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BACK IN STYLE
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From wartime icon to a luxury roadster, the Jeep has now surfaced as an all-terrain load carrier. Be prepared to salute the Jeep Pioneer.
We'd all like to make our own changes to manufacturers' vehicles in some way;be it by doubling the power, fitting vibrating seats or, for some on the CMtest team,installing a stove/grill combo, So when a user creates his own model, with some success, it's only natural that the manufacturer takes note, paving the way for the ultimate two-way automotive relationship. The company involved in this example of inverted product planning is Jeep and,like a certain brand of vacuum cleaner, the name has become a generic term.This is partly due to the fact the company dates back to 1940 -plenty of time for the name to filter into the language. It was also the first company to venture into the off-road market with the use of 4x4 technology, motivated by the US army's demand for a vehicle that could take a pounding on any terrain."Jeep" is a contraction of the original vehicle's designation, GP; G for government and P representing an 80in wheelbase.
Now owned by DainfierChrysler,the company has, surprisingly, avoided the European CV market. Until, that is,an Irish importer saw an opening for a practical, gear-carrying off-roader,chucked out the back seats and the rest, as they say, is history. Jeep was so impressed with the result hat it even let him name it.
Based on Jeep's Cherokee CRD Sport model, the Pioneer is powered by a 25-fitre 16V DOHC common-rail turbo-diesel producing 141hp and a generous 340Nm of torque.This is coupled to a five-speed manual gearbox and power is transferred through Jeep's Command-Trac' four-wheel-drive system. It features a 'shift on the fly' function that allows the driver to switch from rear-wheel drive to high-range 4WD at up to 55mph. For off-road conditions, there is a low-range 4WD.
At £17,300 the Pioneer is slightly more expensive than the Nissan Terrano and the Santana PS10 £15,187 and £15,340 respectively and just £115 more than a Land Rover Defender 110 Hard Top.
It comes with driver and passenger airbags, air-con not many commercial vehicles can claim that -ABS, electric front windows and a CD player as standard. Not bad.
Options are kept to a minimum and include metallic paint (1210),16in alloys (£320) and a mesh bulkhead (a snip at £200). Jeep's looking to shift between 300-350 units in the first year through its 93 dealers. targeting image-conscious businesses such as florists, and utility companies and builders that will be more likely to appreciate its off road-capabilities.
Productivity
While the engine is a perky performer with a nice spread of power, fuel consumption is no better than average. We recorded a laden figure of 29.5mpg round the Kent test route; compare that with the Nissan Terrano's 35.2mpg from a three-litre engine. On the other hand the Jeep's thirst is light compared with the tougher Santana's 25.8mpg.
Unladen running gave a figure of 31.2mpg, hut we were left feeling that the engine could be slightly retuned for commercial purposes where fuel economy plays a greater role in vehicle choice. Because it's such a willing performer through the revs there's a suspicion that the engine may be gulping instead of sipping. But with a GVW of 2.520kg the Pioneer is not a light vehicle.
The load area swallows a useful 1.4m3, but the Terrano pips it with 1.6m3, while the more commercially oriented Land Rover and Santana can take 1.8m3 and 2.1m' respeclively. Load access is straightforward; a clever two-stage rear door opens out sideways while a glass panel opens upwards. Adding to the Pioneer's practicality are the side rear doors that open fully so cargo can be removed from the front of the load area without having to scrabble over from the rear.
Payload is a mild 359kg — this is, after all, a passenger vehicle with tweaked suspension — and load space height is 1,000mm.The load area comes with a plastic protective cover as standard. One area that may need more attention is the mesh bulkhead.Yes, we know that Jeep has not had any previous experience with bulkheads so excuses can be made. But the unit rattles outrageously at anything over 20mph. It might just need a quick tighten, but if we don't tell you who will?
As you'd expect from this class of vehicle there's bags of ground clearance. Servicing is required every 12 months/12,000 miles; the warranty checks in at three years/60,000 miles.
On the road
While it's no sleek SUV in the style stakes the Pioneer definitely has presence. Its well proportioned dimensions give it a strong, purposeful look and the round headlights, though not what you'd call sleek, are in tune with its more practical commercial aspirations.
From previous experience in this class of vehicle we weren't expecting any revelations when it came to driving the Pioneer on the road — a high centre of gravity coupled with off-road biased capabilities is never the best combination for on-road handling. But the Pioneer performed well beyond expectations.
Turning into corners revealed a composed chassis with the suspension surprisingly taut for a vehicle that's designed to absorb the bumps off-road.
When pushed it produced a degree of understeer, but you're well aware when that point will arrive. Body roll is kept in check and while the steering never is a strong point on such vehicles,it's firm enough to let you know what the wheels are up to. On motorways and A-roads it held its line with minimal fuss, seemingly unaffected by crosswinds.
The 2.5-litre unit proved to be a strong performer,pulling eagerly from low down. In fact, the power was delivered in a constant stream all the way up to the rev limit,giving the Pioneer a surprisingly sporty feel. Refinement was not the best when accelerating, but once we settled on a constant speed it relaxed. Helping the driving cause was the gearchange, which had a slick operation and short throw.
Though most 4x4s, especially the passenger versions, and particularly examples based in Chelsea,will not be taken off road they still need to be able to cut the mustard if and when that time arrives. Many manufacturers claim their vehicles are valid all-terrain machines that can transfer their prowess from smooth to rough without a flinch.
At CM we have our doubts and believe the more lifestyle'-oriented models may be prone to embarrassment. But the Pioneer is made by Jeep so we expected a more-than-adequate performance off-road and we were right. Steep gradients were taken in its stride, the engine's gutsy nature proving well suited to the task.And the Command-Trac 4x4 system really dug in when the going got tough, transferring power to where it was needed most. The brakes performed well under pressure but needed a touch more bite to really stand out.
Cab comfort
Coming from a passenger vehicle background it's no surprise that the Pioneer is a nice place to be. OK, black is, well, everywhere,but there's a quality look in the plastics and the design is far removed from the average CV.
The driving position has an upright feel to it, giving you a commanding view of the road; the seat is multi-adjustable and easy on the rear, though steering wheel adjustment is only for rake.There's enough headroom to stop the driver headbutting the ceiling when the going gets rough.
Instrument layout is clear, with easy-to-read main dials and a central console that neatly houses all the minor controls. One small quirk is the location of the electric window switches between the seats — they're also slightly set back making operation slightly awkward. That's those crazy Yanks for you. Storage is not up to 'real' commercial vehicle standards, but is adequate.You get a glovebox, a centralstorage-bin-cum-armrest, door bins and several small cubby holes.
Though the Pioneer feels well screwed together and is quiet when cruising, when accelerating the engine makes its presence felt with a good bit of noise and vibration. It detracts from the overall feeling of a cosseting interior and Jeep may have to sort this if it wants to further the Pioneer's cause. Combined with the rattling bulkhead, which we're sure can be rectified easily enough, it becomes a bit of a problem.
On the plus side, wind and road roar were well suppressed, showing that the overall level of soundproofing is of a decent standard, in spite of that intrusive engine noise. Rear visibility is good and the door mirrors are large enough to make up for the loss of the rear side windows.•