Dodge Journey test drive since 2008 SUV
Seliger test
I always said that Russia is the best place to conduct test drives. If, by the definition of a test drive, it is not to understand the entertainment walk, but the test of the new model. Here, for example, it is not necessary to build special off -road routes a bit from the garden ring, and off -roads of any degree of complexity at your disposal. In addition, every car we run off -road and sloppiness, as Comrade Bender said, in our conditions it is difficult to predict, inevitably extreme and, as a result, non -cheap. But there are no questions regarding what the machine is capable of is left. So after a trip to Lake Seliger, an organized by Chrysler, they were not left for the new Jeep Cherokee, or to the latest crossover (as the manufacturer himself determines the type of car) Dodge Journey. Flight to the trail
It's nice when the organizers of the test drive try to make this event extraordinary. Personally, I still, although seven years have passed, I remember in detail the chassis presentation of the Cherokee of the past generation in South Africa, in a huge national park. Among other things, there was a flight on a helicopter there: a pilot-bureau seemed to have nothing to lose over his native reservation land, and he struck us with a desperate (and precisely calculated) piloting. What was my surprise when this time I found out that we would have to get to Seliger a helicopter, it seems that the rotorcraft became a chrysler chip. Frankly, I did not know that the Mi-8 was able to take 22 people aboard. Of course, the crew did not demonstrate any senior aerobatics, the car flew almost evenly and very low, but we still received a drop of adrenaline. And they were frankly glad that the return trip to the capital would need to be overcome in cars.
From the clearing on which the helicopter landed, to the hotel complex called the path, we had to walk on a clean invigorating (+9) air. Then I realized why the complex is called this way, and not otherwise: it is precisely the path that there is no road in the usual sense of the word. It is not difficult to drive through a clearing on an SUV, but it is very difficult on a passenger car, it all depends on the clearance and weather in the bad weather, it’s better not to try even at a universal of increased cross -country ability. True, they found a simple way out in the path: guests are offered to leave transport on the other side of the lake (there is a parking lot), and they are delivered to the place of rest on boat or on a hitch -pillow boats. The numbers, I note along the way, cost about the same as on the southern coast of France. True, the cottages are log, spacious, there are apartments with a jacuzzi.
However, I was too distracted from the car topic. But here they are, the fourth generation Jeep Cherokee, are waiting for us at a log fence. (I note in brackets that it is not easy to deal with the generations of this model, therefore, some historians of the brand can classify the current Cherokee by the third generation, others by the fifth or even seventh. It hardly is of fundamental importance, but if you strictly follow the name, everything comes out. the fourth).
I. Jeep Cherokee Style and comfort
The exterior design clearly indicates a return to the origins: Cherokee has again gained classic angular forms that make you recall the first generation of the model, and even the ancestor of modern jeeps of the famous Willys from the time of World Warling. Well, the militaristic style, no matter how sad, is now in fashion again. Now he does not scare off even ladies who can more often be seen at the wheel of large brutal cars. Cherokee, however, is a medium-sized SUV, but a new-old style to his face. Honestly, I personally had nothing against the former appearance of the Indian. But the matter of taste. Now Cherokee looks, undoubtedly, more courageously, he literally blows him with determination. The lupid defenselessness, which had an aggressive expressiveness of the front with original block facts, has not been denied this.
With all the changes, the model remained quite recognizable by the branded, henceforth certainly chrome radiator grille, trapezoidal wheeled arches, and three side windows. The length of the car remained almost the same (minus ephemeral 3 mm), but it became wider than 20 mm and lower by 201 mm. If outwardly the new Cherokee is an even more firmly knocked down jeep, then inside that surprisingly it seemed to me a little more spacious. In the shoulder zone it became free, and the ceiling, despite the fact that it became below, does not press, there is enough space above your head.
