Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x2

  

The folks at the FIAT/Chrysler Group Australia must be very happy right now. Jeeps of all models are flying out of the showrooms, thanks to their clever multi million dollar "I bought a Jeep" advertising  campaign. The current success is due in part to what they're selling. The new Grand Cherokee Laredo 4X2 is one example.
To describe a two tonne SUV as sleek ,seems like a misnomer, but it is just that. A good looking stylish vehicle. Nothing boxy or chunky here. The Laredo's low roof line and rounded lines help its contemporary image that's proving to be so popular with the buying public.

The two wheel drive version is sure to be a winner, as statistically most SUVs never leave the tarmac anyway. It's perfect for around town school and shopping runs as well as off road. 
Unless you're planning to drive over something like the Rubicon Trail, it will still take you just about anywhere you want to go. Steering feel is light, but you'll feel the weight of the Laredo if you push on in corners. The ride is about average. You'll notice urban ruts and irregularities, but no moreso than its competitors.  
Of course, the lusty 3.6 litre petrol V6 doesn't have the sheer raw grunt of its SRT8 sibling ,but has a handy turn of speed and accelerates with verve, right up to its 6 and a half thousand rpm redline. Engage Sport mode and you will get to where you are going even quicker. Jeep says zero to 100 can be despatched in about eight seconds. Not too shabby at all!
The engine produces 210kw and 347 nm. I achieved around 12 litres per 100 kilometres in a week of city and highway driving.

Its refinement is obvious at idle, you can neither hear nor feel it ticking over, and it's whisper quiet underway at urban or highway speeds. The new eight speed automatic gearbox is a beaut, with smooth, unobtrusive changes always, with the option of do it yourself paddles on the steering wheel. The stubby console lever looks like one you'd find in a much more upmarket European off roader.

Inside it's all class. You'd think you were in something far more expensive. The Jeep Laredo's dashboard layout has also become almost "Euro" in presentation. Clear white main instrument dials with bright orange needle pointers look good, with various vehicle information clearly displayed on the main panel. Elsewhere, control buttons are highlighted at night in a pale blue, as are the front door handles and door pockets.

The seats in the Laredo are first class, big and comfy front and rear, however the height challenged, might prefer to option some side steps, as it's a long way to leap from ground to seat. The Laredo 4x2, seats five people.
There's plenty of room in the cargo area, and lots of soft touch, flock lined places for cups and odds and ends inside the cabin. The Jeep, one of few remaining cars on the market today that still have a cigarette lighter and ashtray.
The audio system's clarity is among the best you will ever hear. I found the middle volume setting more than enough. Anything above that and your ears will cry out for mercy, as the rich, resonant sound has enough power to shake the door panels.
Keyless entry and start a handy feature, as is the now almost obligatory reversing camera.
The Laredo has an auto headlight high beam function, which is a bit gimmicky, but seemed to work well when traversing from well lit, to dark streets.
There's no footrest for the driver's left foot, which leaves it flopping awkwardly against the transmission tunnel at an odd angle, beneath the anachronistic foot operated parking brake lever. I know the Americans like this device, but when many "el cheapo" cars now have an electric park brake, it's probably about time for a change in this area.

Overall though, the new Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x2 is a sophisticated and refined SUV that hits all the right buttons.
And if you have a lazy 45K lying around,(that's drive away pricing,) it's an absolute bargain.
Peter Sellen.