Road Tests: Jeep Pioneer

We’d all like to make our own changes to manufacturers’ vehicles in some way; be it by doubling the power, fitting some vibrating seats or, for some on the CM test 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 o 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 that 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 DaimlerChrysler, 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 that it even let him name it.

Based on Jeep’s Cherokee CRD Sport model, the Pioneer is powered by a 2.5-litre 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 HardTop. 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 (£210), 16in alloys (£320) and a mesh bulkhead (a snip at £200). Jeep’s been 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.

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 25.2mpg 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, but we were left feeing 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 orientated Land Rover and Santana can take 1.8m3 and 2.1m3 respectively. 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 the rear. Payload is a mild 359kg - this is, after all, a passenger vehicle with tweaked suspension – and loadspace 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 vehicle, there’s bags of ground clearance. Servicing is required every 12 months/12,000 miles the warranty checks in at another three years/60,000 miles.