The interior is generally still simple and functional, but the difference is very noticeable compared to the model of the past generation. First of all, the quality of finishing materials improved: plastic on the front panel and sidewalls of the doors is no longer so hard, the skin of good quality both on the seats and on the steering wheel, soft upholstery from above. The shield with orange arrows of instruments is now very informative Cherokee has an on -board information center EVIC. An additional niche with a non-elaborate surface appeared on top of the central console, it is convenient to put, say, a mobile phone or some other trifle in it. The console itself is not overloaded with verniers and buttons, to control the climate control system and an audio system (you can also from the steering wheel) easier. By the way, you can order a Jeep Cherokee with a MYGIG multimedia system with a touch screen, a voice control function, a 20-gigabyte disk for storing music files (at least 100 hours!) Or photos. Plus 8 columns, subwoofer, 368-watt amplifier.
The seats became more convenient for the lower pillow lengthened, the degree of lateral support increased slightly, and the range of electrical regulations expanded. Therefore, despite the fact that the steering column is regulated only by inclination, it is not difficult to sit according to all the rules. The transmission mode switch has become more convenient, now it is not a hilt, but a semicircular toggle switch at the bottom of the central console. The rear passengers also received the ability to adjust the tilt of the back.
The volume of the luggage compartment can be varied from 419 to 1404 liters, if the rear seats are folded. In addition, in the sidewalls of the compartment there are special departments with mounts, the floor is equipped with a bilateral coating, in addition, there is a waterproof pallet under it. Yes, I almost forgot to say about the panoramic roof of Sky Slider, the option is funny, but, in my opinion, completely superfluous in our climatic conditions. In essence, this is a huge hatch, taken by waterproof material that is collected in an accordion. I pressed the key and open the roof even in parts, at least completely, to the back row of seats. Or vice versa from the back row.
However, it is time to understand how all this goes.
On gasoline And Cherokee does not equally depend on which engine is located under the hood. Moreover, this is not only about accelerated dynamics or maximum speed. On the off -road and lanes, on which we mainly drove the whole first day, the difference in the behavior of cars with different power units was obvious. But in order.
The 12-valve V6 is already perceived as a kind of anachronism. He, of course, was tested by time, well balanced, you can’t refuse to tractism and a pleasant roar at high speeds. But, aggregated with the same middle-aged 4-speed automatic, it brings a strange feeling of disharmony to the character of Cherokee. Of course, this is a purely subjective assessment, but this is what I felt.
The car with V6 seems to be strange, too light in steep turns on a loose, clay or slippery fodder canvas easily and, in my opinion, strives too early to break into the skid, now and then activating the ESP course stability system. This system, by the way, enters into work with typically American grunts, but acts very intelligently, primarily branding the right wheel (or wheels), and not reducing the supply of fuel. Very correct settings! Moreover, the demolition of the stern occurs both with active movement in 2WD mode (rear -wheel drive) and in 4WD Auto mode. The situation can be corrected by moving into 4WD Low mode, but a rigid locking of the coupling does not imply a quick ride.
Here I have to say about two of the following circumstances, which largely influenced the perception of the car. Firstly, we drove, we must admit, for the most part at an extreme pace for such roads. So, it is likely that the degree driver of any frivolity in the behavior of the gasoline Cherokee will not notice. Secondly, all the cars were shod in all-not all-season tires with an inexpressive tread that is not too suitable for such tests. But, maybe it is for the better, the more clearly the manner of car behavior. In addition, the tires were the same on gasoline and diesel versions. Nevertheless, in time to feel the moment of demolition and catch Cherokee, working as a steering wheel and a gas pedal, is not difficult. With any engine, he behaves quite predictably. Yes, and the settings of the steering are adequate: the hydraulic wrap does not interfere too much, the steering wheel is heavy with an increase in speed, and feedback is always present on it. Well, 3.42 turns from the stop to the stop this is normal for the jeep.
On diesel fuel
Honestly, as if I had moved to another car. Here again, a steep and blind turn on the rise, I am inertial, getting ready to catch the car, but no demolition of the stern happens! Cherokee confidently follows a given path. And if you still add? Yes, demolition occurs but somehow reluctantly and noticeably later than on a gasoline version. That is, on such a machine along the slopes and buuse, you can move much faster. What is the matter?
