Daily Archives: May 31, 2013
2014 Jeep Cherokee Delayed!
Jeep’s impudent Cherokee 2014 is rescheduled to launch with a delay of one month than pre-planned because of ‘a wide range of issues’ as cited by Mark Chernoby, Chrysler’s VP. The 2014 Cherokee which was initially set to roll out in May is now been put forward to mid-June as some issues need to be revamped, Chernoby mentioned assuring they have adequate inventory till the fall.
The new Cherokee houses options for both front-wheel and all-drive versions and becomes the first mid-size crossover SUV to achieve Cherokee’s cutting-edge ZF nine-speed transmission which needs to be recalibrated pre-launch while refining tasks at assembly line for making the process more efficient is another essential motive for the delay. For European markets a Fiat sources 2.0L engine will be worn by the 2014 beast while Chinese version, Ziyou Guan will boast a smaller 1.4L turbocharged engine and the production will commence late in 2014. The sales in Europe are believed to kick off by September.
The last jeep product bearing the Cherokee plaque was adorable enough to survive a long ownership changes and culmination of similar competitors until its sad demise at the expanses of Diamler in 2001. Cherokee since its launch in 1984 had maintained an ardent reputation and superior boxy looks, known traditionally as XJ. Now, after a renowned run of first Cherokee in the name of Liberty, Jeep is set to bring back the name Cherokee to the US.
Chrysler’s 2.4L, 184 hp four cylindered “Tigershark” is standard variant on board and is available with engines in base sport. The Limited, Latitude and Trailhawk can be elevated to a 3.2 litre V-6 Pantesar with a power of 271 hp. Whilst all version are premade with a default front-wheel drive system, Cherokee offers a set of three distinct 4X4 driveline experience that negate its suburban looks, hiding enormous power under the hood. Jeep Active Drive I which is facilitated on Limited, Latitude and Sports models is fully automatic which provides a Power-Takeoff Unit (PTU) system which is meant to enhance both over and under-steer conditions and yield balanced torque distribution by braking systems. Jeep Active Drive II is also available on Limited, Latitude and Sports models and also offers a two-speed PTU.
SelecTerrain traction-control orientations with allowable configurations optimize driveline operations for prevalent conditions. Settings incorporate Snow, Sport, Sand/Mud, Auto or Rock modes for stability electronic breaking, hill descent and ascent and required safety.
Contrary to the traditional Liberty housing, which was horrible with both design and execution, Cherokee appears with contemporary details and materials. Heated and ventilated power-adjustable seats are available which come wrapped in leather or premium clothing. Soft touch items are replacements for Liberty’s low grade plastics while 60/40 split folding of rear seat serves comfort and loading ideals. Rendering a heated steering, with standard mounted controls, as well as wireless charging make rides more joyous and convenient.
The compact SUV crossover segment globally has been a heated sphere and Jeep’s entry was much apprehended. The Cherokee is believed to invite huge public interaction and dwindle the popularity of other competitors with its effective brand image and a much loved nameplate.
2014 Subaru Forester Review and Highlights
Known for being a decent choice among the crossovers of the modern days, the amazing Subaru Forester has now received a complete makeover! The company has released the 2014 version of the vehicle recently. There have been extensive changes made to the SUV, and one can easily notice the gorgeous new interiors and the spacious cabins. The exterior looks have also been enhanced significantly. However, the major changes that have been made include amazing performance and safety statistics. The vehicle now features a much improved fuel economy and impressive safety features!
Subaru apparently focused on increasing the fuel economy of the vehicle quite strongly, as the poor fuel economy of the old version of the Forester was perhaps the most hated feature among SUV lovers and critics. The company has now incorporated new transmission systems in the 2014 version of the SUV, which have led to the significant rise in the fuel economy. The older version featured a manual transmission of five gears while the models with automatic transmissions came with ancient four speed transmissions. The 2014 version makes use of six gears for the models with manual transmissions. The models with automatic transmissions sport the company’s new “Lineartronic” continuously variable transmission.
Also, the designing on the new Forester is quite efficient, as the company has used much better packaging options in the new version. The length of the vehicle has been increased by an inch, and hence the distance between the front and rear seats has been increased by an inch as well. However, the cramped up leg space for the rear passengers has been increased by 3 inches as the rear seats have been elevated a bit. Further, the new version is higher than the older ones, and the all-wheel drive system has been packed under the floor, increasing the foot space as well. The vehicle also features an impressive cargo space.
Subaru has decided to use the same engine in the new version as is in the older one. The 2500cc flat four engine produces a total power output of 170 horsepower and sends a torque of 174 lb. – ft. to the wheels. This engine is rated at 22 miles per gallon for city and 29 miles per gallon for highways. However, add in the continuously variable transmission system and enjoy a fuel economy of 24 and 32 miles per gallon respectively! If you wish for more power, then you can go for the turbocharged 2000cc flat four engine, which is capable of producing a power output of 250 horsepower and a torque of 258 lb. – ft. The engine is capable of pushing the vehicle from rest to 60 miles an hour in just 6.2 seconds, and boasts of fuel economies of 23 and 28 miles per gallon for city and highway respectively.
The 2014 Subaru Forester was also given the ‘Top Safety Pick +’ designation by the IIHS recently as it scored the highest among all the crossovers in a new test recently incorporated in the protocols. Who knows, the SUV might just have become the best crossover out there!
