WHEN the Chrysler SA Group asked us if we would like to take command of a Jeep for a long-term test, then suggested a Grand Cherokee 3,0 V6 turbodiesel, we deliberated long and hard … and after a few seconds decided to accept the offer. Although tow bars are not normally fitted to test cars, we cheekily asked for one as we were already planning some special trips with towing in mind. Shortly after delivery, a team came to CAR’s premises to fit the Mopar towbar, involving removal of the rear end of the Jeep to access the wiring harnesses and bodywork – a very professional job.
With 177 kW and 550 N.m on tap, get up and go was never going to be an issue for the Jeep Grand Cherokee, but the way that it performs is really impressive. Progress is seamlessly proportional to accelerator position and there is always more in reserve.
Early in our test we suffered a puncture and had to replace the tyre due to sidewall damage. The Kumho Solus 265/50 VR20 is sizeable and wasn’t cheap. The best quote we received was from Autoquip for R3 529. Ouch!
It would take too many pages to mention all of the luxury features that are included as standard in the Overland but some do stand out. Seat comfort is all important to me and the Jeep is trimmed in fine Nappa leather, not the more common stuff that feels like vinyl.
The panoramic glass roof includes a conventional opening front section plus a full-length, electrically operated fabric screen that cuts out sunlight and wind noise, especially with the roof racks that we used for most of the test. Heated rear seats sound exotic, but not when children like to play with them in the summer.
Extra audio features included two USB ports and a subwoofer in the boot, while flat folding rear seats were useful for loading lengthy objects and also for doubling as a bed. As with my previous two long-termers, I tried the latter out when caravanning and had a good night’s sleep out of the rain. Small, appreciated touches included a removable, on-charge torch at the rear.
The first lengthy family trip took the Jeep Grand Cherokee to Van Rhynsdorp in mid-winter to visit a lifestyle farm. The citrus season was in full swing and the Olifants river flowed strongly. Next on the list was a five-day trip with three adults to Chalumna (Xhosa: Tyolomnqa) near East London for a wedding. Once again, the Thule roof box was filled with luggage, bedding and wedding presents. But first we headed up the N1 to Leeu-Gamka (a name literally meaning Lion-Lion). The purpose was to locate a farm I last visited as a boy (incidentally in a Chrysler product, a Valiant V200).
With the current farmer met, photos taken and having done some hasty shepherding of a dorper flock due to our own negligence, it was time to continue along the excellent quality gravel road to Prince Albert and on to our stop-over cottage at De Rust. The next day good use was made of the seat-and steering wheel heaters as we had a chilly start to the second leg of the journey via Route 62. We had to switch to 500 ppm diesel in Joubertina (not a problem as the Jeep accepts this). Staying over at Keyser’s beach for the duration of the wedding celebrations, it was time to return, this time using the N2 plus a stop-over with friends in Knysna. On this 2 500 km trip, the fuel consumption averaged a respectable 9,65 L/100 km.
Saving the best for last, we chose the Richtersveld as our SANParks/long-termer trip. To fully test the Jeep Grand Cherokee, we hoisted the roof box AND hitched a Gypsey Romany caravan and headed up the N7 to Springbok. After a night’s rest, we unhitched the caravan to spare it the long and bumpy gravel stretch to the park and continued with a very full car down the coast to Port Nolloth, Alexander Bay and then up to Sendelingsdrif.
On the third day we explored. Joined by lensman Duwyne Aspeling in a double cab Isuzu, we set off to De Hoop via the spectacular Akkedis Pass where we got to try out low range and a selection of the Grand Cherokee’s sand- and rock programs using Quadra-Lift, Quadra-Trac II with low range and Quadra-Drive II with electronic limited slip diff. The standard satellite navigation came in very handy on this trip.
Although the on-road biased tyres took a severe beating on the sharp rocks, we suffered no punctures and the comfort of the Jeep made for an unforgettable expedition. Sadly, we had little time to let the beauty sink in, and had to head back to collect the caravan, this time continuing back down the N7 to our final stay-over at the soothing hot water springs at The Baths in Citrusdal. The fuel consumption while towing the caravan was close to 15,0 litres/100 km and on the slow-going 4×4 route, 12,0 litres/100 km. Finally, I travelled eastwards with the Thule bicycle carrier doing duty. The roof box could have been mounted alongside but the extra space was not needed this time.
At the office, the Jeep was sought after by our camera and video crews due to its comfortable, air suspended ride and split opening tailgate. Long trips still occured; our editor visited Gouritsmond with his family, Ian McLaren travelled to Knysna and Duwyne Aspeling provided back-up and photography for another Sanparks trip to Tsitsikamma.
Hassles were few: the seats are perforated to accommodate the air conditioning fans fitted to both front seats but this does make cleaning much more difficult following liquid spills. The car needed a litre of oil just before the 20 000 km service. A top-up of special power-steering fluid was required at the same time. No leaks were found. The tyre damage on the Richtersveld expedition leads us to recommend a set of more serious off-road tyres for overlanding … and that’s about it. Tyre tread depth remaining at test culmination was 5 mm or 68 per cent both front and rear.
Test Summary
A supreme all-rounder, the V6 CRD Overland offers comfort, off-road ability, space and decent fuel economy for the power output. We will miss the Grand Cherokee’s superior quality of ride and towing capability, but most
of all, the camera team now needs to find a replacement tracking vehicle…
What Owners Say
This is my third Grand Cherokee – a 4,7 V8, 5,7 V8 Hemi, and now the CRD. At 120 km/h, a gentle driver could get down to 11,0 litres/100 km. I have loved all three but they keep getting better and better. I like the bigger body and the higher driving position and the suspension is super. Low range and hill descent are far easier to select and use than before. This vehicle is exactly what I wanted. I love every feature and every trip is looked forward to.
Gwilym J Howes
My Grand Cherokee has 24 300 km on the clock after 10 months. I am still of the opinion that she is an absolute dream! From a performance perspective, she still packs a mean punch. Fuel consumption has improved to 14,95 litres/100 km.
Bennie
I am driving a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD. I have completed 66 000 km of which 10 000 km were off-road with a Bush-Nest off-road trailer. The rest of the mileage was 30 to 70 per cent dirt/tar, mostly long distances at high speed. Good performance and plenty of power. Good fuel efficiency. Overall, excellent value.
Jaco Malan
