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Jeep Grand Cherokee Named Drive's Best 4WD of the Year - Again!


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MELBOURNE – Nov 30, 2012: Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo CRD 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6 makes history, taking home the prestigious prize two years running

The Fiat Chrysler Group Australia (FCG) today announced the Jeep Grand Cherokee has been named Best 4WD in Fairfax Media’s Drive Car of the Year Awards. This is an outstanding achievement as the Grand Cherokee claimed the prize for the second year in a row, and even before official testing of the vehicle actually began.

Toby Hagon, editor of Drive said that the decision was made to give the award to the Grand Cherokee “before a single wheel had turned in testing.”

“For the first time in the award's seven-year history, a reigning champion has been crowned before testing even begins,” Hagon said.

“After assessing the likely competitors for the title, it was felt by the judging panel that none could throw out a serious enough challenge to the big Jeep to warrant inclusion. “

Clyde Campbell, managing director at FCG was delighted the Jeep Grand Cherokee has claimed the award.

“The Drive award confirms the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s product strength and consolidates its position as a premium, capable and reliable SUV. The Jeep Grand Cherokee has been one of our strongest performers this year and we’re thrilled the vehicle has been recognised by the Drive team for the second year in a row. ” said Campbell.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo was recognised for offering unprecedented value to customers delivering stand-out features including reverse cameras, automatic headlights, rear and front window wipers, tyre pressure monitoring, Bluetooth, colour touch screen and a strong safety package complimented by a luxurious interior in the standard model.

Fuel economy for the 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine is 8.3 L/100km on the combined cycle, CO2 emissions (combined cycle) are 218 g/km. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is the best value premium SUV on the market, available in both petrol and diesel variants starting from $45,000.