I think not only that the diesel Cherokee is really a little heavier than its gasoline counterpart. According to my feelings, a turbodiesel, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission, is in complete harmony with the system of constant all-wheel drive Selec-Trac II. The torque of 460 nm makes it in 4WD Auto mode for some moments earlier to block the coupling and connect the front wheels. As a result, you get greater stability when moving in difficult conditions. With a certain stretch, we can say that the diesel Cherokee is no more off -road than gasoline. But with the V6 under the hood you can develop a slightly high speed on the highway.
Finally, I must say a few words about the turbodiesel itself. It has been known not the first year, but now thoroughly finalized. Firstly, the motor became quieter, vibrations that were previously felt in the cabin almost completely disappeared. Secondly, its power grew by 27 forces, and torque increased immediately by 100 nm. In fact, this is a new engine with the previous volume. Moreover, a very economical engine, I note. General filling
In running qualities, the new Jeep Cherokee differs from the previous generation car, and not only thanks to the engines and transmission settings. Before, I remember, I was struck by the long passages of pendants. Together with short overhangs, they provided the SUV excellent cross -country ability. Once I drove on it along the bottom of a half-hot river, without much difficulty overcoming half-meter boulders, when two wheels were hung out at once. A fairly hard supporting body with a frame implanted in it made it possible to feel quite confident.
And the new car pleases with the rigidity of the body, has even more powerful power units under the hood and is still capable of off-road feats of all-wheel drive. But the pendants became different. The back, for example, appeared a new 5-crap. As a result, the car became more maneuverable, and more comfortable. The body in corners is heated to a much lesser extent, that is, the pendants have become more stringent, or rather more elastic. But such passenger settings naturally led to a decrease in their moves. As a result, the matter more than once reached the breaks at a decent, however, speed. That is, with ordinary road troubles, the new Cherokee copes without difficulty, but caution should be caused on off -road, at least to move slower, more accurately. Long obstructing obstacles with the capabilities of the car. However, I do not think that the new generation Cherokee will be purchased for the assault of completely bear corners. And for ordinary sorties to nature or trips on lanes to the cottage or to the same shore of Seliger, his abilities are enough.
But Cherokee received two assistance systems for the descent from the slope of Hill Descent Control, and help with lifting the Hill Start Assist. The first (known according to the senior Grand Cherokee model) is activated in reduced gear and does not allow the car to accelerate when moving down. The second does not allow him to roll back for two seconds, which are enough to move the leg from the brake pedal to the gas pedal.
Perhaps it remains to me that there is a car from 51,600 dollars. While the dollar is not too strong, the price in rubles looks competitive.
II. Dodge Journey Stubbornness to his face
Avenger, Caliber, Nitro, and now the Journey brand Dodge literally assumes the last two years. I think that Journey will not put a point. And what is noteworthy: any of these models is original, has its own purpose, and at the same time, each personifies fresh corporate identity. I like this expression of aggressive power, stubbornness and insolence (if not arrogance) on the face in a large grate of the front with chrome crossroads and the head of the ram in the center.
In this series, Journey looks, perhaps, a little more modest than brothers and correctly, this is mainly a large family (or corporate) car. But, you see, you can’t refuse expressiveness to him: developed bumpers and embossed wheel arches, under which at least 19-inch cast discs can be located; The roof line, the rear spoiler and roof rails, everything indicates the readiness of the car for distant and quick throws.
The manufacturer calls it a crossover, and I will not argue. Although with the same success it can be called a cross between a minivan with a universal of increased cross -country ability. Or just a 5-door hatchback. In any case, the 182-mm road clearance, sufficiently powerful gasoline engines, and the appearance as a whole indicate some special capabilities of the car. However, these capabilities in our case are limited by the type of drive. Front and all-wheel drive versions of Journey are delivered to the American market. On the Russian only front -wheel drive, in any case. Nevertheless, the car does not save in front of the bad road, which I was quite convinced on the way from Seliger to Moscow. Of course, over Journey, unlike Cherokee, we did not mock, did not force him to jump through puddles or jumping on the bumps not for that he was intended. Its main task with comfort to deliver a family (or a warm company) from point A to point B. And therefore, the salon deserves a separate conversation.
