Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel review, test drive

Here in India, when someone mentions the name Jeep, what would usually pop into mind is the image of the ones Mahindra has had on sale here. There is some truth in this as these are the Jeeps of old. But it's been a while since products from this American carmaker have been seen here. Now, the Fiat-Chrysler alliance is set to bring the brand here and the latest products look like nothing that you are used to when you hear of Jeep. 

 

The Grand Cherokee, one of the first models slated to make its appearance here, is, according to the manufacturer, the most awarded SUV of all time. So, what is this new-age Jeep all about?

Let's start with the looks. People first notice the slit-like headlamps and the aggressively shaped daytime running lamps incorporated in them. Then they see the big seven-slat grille, the broad shoulders and squared-off wheelarches; jaws simply drop. So, the Grand Cherokee has presence. What is surprising is that after all the drama of the nose, the rear is quite generic – it looks a bit like a Fortuner from afar. That and the massive  chrome wheels that this Summit variant comes with, are the only possible turnoffs of an otherwise butch looking SUV. 

 

Open the door, and you’re greeted with a rather high seat – there’s no foot board to assist your ascent into the cabin. Unless the air suspension is at its lowest Park setting, you have to climb into the seats. You will find them broad and accommodating with more than enough adjustment on the seat and steering to fit almost all sizes. Then there are the rear seats, which are a bit low, but have plenty of space and adequate thigh support. Tall people will find the seat squab a bit short, but it’s an airy place to be thanks to the big windows and panoramic sunroof. 

 

There is no third row – the Grand Cherokee is strictly a five-seater, but the flipside is a big 1544-litre boot and space for an almost full-size spare wheel.