Fiat Group Automobiles Ireland has announced details of the 2012 Jeep range which is now on sale in Jeep dealerships across Ireland. The line up consists of three models, the Jeep Compass, iconic Jeep Wrangler, and flagship Jeep Grand Cherokee.
The Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Commander and Jeep Patriot are no longer offered for sale in Ireland.
The entry level models is the Jeep Compass. It comprises three versions and all are powered by the same 2.2-litre CRD engine (136hp in 4X2 guise, 163hp with 4X4 ) mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.
The entry-level 4X2 sport plus version is exceptionally well-equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, UConnect Bluetooth, a leather steering with audio controls, climate control, rear privacy glass, front fog lights, and ESP with hill-holder all standard for €29,995.
The 4X2 Limited adds 18-inch alloy wheels, full leather trim, heated electric front seats and iPod/iPhone control with music streaming for €32,995, while the 4X4 Limited adds the high-power (163hp ) engine and a lockable all-wheel drive system for €34,995.
Next up are the Jeep Wranglers, which are powered by a 200bhp, 2.8-litre, four-cylinder VM Motori diesel engine and the range kicks off with a short-wheelbase sport version, which is fitted with UConnect Bluetooth, privacy glass, climate control, ESP with hill-holder, a manual transmission, and 16-inch steel wheels for €36,195.
The short-wheelbase Sahara version adds 17-inch alloy wheels, hill descent control, iPod/iPhone control with music streaming, body coloured mudguards, and an automatic transmission for €42,995.
Then there is the four-door, long-wheelbase Unlimited version which is available in Sahara specification only, costing €40,995 in manual form and €44,995 with an automatic transmission.
The range-topping models are the Grand Cherokees. They are powered by VM Motori's new 245hp 3.0-litre CDR V6 engine and all are mated to a five-speed automatic transmission as standard.
The Limited version is fitted with leather trim, heated electric front seats with memory, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry/start, electric steering-wheel adjustment, xenon headlamps with washer jets, privacy glass, cruise control, 18-inch alloy wheels and parking sensors with a reversing camera, while the standard touch-screen infotainment system includes iPhone/iPod control, music streaming, a 30GB hard drive, UConnect Bluetooth, and an Alpine speaker system.
The flagship Overland version adds 20-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, quadra-lift air suspension, an advanced safety package (including adaptive cruise control, crash mitigation and blind-spot detection ), touch-screen satellite navigation, nappa leather upholstery, a leather-covered dashboard and a heated wood-trimmed steering wheel. Prices for the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limitedstart at €62,250, while the Overland is priced at €77,715.
On the road
I recently drove the Jeep Compass, Wrangler four-door LWB, and Grand Cherokee. I was very impressed with the Compass as a very functional vehicle that I enjoyed very much. Try the 136bhp in the 4x2 version. It will surprise you.
I was not really impressed with the Wrangler four-door LWB and it demands an acquired taste, in a way similar to Land Rover Defenders.
However the Grand Cherokee with the 3.0 litre V6 diesel proved very much up to the mark. It offers great drivability, lots of power, and is an all-round impressive up-market SUV.
