The manufacturer Chrysler has been quiet over the past year, trying somehow to weather the crisis, while moving the hands of the Italian group Fiat. While this did not stop to sell more vehicles, but it is true that in terms of news, it was rather dull these lately. As the manufacturer we will shortly propose several new features in the next few weeks, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has proven the only real new product yet. True to its roots since its introduction, this new generation Grand Cherokee is fortunately very successful. A rich past
I remember that from its appearance in 1993, the Grand Cherokee was THE SUV while those who have had a more limited budget, turned to the Suzuki Sidekick. Of course, the luxury SUV segment has grown over the years and several new vehicles were added to the list, eroding the market shares of the Grand Cherokee. The latter, however, remained in the race, relying on its off-road capabilities. It's still a Jeep! As for this new generation, which now uses the same platform as the Mercedes-Benz ML, it continues in the same premises, while improving the passage several aspects of the vehicle.
When one sees the new generation Grand Cherokee, we recognize his style more modern, but all still very close to the typical line of the vehicle, including its seven-bar grille on the front and side molding that runs through the doors. It was retouched here and there, nothing more. The rear looks a little more inspired with these lights which incorporate the style of those of the Dodge Journey. The 2011 Grand Cherokee retains its classic style and more Cartesian, while some manufacturers are squarely opposed in terms of philosophy or at least much more fragmented. One can certainly point to the lack of boldness on the part of designers but I must admit that the new Grand Cherokee dress looks good on him. The designers have succeeded in giving it a more dynamic style while retaining its upscale touches.
A brand new V6 As for choosing
version, everything is pretty simple, there are only four, including the return of the Overland, all distinguished primarily by their level of equipment since the two available engines are practically available through range. Only the basic version Laredo offers only one engine choice. Indeed, this database engine, a 3.6-liter V6, which wants the big news in terms of engines. The V6 is Pentastar, aboard the Grand Cherokee, its first application and is standard on all versions. An output of 290 horsepower with a torque of 260 lb-ft, it is obviously more powerful and more modern than the old V6, offering such a system of variable valve timing and dual overhead cam head. However, we must deplore the absence of direct injection technology now rependue from many manufacturers. Otherwise, you can fall back on the 5.7-liter HEMI V8, which the latter plying his last few years at Chrysler. It offers more power and interesting, with 360 horsepower and MDS cylinder deactivation makes sense - pay attention to the word "sensible" - to provide increased fuel economy, but in fact, the HEMI engine remains quite greedy. Moreover, for fans of the genre, it's a safe bet that a SRT8 version will be available next year. Stay tuned.
The charm aboard
is probably on board as the new Grand Cherokee charms us most. The cabin is successful, not only because of its simple furnishings and thoughtful, but also by the quality of materials. There is a perceived sense of quality on board, something which has not always been the case with Chrysler. Whatever version you get a good list of equipment which several are very practical, especially seats heating / air conditioning, heated steering wheel, an electric opening tailgate, a keyless entry system and more. In short, one quickly comes to appreciate the little details that make the vehicle more user friendly. The cargo space of this new generation also been revised upwards and the ability to fully open the tailgate party or just the glass adds to the element utility, particularly for the transport of long objects.
On the road
history to evaluate this new, our test model had the new 3.6-liter V6. This is a engine very well adapted to the vehicle, which proved plenty powerful. While it did not sound the same as the HEMI V8, but its generous torque developed at low engine speeds makes for good times. We really feel they have enough power. Over the miles, we discovered a vehicle with a quiet ride and very comfortable. It feels very rigid chassis while the suspension mastered any tendency to roll. Also good for soundproofing of the cabin while his more classic style, makes a good vision on board. At a
time when fuel economy is always at the forefront, we got a consumption of 13.8 l/100 km remaining very polite to the accelerator, which is not really a good note . The presence of a five-speed automatic transmission, the only proposed for the two engines, has certainly seen in the equation. The manufacturer claims it can travel over 1,000 km with a tank theory, but that element is certainly based on the large reservoir capacity (93 liters), rather than on frugal engine. As for the V8 HEMI it remains an attractive choice for those who appreciate a car a little more "punch", but have higher towing capacity it brings (7200 lbs instead of 5000 lbs) which we believe is its main attraction. That in this case a very interesting vehicle for those who need to tow and who do not necessarily represent the virtues of a van.
course, as the Grand Cherokee features the Jeep logo, it has excellent off-road capability, but since this argument is no longer so fashionable, we all know that a small percentage of SUV buyers will play in the mud, we would not dwell too much on this aspect of the vehicle. It should be mentioned that the Grand Cherokee can be equipped with three types of machinery and this year, a new Selec-Land enables the driver to choose five different settings depending on road type.
What we can learn from the new Grand Cherokee? First, it continues to offer excellent value and even then he keeps pushing the qualities that have made it a vehicle if desired. Moreover, many people around me have asked to look more closely at this new version, a sign that the Grand Cherokee continues to generate interest. Moreover, sales of the Grand Cherokee was last month the highest in 10 years ... nothing less.