Capaches Inside the Journey is warm, light, spacious and comfortable. This is in general. But they deserve attention precisely. First of all: the salon can be five- or seven-seater. In the first case, the owner has at his disposal a luggage compartment with a volume of 784 liters (with folded rear seats 1562 l). If you order a third row, then the volume of the compartment can be varied from 167 to 1461 liters. And in any case, in the cabin you will find a lot of additional places for luster. This is not only a cooled glove, a compartment in the armrest between the front seats and the niches (with cup holders) in each of the four side doors. There is also a decent (273x22 mm) compartment under the front passenger seat (in a rich, however, R/T configuration). And there are two compartments in the standard between the seats of the first and second rows in them, for example, six cans with ice, in addition, these compartments are equipped with locking covers and removable detergents.
In the driver's place you can get a job very comfortable. The steering column is adjusted both by the inclination and by departure. The seat also has a sufficient number of adjustments, including the degree of lumbar support, in addition, it is moderately soft, pillow and back of optimal length. Well, the lack of pronounced lateral support in this car is perceived for granted because you need to take the whole household or colleagues, and not win the rally. Having done the entire 400-kilometer path driving, I am completely not tired.
Since we are talking about seats, it is worth saying an innovation called Child Booster. These are built -in in the second row of seats, designed for children weighing from 22 to 39 kg, which increase 102 mm landing, so you can use standard seat belts. If the child is still too small, you can use another system that allows you to move the second row of seats to the first so that the child is always there and at the same time is in his own chair and in the safest place. A spherical mirror in theiner allows you to monitor what is happening behind. The eye and a panel of devices with distinct devices and a very original two -tone backlight are pleasing. The central console can crown a colored 7-inch display: in principle, it is intended for GPS navigation, although the standard system is not yet proposed. But when reversing, you can monitor what happens behind the stern the picture comes from the camera included in the ParkView system. A very useful option, given the decent dimensions of the car. You can also order an entertainment center for passengers of the rear rows with an 8-inch display in the ceiling and DVD player. In general, the ergonomics of Journey is well thought out, which is why it is nice to travel in it. Plus, excellent soundproofing. True, at speeds over 120 km/h, a whistle from the side mirrors is heard to the ears. And, to my surprise, from somewhere in front of the salon the oncoming wind leaked, from where I, I admit, did not understand. However, a weak breeze is not annoying, but invigorates. In addition, the climatic installation coped with its task perfectly.
Perhaps, you can tell you about the decoration and equipment of the salon. However, the seller in any dealer center can tell about the flashlight, four 12-volt outlets and other things. It’s time for me to move on to the running qualities of the novelty. On the road
At first, so that it was clearer in what conditions the Dodge Journey test drive took place, a few words about the roads. I don’t know how you, dear reader, and Russian routes do not stop amazing. Not in the sense of natural beauties around, but in the sense of their quality and arrangement. No matter how much I go, I am amazed so much. We annually lose on such roads of life and the health of many thousands of people, a huge number of cars and trillion rubles. But the matter if, on the merits of the further declarations, episodic construction and small (against the background of the country's scale) work on the repair and reconstruction of the highways, does not go.
From the coast of Seliger to Ostashkov, and further to Rzhev, the road, by Russian standards, is quite tolerable. Of course, there are enough plots with bumps, pits and pits, as after a bombing. But to go along them, and at a decent speed, you can. To do this on Journey is very pleasant. The crossover (well, let there be a crossover, since the manufacturer insists) as if not noticing the small flaws of the canvas, flying along it, like a yacht along a small rowan on the water. The suspensions are definitely tuned for a comfortable ride, they are enough energy intensive enough so that even in the potholes unnoticed in time, the matter does not come to the breaks. At the same time, I would not call them too soft: the body in corners is heated, but not significantly. In this regard, Journey is not American, but a European car.
