Jeep Grand Cherokee 2005 Review

Jeep is the latest to join the ranks of car makers having a V6 configuration for a diesel engine, and it combines it with the modern technology of four valves a cylinder and double overhead camshafts per cylinder bank to operate those valves.

The previous diesel engine in the now-superseded Grand Cherokee was an in-line five-cylinder of 2.7 litres. But the new V6 turbocharged diesel gives one-third additional power, a muscular 160kW, while torque – a diesel-engine strong point – is up 28 per cent to a considerable 510Nm.

The new common-rail diesel engine is available in Grand Cherokee with only one transmission, a W5A580 version of the five-speed automatic especially configured to the diesel's output. Jeep calls it an electronic range select system whereby the driver can manually select upshifts and downshifts.

Grand Cherokee turbo diesel is priced at about $2000 more than superseded models and now costs from $59,090 for the Laredo and $10,000 more for the luxury Limited.

Laredo includes traction control, electronic stability control program 17in wheels, power front seats, dual-zone heating and cooling, and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

The Limited adds leather trim and steering wheel, rain-sensing automatic wipers, memory seats and mirror positions, rear parking sensors and heated front seats.

Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive system is standard: it's a full-time 4WD and has electronic limited slip technology in front and rear axles as well as in the transfer case.

A skid plate package, of plates for fuel tank, transfer case and front suspension, is an option. Jeep Grand Cherokee is a five-seater.

SMALL TORQUE

Big deal

GRAND Cherokee has big numbers: maximum towing of 3500kg, in diesel form it weighs 2142kg-2169kg and has ground clearance of 214mm at the front axle and 209mm at the rear.

Wheel good

FRONT-WHEEL travel is measured at 22.5cm and the rear wheels at 22.4cm with each corner having coil springs. Front disc brakes are a large 328mm diameter by 30mm thick and ventilated. Rear discs are solid and measure 320mm in diameter. Tyres are 245/65 Goodyear Wrangler on 17in rims.

Diesel doer

THE V6 turbo diesel gives 160kW at 4000rpm while torque of 510Nm is there from 1600 until 2800rpm. The diesel will out-accelerate the 4.7-litre V8 petrol Grand Cherokee and give far better fuel economy. The diesel costs $2600 more than the 4.7 petrol.