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02/06/2011
REVIEW by MURRAY HUBBARD
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After playing happily in the mud in a new Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo I’m happy to say it is close to being idiot-proof. Grand Cherokee takes the guesswork out of off-roading with its new Selec-Train traction control system. Drivers simply dial in the settings that best suit the terrain: Snow, Sport, Auto, Sand/Mud and Rock.
We selected the sand/mud setting and hit the Quadra-Lift button to raise the body to its maximum height of 271 mm and engaged low-range. However, the vehicle was fitted with road tyres, unsuited to this type of terrain. What this did do was highlight just how good the system is. At times the vehicle would stop with all four wheels appearing to have lost traction, then you could feel the system searching for grip. A slight change to the steering wheel and you can feel one wheel gain traction and pull the vehicle through. Up to 100 per cent of torque can be directed at the one axle with grip.
This is the fourth-generation Grand Cherokee. This new model has smoother, more refined lines while still retaining the basic Grand Cherokee shape. If anything the vehicle looks more athletic. The subtle changes that matter are hard to spot: the front and rear doors now open to 78 degrees, the rear passengers now have more knee and leg room and there’s 11 per cent more cargo space.
The new V6 has variable valve timing (VVT) on inlet and exhaust valves which assists in lowering fuel consumption by around 10 per cent. It develops maximum power of 210 kW at 6350 rpm and 347 Nm of torque at 4300 rpm. The five-speed auto works nicely and smoothly and there is no complaint about the Grand Cherokee’s NVH.
Jeep did not set out to re-invent the Grand Cherokee with this latest offering. It has simply improved on the basics and this is reflected in the cabin which even in the entry-level $45,000 model has a luxurious feel. The upholstery material is soft, exudes class and is integrated across the interior on hard-wear areas including the doors, console and armrest. Both front seats have eight-way power adjustment plus four-way lumbar settings to cater for just about any body shape.
The instrument panel has been redesigned and is easy to read. The rear seat offers good leg, head and shoulder room for three adults. The rear seat has a 60/40 split and when folded down provides 1554 litres of cargo storage and 782 litres when the seat is in use. The cargo area also has a rechargeable torch built in plus improved baggage hooks on both sides. The spare wheel is now under the floor, not under the vehicle, and has enough spare room for storage of other items, whether valuables or muddy or wet stuff.
This is about the most refined Jeep ever with on-road manners that bely the vehicle’s serious off-road credentials. It is a little ponderous on-road, as American designed vehicles tend to be, but in this latest model that ride is far more acceptable than previous Grand Cherokees.
The vehicle handles surely and is more than competitive while it points nicely into corners with not too much body roll. The reversing camera is excellent for both safety and parking in tight spots. We found the Grand Cherokee particularly comfortable for long-distance cruising.
The vehicle handles rough off-road conditions with a lot of dignity thanks to the airbag suspension which cushions the bumps and lumps.
While the vehicle’s in-line performance is okay we can’t say we are a fan of the petrol engine and would hold off to see what the turbo-diesel will be like. We suspect the urban consumption of 16.1 litres/100 km may have something to do with our uneasy feeling, along with the recommended premium unleaded fuel. The combined consumption is 11.4 L/100 km.
Grand Cherokee Laredo comes loaded to the hilt with safety and security systems. Importantly for a 4WD, it has both Electronic Stability Control and Electronic Roll Mitigation plus ABS brakes with rough road detection, All Speed Traction Control and Trailer-Sway Control. Front and side airbags as well as full-length side-curtain airbags protect front and rear outboard passengers. Driver inflatable knee bolster and active head restraints deploy should the vehicle be rear-ended.
With a diesel engine, which will be coming later in 2011, and more aggressive off-road tyres the Grand Cherokee Laredo would meet the needs of many serious off-roaders.
MODEL RANGE AND PRICING
Grand Cherokee Laredo 3.6-litre V6 petrol: $45,000 (automatic)
Grand Cherokee Limited 3.6-litre V6 petrol: $55,000 (automatic)
Grand Cherokee Limited 5.7-litre V8 petrol: $60,000 (automatic)
Grand Cherokee Overland 5.7-litre V8 petrol: $69,500 (automatic)
Note: These prices do not include dealer or government charges. Contact a Jeep dealer for driveaway prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 3.6-litre V6 petrol)
ENGINE:
Capacity: 3.6 litres
Configuration: V6
Compression Ratio: 10.2:1
Bore/Stroke: 96.00 mm x 83.00 mm
Maximum Power: 210 kW @ 6350 rpm
Maximum Torque: 347 Nm @ 4300 rpm
DRIVELINE:
Driven Wheels: AWD
Manual Transmission: N/A
Automatic Transmission: Five-Speed
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4822 mm
Wheelbase: 2915 mm
Width: 1943 mm
Height: 1781 mm
Turning Circle: 11.6 metres
Kerb Mass: 2191-2279 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 93.5 litres
Towing Ability: 2268 kg (kg with braked trailer)
ANGLES (With Quadra-Lift at Off-Road 2 Mode)
34 degree approach (normal 26 degree)
27 degree departure (normal 24 degree)
SUSPENSION AND BRAKES:
Front Suspension: Independent twin tube springs over shock absorbers
Rear Suspension: Multi-link
(Test vehicle was fitted with the replacement Quadra-Lift air springs)
Front Brakes: ventilated disc
Rear Brakes: ventilated disc
PERFORMANCE:
0-100 km/h Acceleration: 9.1 seconds
FUEL CONSUMPTION:
Type: Premium unleaded
Combined Cycle (ADR 81/01): 11.4 L/100km
GREEN VEHICLE GUIDE RATINGS:
Greenhouse Rating: 5 /10
Air Pollution Rating: 5.5 /10
STANDARD WARRANTY:
3 years/ 100,000 km |
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