I have to come clean and relay to the forum that I popped back into Jeep over the weekend. Had another look at the Cherokee.
Yes, they're more expensive. Yes, I personally don't like the exterior styling as much (although my girlfriend does). But, also yes, it has a nice big digital speedo. in a really nice colour instrument cluster. Yes, it also has proper sans-key door opening (where you just put your hand behind the handle and you don't have to press a button). Yes, it looks of great interest and - finally - yes, it has a 0% APR approach, vs. Mazda's 5.9%. Cash is an alternative to remove that blocker, but why pay cash if 0% is an option in front of you?
I'm going to get them to run some figures... I've not even test driven one yet.