For the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee 2.7 CRD has arrived in New Zealand sporting the latest diesel technology, delivering average fuel economy of 9.7L/100km (29mpg-plus) – excellent figures for a vehicle of this size.
But Jeep hasn’t sacrificed power or performance to achieve such good economy. On the contrary, the five-cylinder, 2.7-litre turbo diesel engine boasts the pulling power of a petrol V8 with a massive 400Nm of torque on call and sprightly acceleration that leaves many other four-wheel-drives in its dust.
Quite simply, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 2.7 CRD is a grand all-rounder and yet another example of the legendary Jeep spirit. Best of all is the new price of just $77,900 – less than originally planned, thanks to price adjustments announced in April.
To create this latest model, the all-American Jeep called on the assistance of some new friends in Europe, where diesel car technology is well advanced. Jeep engineers collaborated with their German colleagues in DaimlerChrysler to give the Grand Cherokee a new source of power.
Together they adapted the much-vaunted 2.7-litre Common Rail Diesel engine used by Mercedes-Benz in its E and M-class vehicles to bring a new level of diesel sophistication and performance to the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
The impressive engine features double overhead camshafts, 20 valves and a variable geometry turbocharger. For the Grand Cherokee the turbo system was further modified, along with both manifolds and other items, to better suit the characteristics of the Jeep.
The result is a diesel engine that compares very favourably with similar size petrol engines – it even has a raspy exhaust note that wouldn’t sound out of place coming from a sports car.
The CRD engine is mated to a 5-speed automatic that is also manufactured in Germany. The electronically-controlled, wide ratio transmission has undergone minor changes to deliver improved shift control, more favourable step-up through the gears, lower maintenance, as well as increased service life and reliability.
Working in unison, the new CRD engine and transmission optimises the performance of the Grand Cherokee, both on and off road.
As a long-distance tourer, this Jeep will take a family and their belongings from Auckland to Wellington, in total luxury, on one tank of fuel, according to experts who recently completed a series of economy drives in Australia and the UK, notching up a creditable 6.07L/100km (46mpg).
Forget about ‘diesel lag’ when looking to overtake other vehicles on the highway. The Grand Cherokee CRD places its peak torque between 1800rpm and 2600rpm, just where it’s needed for mid-range acceleration. The adaptive learning programme in the automatic transmission quickly works out how to make the most of such manoeuvres, as it reads the driving style of the driver.
For the record, the Grand Cherokee CRD will cover 0-100km/h in just over 11 seconds and has a maximum speed of almost 190km/h.
Many existing Grand Cherokee owners chose their vehicle to tow the family boat, caravan or horse trailer and they wouldn’t be disappointed by the lusty towing ability of the new CRD model. The high mid-range torque gives this Jeep the ability to tow loads up to a braked maximum of 3500kg – among the best in class.
Torque is equally important for people who drive off-road, since it provides excellent low speed driveability. And the high compression of the diesel engine safely controls the vehicle’s progress downhill. The Grand Cherokee CRD is a natural off-road performer, not just because of the engine and smooth transmission, but also through its world-beating Quadra-Drive constant four-wheel-drive system that senses slippage and diverts power to wheels with the most grip.
Along with other models in the 2003 Grand Cherokee range, the CRD benefits from a re-tuned suspension, featuring reduced pressure shock absorbers to improve the ride comfort without compromising the handling. Latest generation ABS braking is standard and reduced brake pedal effort allows shorter stopping distances through increased master cylinder output pressure and new brake callipers. Jeep engineers also reduced steering effort both on and off-centre with a revised steering gear torsion bar.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee 2.7 CRD Limited is distinguished from the 4.7-litre, V8 petrol-powered Limited by the discreet CRD badging on the rear tailgate and its unique 17” five-spoke alloy wheels.
Inside, the accent is on luxury, with leather seating and discreet use of wood trim on the door cappings and fascia. The infrared, dual zone, climate air conditioning system has been upgraded to be more sensitive to the body temperatures of the front occupants. Other standard equipment includes 10-way powered front seats, 10-CD changer sound system, power windows/doors/mirrors, cruise control and stereo controls on the steering wheel and rain-sensing windscreen wipers that recognise when it’s raining, switch themselves on and adjust their speed according to the severity of the downpour.
Jeep places a high priority on safety and it has equipped 2003 model Grand Cherokees with the latest multi-stage driver and passenger front air bags, designed to deploy at different levels depending on the severity of the impact. These are complemented by ceiling-mounted side curtain air bags that offer additional head protection for both front and rear occupants.
Final words on the new Jeep Grand Cherokee 2.7 CRD go to British motoring journalist Quentin Wilson of the UK Daily Mirror, well known for his criticism of the motor industry.
He said in a recent column: “After years of hating diesel I’ve set aside my prejudices and jumped in a Jeep Grand Cherokee 2.7 CRD and it’s a revelation.
“It’s one of the few American cars I actually rate. Jeep build quality is simply streets ahead of its main competitors, the Freelander and Discovery.”
