On the 20th of November, my colleague and I went to the Jeep demonstration event, which was held at the closed polygon near Bělá pod Bezdězem. We were able to test the complete model range on the surrounding roads, and as a bonus, a brand new Rubicon Wrangler model was prepared in the off-road section of the area. We were in the afternoon group, the program started in the afternoon with a short presentation, where company representatives gradually introduced us to all the current news, as well as a fun quiz and a brief history of the brand, boasted about sales successes and outlined goals for the future. We learned, for example, that the company was founded in 1941, that every 15 seconds one car is sold in the world, and that the seven breaths on the radiator grille represent the conquest of all seven continents, which Jeep managed to do as the first car in history. So, of course, nothing that can't be found on the Internet, but I believe that you will remember it better this way. Furthermore, we were informed about the gradual transition of the models to LED lighting, about the new engines, which again have slightly improved combustion efficiency and therefore higher performance with reduced consumption and emissions, a 9-speed gearbox for the modernized Cherokee model and finally a pleasant assurance that despite numerous facelifts and improvements across the lines will not increase in price. Everything took place in a stylishly furnished tent, where most of the furniture was built from wooden pallets with burned-in Jeep logos and the typical radiator grille with lights.
Grand Cherokee
And we start right away pretty sharp, with the strongest, most luxurious and most expensive model here. As Áda Větvička from the District Council would say, "a drinkable drink is a drinkable drink". I have to say for myself that it is too good for me, especially on the winding roads here. At first, it seems that even the engine, in this case a three-liter diesel, has a lot to do with the car, but after looking at the tachometer comes assurance that appearances are deceiving. The literal pomp of this car perfectly masks the speed, so when you step on it a little on the straight, nothing much is happening on the surface, but according to the speedometer you are already going 140. In the interior, you can see, in terms of materials, design, processing and control, that it is it's a little different than what we're used to here. Not worse or better, just different, it would definitely take more time to get a feel for everything, most of the cars were also from abroad and the menu was in German, so I don't want to evaluate this too much, I hope that in the future there will be a better opportunity to get a good feel for everything.
Cherokee
We started with the biggest one, so now, logically, we only have to go down. But don't laugh, this is definitely not an inferior model, it's still a car like thunder with a huge interior space. In addition, as time has shown, it is somewhat true that less is sometimes more, especially here in the Czech Republic, where we do not have endlessly long and straight roads with eight lanes. As this is a current modernized model, there is already a noticeable shift towards our established ideals here, although it still retains the typical features of an American car. Compared to the previous Grand, the presence of one extra gear is noticeable here, the 9-speed gearbox shifts really smoothly and smoothly. The steering and ride are a bit dull and bland, but that's probably a plus for this type of car. On the other hand, if you're not out for blood, he won't let anything get him out of control. After a while, when I start to get used to the car, a colleague stops in front of me in a Compass model, saying that we should switch cars. I don't really want to, but there's nothing I can do, he's the boss here today . So again, maybe sometime next time…
Compass
Among its larger siblings, it acts a bit like a gray mouse and a poor relative in the parking lot in front of the main tent, and with some displeasure I exchange keys with a colleague and switch from the Cherokee. But the clouds disappear immediately after the first turn, and on the contrary, my corners start to move upwards. Compared to previous models, the steering is much more lively, the driver is even slightly involved in the story and is not afraid to communicate with him. You can feel the lower weight in corners, even though it's still a huge car inside. The Americans have the values set a little differently…
Wrangler Rubicon
In the meantime, we are testing the new Rubicon model in the off-road section of the complex. Looking at the test track and my colleagues participating in the rides in front of us, I do break out in a cold sweat, but I take comfort in the fact that I will ride with an instructor and he will definitely tell me exactly what to do and how to do it. The cars have arrived, it's time to get in. "So guys, take a car each and drive", the instructor's brief words. At first I think and mostly hope it's a joke, but obviously it wasn't. I tell him in a shaky voice that I'm an off-road freak and I really don't dare to do this myself, so he adjusts the differential reduction for us and sits in the third car, saying that he will drive in front of us and give instructions on the radio. What happened next still blows my mind. Exits, descents, side bends with crossovers, fords… It's really incredible what this car can do. I was always drawn to the asphalt, but now I know that the terrain has something to it, and I will definitely not miss another opportunity like this. Big thumbs up!
Renegade
This model brings a breath of fresh air to the brand's portfolio. Fresh design and flashy colors, if it weren't for the radiator grille, there's no indication that it's a Jeep. After getting on, everything is already different and I find myself in an environment that I've gotten used to in the course of today. The vertical front window is far in front of you and again gives the impression of a large interior space. And it's not just an impression, in the company of other models, the Renegade can seem almost compact, but when I stop to take pictures and have the opportunity to view the car separately, it's a big chunk again. And the spacious interior benefits from its slightly boxy shape. As for the driving characteristics, they are a bit more playful, if you can even call it that, than in the case of the Compass . The fellow in the Wrangler is quickly disappearing in my rearview mirror. The best choice today in these conditions. The only thing that makes me a little sad is the fact that all the models we tested were equipped with an automatic transmission. So at least I paddled a little.
Wrangler Sahara
The road twin of the Rubicon on the same huge, deep-tread all-terrain wheels. Here, the genes cannot be denied, and this is exactly the car that comes to mind when the word Jeep is mentioned. Paradoxically, I like the interior, which successfully combines the rawness of the classics and the sleekness of the modern. The combination of leather and the dominant body-colored polished aluminum panel looks really good. It's just a shame that the Sahara is gray and the panel doesn't stand out as much as the red Rubicon. Unfortunately, rain and snow are just starting to fall, and these are definitely not conditions in which you would want to test the car's driving characteristics on these tires. Before every corner, I probably also brake with my eyes, which I also try to push oncoming cars to the left as much as possible, because the Wrangler really is a cat. But the atmosphere inside! Above me there are even removable roof panels, just turn four levers and you have a convertible in ten seconds. So it's a double shame about the weather, but it was still a unique experience!
Finally, a big thank you to the representatives of the brand, especially Mrs. Marounková, for inviting me to this event, which I really enjoyed and I will look forward to any similar events in the future.
