Newspaper article The Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton, Australia)
Up for the Challenge; Vani Naidoo Puts This Plush SUV through the Toughest of Tests
Article excerpt
What matters most
What we liked: Sporty looks, off-road capability, improved on-road manners, impressive inclusions.
What we'd like to see: Option of third row, electronic brake, simpler steering wheel controls.
Warranty: Jeep offers a three year/100,000km warranty with three years roadside assist. Service intervals are at six months or 10,000km.
The lowdown
The Grand Cherokee is already outselling some of its stiffer competition and this updated range will definitely add more punch to that campaign.
The Overland is a practical, value-for-money option for those with adventure at heart and there will be more adulation than disbelief if you announce to the family, "I bought a Jeep".
WE HAVE a test for four-wheel drives that visit with our family. Of course it is far more comprehensive than those offered by car manufacturers - it's scarier than crash tests, crazier than wind tunnels and more devastating than the rollover straight.
Our test involves a husband who claims he taught Bear Grylls all he knows, two adventurous girls chomping at the bit, every gadget and piece of equipment known to modern man and mountain of food, more than you would need for a month never mind a week.
Yep the family camping tripa[degrees]
Shove in the gear, load up the eskies (one for beverages of course) and attach the trailer for the Barbie doll collection. Find the most deserted campground within half a day's drive - if you have to cross and river and muddy mountain to get there all the better.
Other SUVs have quaked in their 20-inches at the very thought but the Grand Cherokee Overland took our demands in its stride, making light work of some challenging trails and motoring ahead even under load.
We were impressed and are hardly surprised to hear that Jeep sales are stronger than ever with the Grand Cherokee the star of the show.
Comfort
The interior of the Overland is an instant hit - the high driving position makes you feel like ruler of all you survey and the seats themselves are generously supportive and comfortable in all the right places. …