Its state-of-the-art heart is ready for any challenge

The Grand Cherokee’s origins date back to 1983 when American Motors Corporation (AMC) was designing a successor to the smaller Jeep Cherokee (XJ). Three outside designers Larry Shinoda, Alain Clenet, and Giorgetto Giugiaro were under contract with AMC to create and build a clay model of the Cherokee XJ replacement, then known as the “XJC” project. However, the basic design for the Cherokee’s replacement was well under way by AMC’s in-house designers and the 1989 Jeep Concept 1 show car foretold the basic design.

As AMC began development of the next Jeep in 1985, management created a business process that is now known as product lifecycle management (PLM). According to François Castaing, vice-president for product engineering and development, the smallest US automaker was looking for a way to speed up its product development process to compete better with its larger competitors.

The XJC’s development was supported by computer-aided design (CAD) software systems making the engineers more productive while new communication systems allowed potential conflicts to be resolved faster. This reduced costly engineering changes because all drawings and documents were in a central database.  The system was so effective that after Chrysler purchased AMC in 1987, it expanded the system throughout its enterprise, thus connecting everyone involved in designing and building products.

The Grand Cherokee thus became the first Chrysler-badged Jeep product. Development work for the new Jeep model continued and Chrysler’s employees (after the 1987 buyout of AMC) were eager for a late-1980s release date; however, CEO Lee Iacocca was pushing for redesigned Chrysler minivans, thus delaying the Grand Cherokee’s release until late 1992 as an Explorer competitor. Unlike the Explorer, the Grand Cherokee utilised monocoque (unibody) construction, whereas the Explorer was a derivative of the Ranger pickup with a separate body-on-frame.

The Grand Cherokee debuted in grand fashion at the 1992 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. The vehicle that was driven was a poppy red, clear coat 1993 Grand Cherokee ZJ Laredo with a quartz cloth interior and high-back bucket seats. Then Chrysler president Robert Lutz drove Detroit mayor, Coleman Young, from the Jefferson North assembly plant on North Jefferson Avenue escorted by police to Cobo Hall, up the steps of Cobo Hall and through a plate-glass window to show off the new vehicle.

Sales of the 1993 model year Grand Cherokee began in April 1992. Production of the Grand Cherokee started shortly afterward in the purpose-built Jefferson North assembly in Detroit, Michigan. European Grand Cherokees are manufactured in Austria by Magna Steyr. The Grand Cherokee “played a significant part in reviving Chrysler’s fortunes by moving it into the then nascent market for high-margin sports utility vehicles.
(Source: Wikipedia). And so the Jeep Cherokee story, which began in 1974 continue and with the latest version – the Jeep Cherokee Limited – which I just drove, the Jeep history will become more populated with extremely capable products.

Fact is, when I saw this Cherokee the first time – and I was looking at it from a three-quarter rear view – I thought that it is so beautiful that if one removes the Jeep badge from the tailgate, you may not even recognize it as being a Jeep? Is that good or bad – you tell me?

Is it black tie?

The exterior design most certainly has an aggressive edge to it. The front end is dominated by a large seven-slot grill and broad bumper which is of course enhanced as a result of the narrow head light clusters. And don’t forget that bulge on the bonnet either? Its wheel-to-body proportions renders a commanding stance and the rear end – although, in my mind, is quite softer than the front end – still demands a respectful approach.

Utterly luxurious interior

Upon entering the cabin one is immediately impressed by the sheer pampering and luxurious finish and fit. I would not suggest that the interior ergonomics is driver-focused – it probably is, but to a lesser extent than one would find in a normal road or performance vehicle – because the seats are wide and superbly comfortable and despite the dark interior, the energy inside the cab is open and welcoming. Running ones hand over the Nappa leather upholstery and the trimmings, generates a warm and fuzzy feeling of comfort and confidence – perhaps even gratitude for the privilege of, in my case, having the opportunity to drive the Cherokee.

And, just by the way, this was the Cherokee Limited kitted with the 3,2-litre V6 engine. It comes with all the bells and whistles and one would expect nothing less from this class of vehicle. Depending on the terrain your driving through – or over – you can select Auto/Snow/Sport/Sand or Mud by simply choosing the appropriate setting on the dial on the left-hand side of the centre console.

This will optimise as many as 12 systems to enhance the performance of the Cherokee under those conditions.

No need for heart surgery

The test vehicle was kitted with the 3,2-litre V6 Pentastar engine producing 200kW@6 500r/min and 315Nm@4 300 r/min which is linked to a nine-speed autobox. This autobox, says Jeep, has more than 40 individual shift maps for specific conditions. Hectic – don’t you think? The accelerator is exceptionally responsive but one gets used to this in time. On pull-off you have to be gentle with the right foot otherwise you will be viewed as an old-boy-robot-to-robot-racer because let’s just also acknowledge this – this Cherokee is no slouch – it has plenty of vroom-vroom.

The gearbox performed flawless throughout my drive, but I do have one gripe though. When you hit the uphills and sometimes just slight inclines, it tends to always shift down two gears when one would have been adequate. If you force the throttle the downshifting can be a little violent and although I love the adrenaline rush associated with 200kW, I am not a violent person.

Fuel consumption

As much as I tried, I just could not extract a better than 12,6litres/100km from the 3,2-litre V6.

Technology

The Cherokee is fitted with a UConnect system which allows for the connection of all compatible devices like CD’s, USB and SD cards which can all be managed via an 8,4-inch screen. There is an 8-inch TFT screen which will allow you to customise your instrument cluster. She comes with a nine-speaker Alphine audio system producing 506Watts of power. Safety features include seven air bags, ESC, ERM, ABS, lane departure warning (LDW), blind-spot detection, adaptive cruise control and much more.

Conclusion

The Cherokee – even though it does not look like a true off-roader (my opinion), has a state-of-the-art soul that is fighting fit and ready for any challenge you may throw at it. Jeep calls it unique perfection.
Go drive it and decide whether you agree or not.