Jeep Grand Cherokee test drive since 2005 SUV

Dr. Diesel

Continuously valuable motor fuel is a wonderful occasion to think about the advantages of an economical diesel. Fortunately, in the case of VW Touareg, such a machine is even cheaper than gasoline. And the diesel Jeep Grand Cherokee, although more expensive than a gasoline version, is noticeably better equipped.
Let the picky readers forgive us, but a detailed story about the design and ergonomics of the participants in this test will remain outside the scope, alas, they are quite cramped. And both SUVs are already familiar to domestic motorists. Let's say only a few words about the results of the last restyling Grand Cherokee.
As usual, light cosmetic changes have undergone optics, a false radiator grille and a front bumper. There are innovations in the interior: two new colors of the interior decoration are proposed, the dashboard, the central console, the central armrest cover and the ventilation holes are completely updated. Technical filling was not without changes. As a result of the modernization of the base for the V8 gasoline engine (4.7 liters, 303 hp), the dynamic characteristics slightly improved, fuel consumption decreased. Assisting systems appeared when touched on the rise and control of sustainability in the descent (Hill Start Assist & Descent Control). The basic equipment has expanded. For example, on cars performed by Overland and SRT-8, heating the rear seats and xenon headlights with washer ...
Well, it's time to check our heroes on the go. Under the hood of a test jeep three -liter turbodiesel (V6, 218 hp and 519 nm). With a dynamic characteristics comparable to a 4.7-liter gasoline engine (maximum speed of 200 km/h, acceleration to hundreds of 9 s) diesel is more economical. In the mixed cycle, the gasoline Grand Cherokee consumes 16 l/100 km, and a diesel 10.2 l/100 km.
The moderate Jeep appetite is largely the merit of a modern five -speed automatic transmission W5A580, specially designed for a new diesel. Note that it can be controlled by automatic and manually, swaying the selector lever to the left or right from the Drive position.
The three -liter German turbodiesel gives the maximum torque at 500 Nm at 1750 revolutions, so when the TOUAREG V6 TDI does not extinguish at a brisk start: with a weight of 2300 kilograms, he gains a hundred for 9.2 s. Although with the box here is not everything smooth. If on a flat track a transmission pleases with smooth switching, then with a dynamic passage of a bundle of turns or in a dilated rhythm of movement, a 6-speed automatic transmission begins to be noticeably stupid. Partially, the situation saves the transition to the sports regime. But as a radical measure, you can recommend the driver a choice of programs. Fortunately, honest Tiptronic allows you to twist the engine to the stop.
And what about handling? As you know, the latter generation Grand Cherokee has an independent front wheel suspension. The rear suspension is dependent, but the bridge is attached to the body with the help of five widely arranged levers.
Constructive changes made it possible to reduce the unsubstantiated masses and increase the suspension, which significantly improved the smoothness. The SUV system has also made its contribution to the improvement of the road characteristics of the steering (the gear-rack mechanism with a variable gear ratio), which is distinguished by the best feedback.
Of course, the revolutionary changes for the Jeep into the design of the chassis did not turn Grand Cherokee into a car, but it is now much easier to fit into speedy turns. Compared to the predecessor, the SUV is less fucked and swaying on the waves, and the steering wheel has become sharper and informative.
There are no complaints about the Touareg trunk. And if desired, optional air suspension can be supplemented with a Driving Dynamics package with a roll compensation function. The driver has three shock absorber settings: Auto, Comfort and Sport. In practice, the behavior of a car in various modes differs insignificantly, at the level of the nuances in any case, Touareg demonstrates a truly reference smoothness. Thanks to the excellent chassis settings, the German SUV feels on the asphalt like a fish in water: he perfectly holds the high -speed line, confidently prescribes turns. At the same time, the pneumatic suspension automatically varies the basic clearance (215 mm) depending on speed.
Cars similar to participants in this test will storm real off -road extremely rarely. This is not a royal thing to knead the dirt: not an hour, you scratch the bumper. Nevertheless, all the inclinations (and real opportunities) for off -road escapades have these machines.
The system of constant all -wheel drive Touareg is based on an electronically controlled multi -disable coupling, which distributes 50100% of the traction force depending on the traffic conditions. There is the possibility of blocking the center and rear differentials, lowering the gear. An important (and sometimes decisive) role is played by a pneumatic suspension: a road clearance of 300 mm is expensive! So, despite the frankly road tires, the German cheerfully climbs the slopes, excellently goes into loose sand and easily copes with diagonal hanging.
The Quadra-Drive II constant all-wheel drive system, including a handout and three differentials of increased friction (interdosseous and a pair of inter-idle), allows Grand Cherokee to continue to move while the grip with the soil preserves at least one wheel. Managing the transmission is extremely simple. Only the demultipliter is turned on hand (you need to pull the small lever located next to the machine gun selector), the rest will make electronics.
The American overcame the dirt and shallow ford without any problems (though we did these exercises, using all the possibilities of the transmission). Moreover, unlike the gasoline version (especially with the 5.7 Hemi engine), where every careless touch to the accelerator pedal could turn into a large jump, it turned out to be much easier to control diesel traction.
In general, as practice shows, an SUV with a diesel engine is practically in no way inferior to the gasoline version. And in many ways it surpasses it. It remains to understand that with prices.
The diesel Grand Cherokee performed by Overland costs $ 72,700, and a machine with a 4.7-liter gasoline engine similar in characteristics (though proposed only in a relatively poor Limited configuration) will cost $ 2600 cheaper. And in the case of the German SUV, the diesel engine is even more affordable: Touareg V6 TDI is offered for $ 70,300, and the dealers ask for $ 75,400 for a car with V6 FSI.
Crash test VW Touareg
The strength tested by the EURONCAP TOUAREG method received the maximum 5 stars, gaining 34 points (front hit 14, lateral 18 and 2 for a reminder of belts). The idyllic picture somewhat spoils the front panel potentially dangerous for the driver’s legs. Experts appreciated the protection of young passengers at well, having noted a clear warning about the inadmissibility of the placement of the children's chair in front of the movement of the movement. But for the safety of pedestrians, the SUV earned only one star out of four.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Crash Test
In a series of crash tests conducted by the EURONCAP association in 2005, the last generation Grand Cherokee earned a 4-star rating. The car was awarded 26 points (9 in the frontal blow, 16 in the side, and 1 for a reminder of the unsteded belt of safety), noting that the load on the steering of the steering is dangerous, and the front panel can injure the legs of the driver and passenger. Children's security was estimated at 3 stars (experts did not immediately find ISOFIX mounts). Meeting with a pedestrian for the last fatal.
 
Andrey Tsybulsky
Photo author: Andrey Aksenov
 

Source: MKOMBILA magazine [July/2008]