Very little stands still in the automotive world and Chrysler has already produced another version of its new Jeep Cherokee. Here, IAN LAMMING drives the 2.8 CRD Sport

PEOPLE scoff when you drive a big off-roader. "What do you want one of those for?" is a much-asked question. "Bet you never take it off road," is another popular accusation.

The implication from these commonly held views is that most 4x4s spend most of their lives on asphalt and as such are a sledgehammer to crack a nut - in sum, superfluous.

For this band of doubting Thomases life should be about trundling around in characterless cars, one of which looks very much like the next. To them I say read on as I try to state the case for the Jeep.

Driving prowess

The Jeep Cherokee 2.8 CRD is a match for anything on the road. It corners superbly thanks to sophisticated suspension and firm springs.

Cabin control through the bends puts most traditional cars to shame in spite of the higher centre of gravity. Grip is excellent and, unlike normal cars, there is the option of being in rear wheel drive, part-time four-wheel drive or full-time 4WD. There are also high and low ratio settings for when conditions become really tricky. How's that for versatility?

On the motorway, the Cherokee bowls along in a supremely relaxed fashion. It gobbles up the miles and the ride is wonderfully comfortable and refined.

Along twisty country roads it is just as happy and so is the driver thanks to a commanding view of the world from the high-set driving seat, which allows much better forward vision than most cars.

In the post-Christmas sales frenzy of one of the country's most popular cities, the Cherokee excels too. Tail to tail through York's glorious streets the Cherokee driver sits back in perfect comfort enjoying the historic view.

No one bothers him or her as the Jeep is far too large to mess with and even the most angstful driver knows when to back off.

When you decide to give up on the crammed car parks it is also nice to know that the steering, which had felt so sporty on the open road, takes on the persona of a London cab, allowing the deftest of U-turns to be performed in the tightest of spots. Round one to Jeep, I think.

Safety

In a crash situation it is worth pointing out that size does matter. A close friend of mine recently survived an horrific crash physically unscathed because of the bulk of her machine.

By the same token the Jeep is very large, very solid and very safe. The driver and passengers are cocooned in a metallic shell and are all the better for it. Being so high up takes all concerned out of the firing line should a collision occur.

But the occupants of the Cherokee are less likely to be in danger in the first place because all round vision is so good and accidents are best avoided. Brakes are backed by sophisticated anti-lock and electronic brakeforce distribution and the vehicle should be less inclined to skid thanks to the Selec-Trac four-wheel-drive system. So that's round two sorted then.

Performance

Big and heavy the Cherokee is, but if you think it is going to be sluggish as a result then think again. The new CRD comes with a 2.8 litre common rail diesel engine, which is turbocharged for good measure.

Not that it matters, but as a benchmark figure 62mph comes up from rest in just 12.6 seconds and if you happen to be venturing on German autobahns you might like to know that the top speed is a creditable 108mph.

On British motorways it chugs along at 70mph with less than 2,500rpm on the rev counter which is mightily impressive.The low-revving motor also helps to account for the decent average fuel figure of close to 30 miles per gallon.

With 148bhp on tap at just 3,800rpm and 266lbft of torque between 1,800-2,600 rpm, you never have to wait long for that push-in-the-back power needed to overtake or accelerate out of trouble.

The four-cylinder engine is remarkably refined in terms of vibration and pleasantly vocal when it comes to sound. There is some intrusion in the cabin from engine and road noise but nothing too extreme and very little from the wind thanks to its curvaceous shape.

The 2.8 CRD is mated to an excellent five-speed automatic gearbox that changes so smoothly you would swear it had just one gear. Kickdown is quick and there's the option of switchable, super-tall overdrive to get the engine revs way down low.

Round three to the Jeep then - this is becoming a rout.

Comfort

In the old days of off-roaders, things weren't so good in the comfort stakes. How things have changed.

The Jeep is no exception and bears little relation to the predecessors of 60 years ago that transported GIs around war-torn Europe. The Cherokee packs every comfort imaginable even in entry level Sport trim.

The dashboard is a delight with nice touches such as the round airvents, quality plastics and well laid out instruments and controls. Ivory coloured clocks stare out from a neat instrument binnacle and the steering wheel is small, chunky and tactile.

The centre console houses the climate controls and one of the best music systems on the market. It not only sounds good, thanks to the six speakers that are dotted around the spacious cabin, it is also easy to use.

Chunky knobs and switches allow you to change radio stations or CD tracks without having to take your eyes off the road.

Seats are firm and supportive, giving ache-free motoring mile after mile. The door handles are chunky and easy to grab and the controls for the all-round electric windows fall readily to hand.

In the Sport, the interior is all very black but the finish is high and it looks like it could endure years of tough treatment.

Being big has other advantages too, namely the Cherokee can carry plenty of luggage. Add in the imperious seating positions and the Jeep wins hands down in round four.

Off-roading

If there is a need to leave the hard stuff then the Cherokee comes into its own. This doesn't have to be a jungle adventure or a mountain climb, either.

Try parking up on wet grass at a country fair in the rain and see how easy it is to get going in your normal car. If you need to tow, then the extra traction of a 4WD is a must, whether that's on a muddy caravan site or even on greasy winter roads.

But, rest assured, if you do fancy a bit of the rough stuff, the Cherokee is the ideal choice with excellent traversing ability, and acute entry and exit slope angles.

Extreme axle articulation will allow it to cope with the most demanding terrain and good ground clearance allows it to ford the deepest streams - some of which are our popular side-roads in this flood-prone world of global warming. Try doing any of this in your family hatchback. That has to be a knockout.

So, the next time anyone scoffs at your big off-roader, just let them, for their views are based on ignorance and envy. The Cherokee can do everything a normal car can do and a whole lot more. And with that, I rest my case.

lVehicle provided by John Gill Ltd.

Updated: 10:50 Friday, February 28, 2003