have the automatic 'box - which makes it well suited to off-road work. It also has a new Selec-Trac II four-wheel-drive system which is excellent for the occasions when you might find yourself travelling down a river, or negotiating any unusually large puddles. It also makes it an incredibly effective towing machine thanks to its low-down torque and, even more impressively, its hill decent control function works with a trailer or caravan attached; holding the extra weight with ease to control the car down some of the steepest slopes.But ultimately it is the Cherokee's on road behaviour that will prove more important in this market. Performance is not what you might consider swift, but it has enough grunt for decent acceleration. Jeep has stiffened the suspension, which does benefit the car's ride and handling. It still feels a little bouncy though, and sharp cornering does produce a fair bit of body roll. Overall, the Cherokee lacks the car-like sophistication of the Ford Kuga, VW Tiguan and Honda CR-V.
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