In those places where I had to actively maneuver, the steering also showed itself well. Its settings are quite intelligible, you always imagine where exactly the front wheels look, and what angle should the steering wheel turn to go around the next obstacle. The steering wheel has almost three turns from the stop to the stop, so from time to time I had to work hard. But it is so safer, a more acute steering to a family car is useless. And the hydraulic wrap works quite competently. Our Journey set in motion a 2.7-liter V6, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. And I definitely liked this combination. 185 forces are enough to feel confident on the road, and the assault rifle is almost imperceptibly. That is, the power unit is configured for comfortable movement. This does not mean that he is a boring car quite frisky and funny in behavior. Of course, it is pointless to demand an impressive accelerated dynamics or ability to sideways from it, there are other models for such exercises. But Journey knows how to travel quickly and hold on to the road. In addition, the front -wheel drive, the settings of all mechanisms plus weight and dimensions make the car obedient and predictable in reactions, saying not very serious management mistakes. We can say this: the crossover reacts very reluctantly to the wrong commands. In extreme cases, I went too far with the speed of entering the turn or did not end the steering wheel to help the ESP stabilization system and the ERM tipping system.
Yes, in order not to forget: Dodge Journey is also offered with a 4-cylinder 2.4-liter engine aggregated with a 4-speed automatic transmission. But, I admit, it was not possible to try it out, maybe another time. But, returning to our small journey: no settings and security systems will help if not to be extremely attentive and neat on our so -called federal routes. Soon after Rzhev, I taxied on the Novorizhskoye Shosse. Which can be considered the new Riga, and in general the highway, at a distance of about a hundred kilometers from Moscow. Further, the trouble I rode from there, turned the traffic police to the left, and hit the usual two -lane road. In my opinion, such highways are a national shame. The canvas of disgusting quality, uneven, with deep ruts and sloppy patches, with barely distinguishable marking, if any at all. And the movement is intense, many long trucks from the west.
In general, even a difficult Journey from time to time threw from side to side, like a fluff into a storm. After all, I had to enter the rut, then go to the operational scope in order to overtake the next road train. That's when I wanted to have even more horses under the hood! Although I perfectly understand that no matter how many of them, but for all occasions, there will not be enough. In truth, in civilian, regular conditions of power and moment, V6 is quite enough. Yes, and the automatic transmission had no reason to accuse of special sluggishness. But on our roads as in war.
I overtake the wagon on the descent from the hill. It seems that the site is perfectly visible ahead, and everything calculated both speed and maneuver. So not: because of the one who goes about half a kilometer towards the truck suddenly emerges the master on the nine! He cannot, he is forbidden, but he does it! I squeeze everything possible out of the motor, and the driver of the tractor turned out to be sane and, seeing the situation, slightly slowed down so that I could complete the maneuver, warming up with a dashing. And Journey turned out to be well done. And half an hour later he helped us and my colleague when all the power of the brake calipers was required to stop on the descent from the hill, where the car was deployed with a dense oncoming stream. However, such cases are just ordinary episodes on our tracks. Once again I caught myself thinking that until in our country they really take up the construction of modern multi -lane routes, which have no intersections with secondary roads at the same level, with special congresses, etc., it does not have a special talk about security at all meaning.
But, frankly, this trip still gave me pleasure. And at the entrance to the capital, in general, I can say, rested at the wheel, watching only not to run into a police ambush.
On the market
Dodge Journey, with all its peculiarity, includes a fairly dense market segment, where he has a lot of competitors and the Ford S-Max, Opel Zafira, and Mitsubishi Grandis, and others. Journey has a fairly decent basic equipment and, while the dollar has not again become expensive, a competitive price of $ 34,300. In my opinion, judging by the two -fold increase in Dodge cars in the Russian market, the prospects of the model are good. It is likely that not only private, but also corporate car owners can become interested in this car.
I think we will return to Journey on AI pages, and talk about the cost of ownership in comparison with competitors.
Oleg Osipov
