Jeep Grand Cherokee 2005 Review

Jeep has just launched a new 5.7-litre Grand Cherokee Limited petrol V8 with what is called a Multiple Displacement System (MDS) that shuts down four cylinders when the engine is not under load.

It has a fairly dramatic effect on fuel consumption bringing it down to about the same level as a six cylinder petrol passenger car at about 13.5-litres/100km.

And it's seamless–the switching is imperceptible from behind the wheel.

It gives the best of both worlds, exceptional performance for a big 4WD and fuel economy you can live with.

But there's more to the story than just a new engine, the vehicle is totally new from the wheels up and features independent front suspension with more wheel travel, rack and pinion steering with a tighter turning circle, a five link rear suspension with a rigid diff, Quadra-drive all wheel drive, Jeep's most sophisticated system and Electronic Stability Program (ESP).

That's on top of the stylish new body, more rugged chassis and standard five speed auto with sequential selection mode.

This is the third generation Grand Cherokee and it retains a distinct brand DNA in looks and engineering.

Not a massive 4WD, the Grand falls between medium and large in size and has an attractive low roofline that sets off the new angular sheetmetal.

Interior space is bountiful with plenty of room for five inside and a large load space.

It's a constant 4WD with low range available via a console mounted switch. The Quadra- Drive system is one of the most effective in the business and gives Grand Cherokee impressive off road credentials aided by the large tyres with lug type tread and generous ground clearance.

Mere tooling along the beach is child's play in the Grand as is pretty well any other sort of off road driving.

This vehicle will go just about anywhere– in comfort and with security and safety.

It's richly equipped for the $72,000 price with Bose sound, electric front seat adjustment and heating, power everything and leather upholstery to name just a few.

But the focus is on the 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine with 240Kw/500Nm output.

It's an absolute cracker of an engine capable of pushing the beefy Grand from 0-100kmh in 7.4 seconds.

It does this to the accompaniment of a gorgeous V8 burble and with no vibes at all.

The auto is well matched to the engine and is handy to use in sequential mode.

Stand by to see this same engine/trans- mission in the forthcoming Chrysler 300C.