The third generation Jeep Grand Cherokee will be available from June 1 and its keen pricing (many models are cheaper than the ones they replace) could swing many people’s choice.
The third generation Jeep Grand Cherokee will be available from June 1 and its keen pricing (many models are cheaper than the ones they replace) could swing many people’s choice.
While the 4,7-litre s-o-h-c V8 will be continued in the new range, the Grand Cherokee will also receive an all-new 3,0-litre V6 common-rail turbodiesel engine. It will also be the first time that the 5,7-litre Hemi V8 engine will be used in this model.
DaimlerChrysler’s new 3,0 CRD engine, with Bosch high-pressure fuel injection, a variable geometry turbocharger and four valves per cylinder, produces maximum power of 160 kW and its peak torque of 510 N.m is achieved from just 1 600 r/min.
The 240 kW Hemi V8 produces 500 N.m and powers the big SUV from zero to 100-km/h in just over seven seconds. With a towing capacity of 3 500 kg and rear loadspace providing up to 1 909 dm3 of space, this flexible model switches easily between family car and leisure vehicle roles.
For the first time, the 5,7-litre Hemi-powered SUV will also receive a Multi-Displacement System (MDS) that deactivates half of the cylinders during light acceleration and cruising, increasing fuel economy by up to 20 per cent.
The 3,0 CRD receives a new five-speed automatic transmission, while the remaining derivatives will use a revised version of the existing automatic transmission.
For the first time on the Grand Cherokee, both transmissions will use Electronic Range Select interactive shift control, allowing the driver to switch between fully automatic and sequential shifting modes.
A new suspension and steering system provides a more comfortable ride with improved handling. The front suspension wheel travel has been increased by more than 10 per cent over that of the old Grand Cherokee, while the new five-link rear suspension geometry (with a track bar) improves rigidity.
For the first time, ESP and a new electronic rollover mitigation system are standard safety features on the Grand Cherokee.
The Quadra-Drive II system uses front, centre and rear electronic limited slip differentials to replace the Vari-Lok progressive axles used on the previous models. The new system electronically engages a torque bias on the front and rear axles, allowing almost all the torque to be distributed to any one of the wheels at any time.
Guy Franken, Chrysler, Jeep & Dodge marketing manager at DaimlerChrysler South Africa said: “Consumers are demanding more for less and all manufacturers have raised their game to meet such demand. Now with the new 3,0 CRD engine and 5,7-litre Hemi with MDS, it becomes an even more compelling package for South African customers because it’s priced right for our market.”
Prices: (previous generation’s prices are indicated in brackets)
Jeep Grand Cherokee 4,7L Laredo V8 R384 900 (old 4,7-litre was R382 900)
Jeep Grand Cherokee 3,0L Laredo CRD
R409 900 (equivalent 2,7-litre was R379 900)
Jeep Grand Cherokee 5,7L Limited HEMI V8 R459 900 (equivalent 4,7-litre Overland was R467 900)
Jeep Grand Cherokee 3,0L Limited CRD R469 900 (euqivalent 2,7-litre was 471 800)
