THE Cherokees are on the march - and it should be welcome news for Jeep fans.

It's the arrival of a new 2.2-litre MultiJet diesel engine to join the Jeep Cherokee off-roader range, with the promise of better fuel economy and greater pulling power.

This new unit comes with a choice of 185 or 200bhp power output and is appreciably more efficient than the outgoing 2.0-litre 170bhp automatic engine.

The higher power variant is available on Limited specification models while the 185bhp is fitted on Cherokee Longitude and Longitude+ variants.

Available only with Jeep's nine-speed auto gearbox, and matched to the Active-Drive four-wheel-drive systems, new Cherokee 2.2 versions boast an extensive kit list.

Even from entry grade the line-up now has extra gear as standard like an electric tailgate, windscreen wipers with rain sensor, dusk sensor, eight-position electrically adjustable seat and automatic anti-dazzle rear-view mirror with built-in microphone.

The new 2.2 is matched to Jeep's Active Drive I system, but can be specified with Active Drive II on the Limited 200bhp model.

Active Drive I offers Jeep's original rear-axle disconnect system which improves fuel economy, while Active Drive II adds a two-speed power transfer unit, for‘low range' capability and hill-descent control. Both versions carry a towing capacity of 2.5 tonnes.

Performance sees the 2.2 MultiJet II 200bhp capable of a 127mph top speed, with acceleration from 0-62 in 8.5 seconds and an average combined fuel consumption figure of 49.6mpg. CO2 emissions are 150g/km.

With Active Drive II and low range the top speed is 126mph, 0-62mph time 8.7 seconds and combined fuel consumption at 46.3 mpg. CO2 emissions are 160g/km.

Prices start at £26,095 for the 2.0 MultiJet II 140bhp Longitude FWD manual model rising to £37,995 for the 2.2 MultiJet II 200bhp Limited 4WD automatic.