Test drive Jeep Grand Cherokee 2003 - 2005 SUV
Modest Grand
The world premiere of the latter Grand Cherokee took place in the spring of Tuscan on the west coast of Italy this spring. It was there that I was able to first evaluate the advantages of the turbodiesel version of the SUV (it began to be sold in Russia not so long ago), having made a multi -kilometer trip to the valleys and ups of non -burden on it. The organizers laid the route perfectly: either a winding asphalt road, then a primer with potholes and rocky bumps, alternately found themselves under the wheels.
Outwardly, the car is wider and more squatter than the predecessor. There are no more barrel -shaped, the sidewalls form even planes and corners. There is much more aggression in the form. The windows resemble the loopholes of Dota and are especially attractive, being easily tinted. The windshield is more inclined - this is a plus for both aerodynamics and for the exterior. In general, the car looks more dynamic and modern. 
On the asphalt, the new Grand leads a webie significantly more collected more than the previous model. Having caught on the descent on the next turn, I note the high speed of turning - by car of the second generation I would not fit into this radius. In general, the difference in controllability is especially good on the hinges of a serpentine. Thanks to the new front suspension - an independent scheme instead of the previous hard bridge. 
The car is significantly fired in corners, but not as much as its predecessor. Grand Cherokee has become more stable and predictable. At the same time, the suspension retained long moves, did not lose in energy intensity. 
Passing the mud baths, where insidious boulders lurked under a thick layer of silt, sand and garbage, we were convinced more than once. Having run into such a stone, a car, like a spider, spread its paws-wheels, looking for, for what to catch on. And catching at least one wheel, stubbornly moved forward, driving a wave of liquid dirt in front of her. 
A constant all-wheel drive controlled by the smart system of Quadra-Trac (or even more perfect Quadra-Drive) makes its job in an adult way. And if there are still difficulties, it is enough to turn on the reduced gear and you will overcome any ambush. The car nodes are reliably protected. One vulnerable place is a radiator. We talked about this in the last issue - who visited the Grand Cherokee Limited test in Russian also suffered from this ailment. 
As already mentioned, we decided to go to the Italian route on the turbodiesel version of Grand Cherokee and never regretted it. Having almost twice the smaller compared to 5.7 liters of Hemi (it is equipped with gasoline versions of Grand Cherokee) volume, this motor turned out to be no less painful and elastic. It accelerates the SUV to a hundred in 9 seconds, yielding HEMI only one and a half seconds. No wonder, because the maximum tank torque of 510 Nm is available on a turbodiesel from 1600 rpm. Whereas Hemi gives out a maximum of 500 nm by only 4000 rpm. The work of the turbodiesel is similar to the local hurricane that picks up the car, barely crush the gas pedal. Acceleration significantly presses into a chair. Grand Sherokee with Hemi also presses into the seat, but does it rude. 
The difference in price between models is about 8000, and there is no significant difference in dynamics. I will say even more, the dynamics of the diesel version is more comfortable, so to speak. Well, as for the economy, then there is a complete defeat of the voracious eight. Gasoline pours the river, and to fill the tank at the gas station to the neck, it is necessary, as in a joke, to jam the engine. Whether the case is diesel. Having rolled up more than 300 kilometers in Italy, we did not spend a third of the reserve. 
The body of the novelty became 60%tougher, which was clearly demonstrated using a special exercise. After stopping on a high platform, the instructor hung two wheels diagonally. In this position, the body experiences maximum twisting loads, but the doors opened and closed easily and at ease. 
Inside, everything is strict, concise - business style and symmetry. But the manufacturer clearly saved on the materials. Everything looks good, but it is worth it to pupid your fingers on plastic, and the feeling of a booby cheapness no longer leaves. My partner was all lamented on this subject and quoted Gogol: if the lips of Nikanor Ivanovich and to be put to the nose of Ivan Kuzmich .... 
Despite the fact that the new car is longer than its predecessors by 9 cm, it was not significantly increased in it. Well, except that sitting from behind. 
The electroregulations of the position of the pedals came in handy, this is a good addition to the adjustments of the chair. The ceiling is low, and drivers in 183 cm tall will be uncomfortable from such a neighborhood. In rough terrain, when the car is thrown, there is a chance to get the roof with your head. Therefore, it is better to lower the pillow as much as possible, and lean forward slightly, pushing the pedal node away. 
It can be stated that the gasoline Hemi has a strong diesel competitor from among close relatives. You can’t go far in the carriage of the past. The image of a black grand with a mighty in-shaped eight ceases to be relevant. That car was difficult to imagine with a diesel engine. But the modern third generation of the American SUV is economical and environmentally friendly (relatively, of course) the engine is very good. 
The cost of Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0 CRD: The price of the Grand Cherokee diesel in the basic performance P1 is 50900 euros. Performed by P2 - 52700 euros.
Both configurations include: leather salon, climate control, radio with a CD changer, ABS, on-board information center, a set of airbags, alarm. A deep tinting of glasses, an information and entertainment system (DVD), trunk on the roof (crossbars) is added to P2
Text: Alexander Goryunov
