Our Jeep Grand Cherokee recently arrived for an extended 20 000 km test and has already received the thumbs-up both visually, and mechanically, and has also been selected as the official replacement to the Peugeot 3008 in the role of photography/filming tracking vehicle due to its utility space and ride comfort.
Our test unit is powered by the brand-new 3,0-litre V6 diesel engine from the drawing board of VM Motori. This company was started by two Italians, Vancini and Martelli in 1947 and has since had various owners, from Detroit Diesel, to DaimlerChrysler, through Penske, and now is split 50:50 between General Motors and Fiat Powertrain Technologies. Although boasting healthy power and torque figures of 177 kW and 550 N.m, I will be keeping a keen eye on maintaining a lowest possible average fuel consumption and far as possible range. I’m aiming for over-achieving around 800 km per 90- litre tank, which will be good for long trips. Also good for longer trips is the fact that this off-roader can drink 500 ppm diesel fuel and also has a full-size spare wheel.
Because I plan to do some towing in the year ahead, Jeep SA agreed to have a towbar fitted. This is a genuine imported Jeep product and was fitted by experts SPE Dynamic. Taking only 90 minutes, at our own premises, it nevertheless proved to be a fairly serious job. The boot lining, various trim sections, rear tail-lamps, rear bumper and one of the two silencers had to be removed. The wiring loom was connected up and power was tapped directly from the 12V battery which incidentally is mounted in the floor under the driver’s seat!
Look out for further updates on our ownership experience of the Jeep Grand Cherokee 3,0 V6 CRD Overland in upcoming issues of Car, as well as, carmagblog.co.za.
