Jeep has added new engines to two of its popular models – the Grand Cherokee and the Wrangler. The Grand Cherokee gets a new diesel powerplant, while the Wrangler gets a new petrol engine with an upgraded automatic transmission.
The new 3,0-litre turbodiesel in the Grand Cherokee has a maximum power output of 177 kW at 4 000 r/min and 550 N.m of torque between 1 800 and 2 800 r/min. Jeep claims that this is 10 per cent improvement over the engine that it replaces, but despite the improved performance, fuel economy has not taken a knock. This new engine allows for a fuel consumption figure of 8,3 litres/100 km and 218 g/km of CO2 emissions. Drive is sent to the wheels via a five-speed automatic transmission.
Jeep makes a point of noting that this new diesel engine has been designed to make use of low-sulphur diesel, but because this is not as readily available in South Africa as it is in other countries, the diesel particulate filter has been deleted and South Africans can use 500 ppm diesel.
Jeep offers the choice of two 4×4 systems – Qaudra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II. Both are available with the new Selec-Terrain traction control system that allows the driver to choose from five different driving conditions – sand/mud, sport, auto, snow and rock. The Quadra-Lift air suspension system offers five different settings (normal ride height, off-road 1, off road 2, park mode and aero mode), depending on the driving conditions.
The engine line-up for the Grand Cherokee now consists of the 3,6-litre Pentastar V6 petrol engine developing 210 kW and 347 N.m of torque, as well as the company’s 259 kW 5,7-litre Hemi V8.
Prices:
Jeep Grand Cherokee 3,0L CRD Ltd – R599 990
Jeep Grand Cherokee 3,0L CRD Overland – R649 990
Jeep Grand Cherokee 3,6L Ltd – R532 990
Jeep Grand Cherokee 3,6L Overland – R582 990
Jeep Grand Cherokee 5,7L HEMI Overland – R645 990
The Wrangler range was updated towards the end on last year. Joining the updated line-up is a new 3,6-litre V6 petrol engine in place of the 3,8-litre unit. This new Pentastar powerplant pushes out 209 kW at and 347 N.m of torque, and this will be the first time that the Chrysler Group’s Pentastar engine gets a manual transmission. Other Wrangler petrol models now get a five-speed automatic transmission as opposed to a four-speed one.
The Jeep Wrangler line-up consists of the 2,8-litre turbodiesel “Cheetah” engine that replaced the “Panther” generation and offers 147 kW and 460 N.m of torque. It returns a combined fuel consumption of just 8,1 litres/100 km, with emissions at 213 g/km.
Prices:
Jeep Wrangler 3.6L V6 Sahara – R369 990
Jeep Wrangler 3.6L V6 Rubicon – R389 990
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 3.6L V6 Sahara – R394 990
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 3.6L V6 Rubicon – R414 990
You can find more details regarding the updated Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler ranges in the press releases in the DOCUMENTS section above this article’s images.