Master Chief: CATS Motors launches 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee

MANILA, Philippines - The creator of the original Sport Utility Vehicle, Jeep, launched the 2014 Grand Cherokee to a packed crowd at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS). The new Grand Cherokee builds on the legendary go-anywhere, do-anything reputation of its illustrious ancestor, the Willy’s Jeep, while delivering best-in-class fuel economy, advanced user-friendly technology, world-class craftsmanship, and on-road refinement.

Outside, the new Grand Cherokee conveys the rugged capability that one expects in a Jeep while still delivering a cohesive, upscale design. The Grand Cherokee retains the classic seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches while new signature front and rear LED lighting create an instantly recognizable presence, night or day. At the back, the Grand Cherokee gets a more pronounced rear spoiler, a re-sculpted tailgate (for greater visibility), and a more pronounced Jeep badge.

The Grand Cherokee builds on its award-winning interior by creating one of the most technologically advanced cockpits in the entire automotive industry. The revised center stack features the new UConnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen. Controls for the radio and climate are found right below the screen and are easily identifiable while a new leather-wrapped “E-shifter” commands the eight-speed automatic transmission.

Depending on the trim level, the Grand Cherokee offers a unique sense of style and luxury. For instance, the Limited model features dark wood trim with the door handle, dash vent bezels and center console trim finished in a slight gold hue. Capri leather seating also comes standard. On the other hand, the Summit features Natura-Plus leather seating complete with heated and ventilated functions while open-pore wood trim or Copper accents are available in black or brown. The Summit also has suede-like material on the headliner and A-pillars.

The Grand Cherokee Limited, priced at P3,720,000 is powered by a new 3.0-liter V6 turbo-diesel engine developing 246hp and a whopping 550Nm of torque from as low as 1,800 rpm. This EcoDiesel engine, as Jeep calls it, pushes the towing capacity to 3.35 metric tons while delivering up to 12 km/L—a figure that is 43 percent better than a similarly-powered gasoline V8. Meanwhile, the Grand Cherokee Summit, priced at P3,860,000 comes with the award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 good for 283 hp and 347Nm of torque. Both engines are mated to a new eight-speed automatic that delivers quicker acceleration and precise, smooth shifting. An additional benefit to the extra gears is a lower crawl ratio to aid in climbing over – or through – tough obstacles. Both the Grand Cherokee Limited and Grand Cherokee Summit come with steering wheel paddle controls.

Despite the luxurious features and amenities, the 2014 Grand Cherokee remains “Trail Rated,” meaning they are designed to perform in a variety of challenging off-road conditions identified by five key consumer-oriented performance categories: traction, ground clearance, maneuverability, articulation, and water fording.

In order to gain the Trail Rated status, both 2014 Grand Cherokee models arrive with Quadra-Trac II. This system uses a two-speed transfer case that monitors a variety of sensors to determine tire slippage at the earliest possible time and takes corrective action. When wheel slippage is detected, it can deliver as much as 100 percent of available power to the axle with the most traction. Together with Quadra-Trac II, the Grand Cherokee comes with Selec-Terrain that allows drivers to choose the on- and off-road setting for optimal performance. It coordinates up to 12 different parameters to ensure the best possible performance based on one of five different terrain types: Sand, Mud, Snow, Rock, and Auto. Completing the Grand Cherokee’s handling package is the Quadra-Lift air suspension system that controls the ground clearance from the normal setting of 220mm to as low as 180mms during parking or as high as 287mms during off-roading.

The new Grand Cherokee also offers more than 60 advanced safety and security features—the highest in its class. The Grand Cherokee comes standard with active head restraints, dual SRS airbags, full-length side-curtain airbags, and seat-mounted thorax air bags. New safety features for 2014 include Forward Collision Warning with Crash Mitigation, Hill Ascent and Hill Decent Control, Electronic Stability Control, Electronic Roll Mitigation, and Trailer Sway Control. The Grand Cherokee Summit goes further by having Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection as standard.

Built on more than 70 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV when it comes to class-leading capability and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. With the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, it delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest that provide a sense of security to handle any journey with style, luxury, and above all, confidence.