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As the creator of the sport-utility vehicle segment, Jeep continues to offer unique vehicles to a wide range of customers. And the Jeep line-up has become even stronger with the addition of the new Grand Cherokee turbo diesel range - Overland, Limited and Laredo.
New for 2003, the Grand Cherokee Overland, Grand Cherokee Limited and Grand Cherokee Laredo are now equipped with the 2.7L common-rail direct injection (CRD) turbo diesel engine. The 2.7L CRD engine provides 120 kW of power at 4,000 rpm and 400 Nm of torque at 1,800 to 2,600 rpm, and it is paired with an electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission complete with overdrive and lockup torque converter.
Jeep CRD engines use a high-pressure pump to deliver fuel to the injectors via a single fuel rail for more precise fuel delivery. The use of CRD and full electronic control offers outstanding performance, lower fuel consumption, reduced emissions and significantly improved comfort and driveability through reduction of noise and vibration.
The top-of-the-range Grand Cherokee Overland is distinguished by unique machined-rim five-spoke 17-inch aluminium alloy wheels, body-colour exterior fascia panels and grille, rock rails to protect the sills and a bright finished exhaust pipe. The Quadra-Drive® four-wheel-drive system is standard on Overland, as is a skid plate set for optimum off-road protection.
Overland is also the most sophisticated in the Grand Cherokee range. All three (Overland, Limited and Laredo) boast Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT). VGT technology virtually eliminates 'turbo lag'.
Inside, extra equipment includes a power sunroof, 10-disc CD changer with remote control, unique suede and leather seat trim, 10-way powered and heated front seats, and real Redwood Burl wood trim on the instrument panel, centre console, upper door trim and upper part of the steering wheel.
The 2.7L CRD turbo diesel engine provides an estimated fuel economy of 8.1L/100 km on the extra urban cycle, 12.5L/100 km during city driving, and 9.7L/100 km on the combined cycle.
With this powertrain enhancement Jeep Grand Cherokee now offers customers the choice of the 2.7L CRD I-5 diesel engine or Power Tech 4.0L I-6, Power Tech 4.7L V8 or the Power Tech 4.7L High-Output V-8 petrol engines.
The Grand Cherokee range has improved towing capacities with a 3,360kg tow capacity on the 2.7L CRD turbo diesel engine.
In all Jeep Grand Cherokee interiors, a new cubby bin for holding sunglasses or a mobile phone is added to the instrument panel. An optional ashtray can be ordered in place of the bin.
For 2003, Grand Cherokee Overland, Limited and Lardeo are offered in two new exterior colours: Bright Silver and Brilliant Black.
Enhanced Ride and Safety Features
The 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee's suspension features reduced pressure shocks for improvements in overall ride comfort. Reduced brake pedal effort allowing shorter stopping distances during braking manoeuvres was accomplished by increasing the master cylinder output pressure for a "lighter" brake pedal feel. New brake callipers for 2003 complement the lighter brake pedal feel, providing smoother and more linear braking. Jeep engineers also reduced steering effort both on- and off-centre through the use of a revised steering gear torsion bar.
Standard multi-stage driver and passenger front air bags are designed to deploy at different levels depending on the severity of the impact. Standard ceiling-mounted side curtain air bags offer additional head protection for both front and rear outboard occupants.
Utilising a rain sensor attached to the windscreen, Grand Cherokee offers rain-sensing front wipers. When the windscreen wiper control is turned to "AUTO," the wiper system automatically activates when it rains and adjusts its speed according to the severity of the rain.
Jeep Grand Cherokee is built at the Steyr-Daimler-Puch Fahrzeugtechnik AG assembly plant in Graz, Austria.
Over the last 60 years, the Jeep brand has built a reputation for delivering rugged, versatile vehicles with true four-wheel-drive used in all types of situations - from off-roading to ploughing fields and aiding rescues in natural disasters.
The past six decades have been filled with pioneering, trend-setting vehicles, from the wartime Willys MB to today's models. Having defined the sport-utility segment with industry firsts, the Jeep brand will continue to lead the SUV market into the future.
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