JEEP® introduces the New 'Trail-Rated' Cherokee Trailhawk to the UK.

Jeep is enhancing the popular Cherokee range with the introduction to the UK of the first ‘Trail Rated’ version, the Trailhawk.

The most capable Jeep Cherokee model available, and the most accomplished mid-size SUV in the segment, the 2015 Cherokee Trailhawk comes with a 3.2-litre V6 petrol engine and a nine-speed automatic gearbox. Fully off-road capable, the Trailhawk is fitted with a low-range transmission including Jeep’s Selec-Terrain with Rock mode.

The 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk with the standard off-road package is Trail Rated. Its ‘Trail Rated’ badge indicates that the vehicle is designed to perform in a variety of challenging off-road conditions identified by five key consumer-oriented performance categories: traction, ground clearance, manoeuvrability, articulation and water fording.

Venturing off the beaten track is no problem for the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. Its Active Drive Lock 4x4 system features a rear lock which keeps both wheels spinning at the same speed for enhanced traction on any surface, and is particularly useful when rock crawling. The car also features Selec-Speed control, which allows it to drive up or down demanding hills at controlled, steady speeds in complete confidence and safety.

Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk exemplifies all this 4x4 capability with a distinctive, no-nonsense look, backed up by Jeep Trail Rated equipment. It includes, as standard equipment, aggressive approach and departure angles with unique front and rear fascias, a one-inch factory lift, fuel tank, front suspension and transmission skid plates and signature red tow hooks. The car has an approach angle of 29.8 degrees, a departure angle of 32.1 degrees and break-over angle of 22.9 degrees. Running ground clearance is 22.1cm (8.7 in).

Other excellent features to make owning the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk a pleasure include deep tinted sunscreen glass, a unique black bonnet sticker (from March), coloured grille surrounds and roof rails, off-road wheel flares and 17-inch aluminium wheels.

Inside the standard equipment continues with Nappa Leather trim, red interior stitching accents, all-season floor mats, a cargo net, Uconnect™ media centre with 8.4-inch touch screen display and USB remote port.

Powered by a 3239cc, 24-valve V6 petrol engine delivering 268bhp and 315Nm of torque at 4300rpm, the 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk costs £34,245 (OTR) – available on Jeep’s special order programme. A host of options includes special paints, Uconnect™-Navigation, wireless charging pad for mobile phone, Park Assist and full sunroof (powered front, fixed rear).

“It’s the ultimate Jeep Cherokee in terms of off-road capability,” says Damien Dally, head of brand, Jeep UK. 

“And coupled with that powerful V6 engine, nine-speed auto box, a huge list of standard equipment and style touches, and all the versatility of a full-size family car, the 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk offers outstanding value for money – and a great drive too.”

Happy 80th Birthday to the greatest Citroen of all time, the Traction Avant

• Citroën to mark 80 years of the Traction Avant during 2014
• Traction Avant first unveiled in April 1934
• A revolutionary design in its day with front-wheel-drive, from which it takes its name
• Series of events taking place to celebrate the famous Citroën’s landmark birthday

In April 1934, Citroën unveiled the 7A, a car that would go on to make motoring history with a series of innovations including front-wheel-drive or Traction Avant in French, which was a ground-breaking development in its time.

The new model revolutionised the automotive world – which consisted almost entirely of rear-wheel-drive vehicles – with its low centre of gravity, all steel monocoque body, light weight and honed aerodynamics. As a result, the front-wheel-drive Traction Avant boasted standard-setting characteristics for handling and road holding.

Citroën is celebrating 80 years of the Traction Avant in 2014 with a series of events dedicated to the famous model.

Starting off the year’s celebrations, the Paris based Retromobile show in February featured two Traction Avant 11 Familiale models, dated 1937 and 1957, which were exhibited by La Traction Universelle club, which has more than 1,400 members worldwide.

Then from March to June, a unique Traction Avant is being displayed in the My Citroën Adventure exhibition at the C_42 showcase on the Champs-Elysées in Paris. The 1955 Traction Avant Sans Frontières 11BL belongs to the Traction Sans Frontières association, which travels the world taking part in vintage vehicle rallies and events.

The 1955 Traction Avant Sans Frontières 11BL can also be seen at;

• Autodrome Heritage Festival, 7 - 8 June, at the legendary Montlhéry track on the outskirts of Paris
• Eurocitro 2014, 8 - 10 August at the Le Mans racetrack
• Exhibitions in Orléans, 20 - 21 September & Epoqu’Auto, 7 - 9 November, in Lyon
• Excursions organised by regional sections of La Traction Universelle club, such as at Roost-Warendin on 31 May - 1 June & at Ferté Vidame on 13 - 14 September – which is expected to be the biggest event of its kind this year, with almost 800 Traction Avants expected to attend.