Jeep Grand Cherokee: All new, all powerful

Jeep unveiled its all-new Grand Cherokee in Colombo last week at the DIMO showrooms in Bambalapitiya. Jeep has already gained a foothold in Sri Lanka despite its recent re-entry after a lapse of five decades. The new model has been thoroughly redesigned inside and out. The Grand promises improved dynamics, increased interior room, and a 4.7 litre V8 engine, though a 325-hp 5.7 litre is available in the US and some other markets.

Increases in wheelbase, width, and overall length lead to more room for five passengers, but Jeep will not offer a third row. Instead, Jeep has concentrated on making the interior a pleasant place for five. Interior design and materials are a cut above the previous generation's and give the cabin a luxurious aura. Helping to offset the larger size is a new five-speed tiptronic automatic, which should help acceleration and fuel economy.

Refinement seems to have been a top priority for Jeep engineers as they finally exorcized the anachronistic solid front axle and replaced it with an independent control-arm front suspension. But the solid rear axle is still with us. Further aiding ride and handling are optional active anti-roll bars that actuate according to cornering loads.

It is also lower by almost two inches, with a low hoodline that greatly improves forward visibility. In front, a seven-slot grille and round headlights distinguish the new Grand Cherokee from its predecessors. New eyebrows over the lights are a marked departure from the rectilinear face of the old Jeep, providing a contrast to the flat planes elsewhere on the body.

The side cladding of the previous model is not seen, and there's a chin spoiler. The use of single-pane windows in the rear doors and a bright strip below the side glass clean up the car's side view. Other modern touches include body-colour fascias front and rear, with clear taillight lenses and a chrome bumper strip.

To meet offset collision requirements, a rear tubular cradle supports and reinforces the vehicle's structure around the cargo compartment and it doubles as a bumper bar as well as a tow-hitch mount. Inside the new Grand Cherokee one can find lighter colours, plusher materials, and a new symmetrical dashboard design that can adapt to left- or right-hand-drive configurations with minimal cost.

Also new is a rack-and-pinion steering mechanism that replaces the old recirculating ball.

The vehicle has excellent tracking and turning stability. There is an optional dynamic handling system (DHS), which uses hydraulically engaged anti-roll bars to control body sway in corners. There are new four-wheel-drive mechanisms. Quadra-Trac II-fitted to the 4.7-litre V-8 Jeep's two-speed NV245 transfer case with an electronically controlled clutch pack to vary torque distribution from its center differential. It also incorporates brake-operated traction control.

There is a list of extravagant entertainment options. A rear-park-assist gizmo and trick new smart-beam headlights, which automatically dim through several stages at the approach of other vehicles are among other thoughtful features.

Jeep will unveil the Commander, a stretched version of the Grand Cherokee, next year.