The Jeep universe is, since 1941, much more than just a brand. For 80 years, owning one of these 4×4 vehicles means belonging to a community, being part of a lifestyle and a philosophy based on freedom, adventure and a passion for off-roading, nature and outdoor experiences on four wheels.
In order not to lose the essence of a legendary brand -now that the firm is going through the inevitable process of transformation and reinvention into a fully electrified company-, the manufacturer of the Stellantis Group has recently organized the Jeep Academy event, an opportunity to test the entire range of models both off-road and on asphalt.
Jeep reserved a specific day for the press, which took place at Finca Monte de Cutamilla, in Sigüenza (Guadalajara), a nature reserve with more than 1,000 hectares of surface area with endless roads and routes for off-roading in an ideal environment.
“Imported” from the United States, this activity -designed for owners of Jeep models- allows to broaden the sense of community among customers, in addition to bringing the latest product innovations closer to brand enthusiasts. For some years now, Jeep wanted to transfer this experience to its European customers, who now have the opportunity to experience and share the experiences and sensations as a Jeep user in Spain as well.
It is an opportunity to hone your off-road driving skills thanks to the advice of specialized off-road instructors. Activities for the public range from driving routes on tracks of varying difficulty to more technical areas that involve exercises such as “crossing bridges” to avoid deep ditches or even fording rivers.
During the planned tours, the participants in the Jeep Academy also become familiar with the different driving modes, traction programs and off-road driving assistance systems of the brand’s models. In this way, it is possible to check first-hand the capabilities of each model on different surfaces and terrains thanks to the preset modes (sand, mud, rocks…) as well as the electronic functionalities of devices that facilitate off-roading, such as the ascent and descent control systems for steep slopes.
On this occasion, the fleet available for product testing included everything from the e-Hybrid (Renegade and Compass), through the 4Xe range (Renegade, Compass, Wrangler, Grand Cherokee), as well as the newcomers Jeep Avenger BEV and Jeep Avenger ICE, the latter, for the first time, with some of the first units available.
Jeep’s powertrain offering currently includes gasoline-powered heat engines, eHybrid microhybrids (MHEV), 4xe plug-in hybrids (PHEV) and even a pure electric option (BEV). It should be remembered that the weight of the electrified versions in the current sales of the American firm already reaches 60% of the total. Likewise, the arrival of the electric Avenger has been a milestone for the company, being the first 100% electric model offered in the more than 8 decades of Jeep history.
Developed with the needs of the European public in mind, the Jeep Avenger has a functional design that is also prepared to offer 360° protection for total freedom of movement off-road. Thus, it presents protected encapsulated lights and compact dimensions (4.08 m) that make it the smallest Jeep and an ideal travel companion, both in urban and off-road driving, even for 5 occupants.
In the case of the full electric Avenger, its powertrain is sustainable thanks to its zero emissions with an electric range of up to 400 km WLTP and up to 550 km in the city. The standard fast recharge mode allows you to recharge 30 km in 3 minutes, and go from 20 to 80% in just 24 minutes.
For its part, the fifth generation of the legendary Grand Cherokee perpetuates a saga of large SUVs with a family vocation – with up to seven seats – ostensibly improving aspects related to perceived quality, Premium equipment, comfort and efficiency. In this sense, the flagship of the American firm is offered in the Limited 4xe, Trailhawk 4xe, Overland 4xe and Summit Reserve 4xe finishes, all associated with plug-in hybrid mechanics.
The first Grand Cherokee PHEV offers up to 30 miles of electric range on the combined cycle and 32 miles of electric range on the urban cycle. Its combined total power – thanks to a 2.0 turbocharged engine and an electric motor powered by a 400 volt, 17 kWh battery pack – reaches 380 PS with 637 Nm of torque. Equipped with the Quadra Trac II or Quadra Drive II 4×4 drive system, its legendary off-road capabilities have not only been preserved but enhanced. Powered by Jeep’s Quadra-Lift air suspension, now with semi-active electronic damping, it offers 11″ ground clearance and 24″ wading height.