A more economical engine that increases power and an interior re-design are highlights of the refreshed 2009 model Jeep Grand Cherokee that has just gone on sale in New Zealand,
The new model start from $73,990.
The 2009 Grand Cherokee features an enhanced 4.7L V8 engine that Jeep says delivers a 30% increase in power and a 10% percent increase in torque.
Fuel economy is reportedly improved by more than 5%, due to increased compression ratio, improved cylinder-head port flow and a new combustion system.
“You really are getting more for less with the new Grand Cherokee V8 – it’s all part of the enhanced ownership experienced that Jeep is developing,” says David Smith, General Manager of Chrysler New Zealand.
The high-torque V6 3-litre diesel engine continues as before, as does the 6.1-litre HEMI V8 that powers the SRT8 high performance model.
Also new in the 2009 Grand Cherokee are a variety of special features including the MyGIG™ Multimedia Entertainment System as standard, reversing camera display and an entertainment and communication system.
MyGIG enables customers to use touch-screen or voice commands to control all of the features, and includes a 20-gigabyte hard drive where music and photos can be stored.
Other standard features include; ParkSense® rear park assist system, rain-sensing wipers, 8-way memory driver’s seat and a U-connect system which connects to your mobile phone via Bluetooth resulting in your cellphone being operable through the vehicle sound system with handsfree functionality.
The interior is also new, with royal leather and a two-tone colour scheme lifting the style of the cabin.
Improvements to the four-wheel-drive system include Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist and Trailer Sway Control.
Hill Descent Control (HDC) is standard on all Grand Cherokee 4×4 models except SRT8. Operational in the “4WD Low” position, HDC provides downhill assistance at a controlled rate of speed. By means of electronic brake control, HDC supplements the gear reduction and engine braking that a traditional mechanical low-range transfer case provides. For ease of operation, Grand Cherokee’s HDC is activated and deactivated automatically, after the HDC button is engaged, as the system senses changes in topography.
The Hill Start Assist (HSA) allows the driver time to transition from brake to throttle to achieve a smooth launch on a grade. The system will hold brake pressure for two seconds upon the driver’s release of the brake pedal. The ABS system decreases wheel pressure in response to increasing throttle to provide a smooth launch.
Trailer Sway Control is standard on all Grand Cherokee models (except SRT8). This system reduces trailer sway and provides trailer stability and increased towing safety.
See Jeep Cherokee for sale here.
Brief specifications
2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited Standard Features:
- 4.7-litre SOHC V8 engine or 3.0-litre V-6 Common Rail (CRD) turbo diesel engine
- Five-speed automatic transmission
- Quadra-Drive II 4WD system
- 17-inch x 7.5-inch machined-face alloy wheels
- Side roof rails
- Leather interior trim
- Heated front seats
- Rain-sensing automatic wipers
- Hill Start Assist
- Hill Descent Control system
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring system with display
- ParkSense rear park assist system
- ParkView rear back-up camera
- Electrochromic interior rear-view mirror
- Jeep front memory seat system with mirror and radio preferences
- MyGIG CD/DVD/HDD/MP3 stereo with 20G hard drive and touch screen
- Boston Acoustics six-speaker premium sound system with 276-watt digital amplifier
2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8: (specification above the Limited model)
- 6.1-litre HEMI V8 engine
- Electronic 4WD on-demand
- HID (High Intensity Discharge headlights)
- Premium Vehicle Security System
- Heated second row seats
- Boston Acoustics premium sound system
- Power sunroof
- High performance suspension
