Review of the new Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Tech

When it first arrived in the UK, the Jeep Grand Cherokee was a luxury 4x4. It operated at the very top of the market vying with the Range Rovers of this world but as these top-end SUVs grew larger and more opulent, Jeep's flagship fell back. There's no shame in that. It was a conscious decision by Jeep to compete at a lower level where its famous brand and off-road expertise would carry more weight. These days, the Grand Cherokee is priced to rival family 4x4s like the Land Rover Discovery, Mitsubishi Shogun and Nissan Pathfinder, the difference being that in Overland Tech trim, it's still in touch with its luxury roots.

Value for money is now a core part of the Grand Cherokee's appeal and the Overland Tech special edition sets out to further beef-up the car's bottom line. Based on the standard Overland model, it offers a price reduction and a large haul of extra equipment including a DVD entertainment system that will instantly elevate buyers in the estimations of their kids.

There was no contest as to which of the Grand Cherokee's two engines would be offered in the family-friendly Overland Tech model. The 420bhp 6.1-litre V8 found in the SRT-8 range-topper never got a look-in. Instead, pride of place goes to the 3.0-litre CRD diesel engine that all but the most extravagant of Grand Cherokee buyers go for. With 215bhp at its disposal, it offers an extremely encouraging 93bhp per tonne and there's 510Nm of torque which equates to an extremely strong feel through the gears. With a 0-62mph time of 9.7s, the Grand Cherokee isn't hugely quick but it has the smooth flow of power that makes for a relaxed drive in a big vehicle and will come in hand should you venture off-road.

".it's strong on comfort and is amongst the very best performers in off-road conditions."

Unlike some of its contemporaries and as you'd expect from any vehicle carrying the Jeep badge, this is a vehicle that's well capable of travelling off-road. A clever Quadra-Drive II all-wheel drive system uses no fewer than three limited-slip differentials to direct drive in tricky off road situations and the car can extricate itself from a muddy spot even when only one wheel has traction. Hill descent control is standard and the independent front suspension increases wheel articulation, ensuring that the tyres sit squarely on the ground when the suspension is extended. On the road and off it, Jeep's highly advanced ESC stability control system works to keep everything on the straight and narrow. There's even an optional TSC Trailer Sway Control function to improve safety when towing.

The sturdy looks of the Grand Cherokee are enhanced by the darkened privacy glass, 18" alloy wheels and xenon headlamps that come as standard on the Overland Tech model. Inside, there's the feel of a luxury 4x4 with a vast array of equipment and some plush materials. The walnut trim might not be to everyone's taste but the standard leather seats should draw few complaints. The Jeep only really lets itself down with the quality of the less prominent plastics. A little more attention to detail would go a long way.

With this third generation Grand Cherokee, Jeep concentrated on keeping this car's legendary off road prowess alongside a more rewarding on road driving experience. Hence a stiffer chassis, better aerodynamics, independent front suspension and a sharper rack and pinion steering system. There's also 90mm extra in the wheelbase, though for a car that's so much bigger than its predecessor, you might expect a little more room inside the 5-seater-only cabin. Luggage space varies between 978 and 1909 litres, depending on whether you fold the rear seats.

Priced at almost £3,000 below the less well-specified Overland model, the appeal of the Overland Tech is clear. The Grand Chreokee is a well-equipped car with little left to the imagination even in basic trim but this special edition model really goes town. Customers receive a rear parking camera, rain-sensing wipers, electric heated seats, dual-zone air-conditioning, heated door mirrors and a powered sunroof. The highlight for family buyers, however, will be the DVD entertainment system, though the integrated infotainment system will run it close. The latter includes a Boston Accoustics stereo, 3D satallite navigation with a 30GB hard drive and Bluetooth connectivity.

Despite the powerful performance offered by the 3.0-litre CRD diesel in comparison with obvious rivals, it's acceptably frugal at the pumps for a car of this kind. Expect 27.7mpg on the combined cycle, a figure which makes the possibility of keeping the right side of 30mpg in regular use a distinct possibility. The CO2 figure is 270g/km and insurance is group 15.

High specifications and value for money have been core strengths of Jeep's Grand Cherokee and the Overland Tech special edition builds on them. The big Jeep still feels like one of the more luxurious choices in the family 4x4 market, even if some the cabin materials let the side down a little and it's tough to beat if you like your creature comforts. A DVD entertainment system, premium stereo and satellite navigation are amongst the highlights in this limited run version.

There are more spacious and practical family 4x4s than the Grand Cherokee but it's strong on comfort and is amongst the very best performers in off-road conditions. With the impressive 3.0-litre CRD diesel engine thrown in, the Overland Tech looks and feels like a lot of car for the money.