The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Is Here

"The all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee will be the benchmark for mid-size SUVs..."  that is how confident Mike Manley, President and CEO of Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC is of the capability and performance of the new Jeep Cherokee.  

The 2014 Cherokee had its unveiling at the 2013 New York International Auto Show (NYAS) and immediately set off a fire storm in newspapers, blogs and social media across North America.  With its debut, the Cherokee brings with it not only the dependability of the Jeep brand, but for the first time a nine-speed automatic transmission.  Fuel economy being on every consumer's mind, the 2014 Cherokee has made an estimated 45 percent fuel economy improvement over its outgoing sister - the Jeep Liberty.  

Not only does the Cherokee impress with its sleek new design and fuel economy improvements, but the 2014 Cherokee is the first mid-size SUV to feature rear-axle disconnect.  This feature results in reduced energy loss when the Jeep's 4x4 is not required; which in turn will improve the fuel efficiency of the vehicle.  Other new features that are considered "firsts" in the 2014 Cherokee are a nine-speed automatic transmission, a 3.2 Pentastar VVT V6 engine and an estimated 6.3L/100km (45 mpg) highway fuel economy, along with ten standard air bags to ensure the safety of the driver and passengers.

The design of the 2014 Cherokee has pushed the Jeep brand into the next era of midsized SUVs, whilst staying true to the bones of what has made Jeep one of the most recognizable brands in automotive history.  

The Cherokee was built in the spirit of the Jeep Brand - there is no where a Jeep cannot take you.  

The Most Frequently Asked Questions of the Southbank Service Department

The Southbank Service Department has established itself as a leader in the city of Ottawa, providing the best care for our customer's vehicles.  Our trained technicians continually educate themselves to improve their knowledge and skills, so that Southbank customers can reap the benefits. 

 

To most people, taking your vehicle in for servicing can be a daunting task.  We the general population are not trained technicians, nor do we have any kind of knowledge on the inner workings of our vehicle.  That is why Southbank Nation asked Peter Lafrance,  a ten year Southbank employee and Shop Foreman of the Southbank Service Department to list the benefits of the top three services.

 

 

Wheel Alignment

1- Better gas mileage.  When the wheels are aligned there is less rolling resistance.
2- Better mileage out of your tires, misaligned wheels will wear tires prematurely.
3- Keeps your tire warranties.
4- Less wear on other part's (tie rods/ball joints).
5- Easier to drive, meaning your vehicle will not pull to one side or the other, or wander when driving.  This also maintains the safety of the driver and passengers in the vehicle.
Peter recommends wheel at least once a year, depending on your driving conditions.

 

Tire Rotation

1- Longer tire life, which in turn will save  you money on tires.

2- Better fuel economy, due to better handling and steering.
3- Better performance and a better driving experience. Your tires are worn evenly.
Peter recommends a tire rotation every 10,000 to 12,000 km's or roughly every second oil change.

Fuel System Cleaning Benefits                               
1-Better fuel economy
2-Starts easier
3-Better acceleration
4-All around smoother, cleaner running vehicle
Peter recommends a fuel system cleaning every 30 to 36,000 km's.  Peter also stresses that it also really does depend on your driving conditions; long idle times and city driving can change these intervals.

Peter Lafrance, being awarded the Bernard Frappier Southbank Service Award

 

So the next time you are in for service, make sure you say hi to Peter! 

He and the rest of the Southbank Service Team will be waiting for you!

 

 

 



Why My Car Is The Dodge Dart

 

 When Dodge unveiled the all new 2013 Dodge Dart, they resurrected a giant of the automotive industry.   The 2013 Dodge Dart is based off of the platform used in Alfa Romeo Giulietta and offers consumer's six different model choices and twelve different paint colours to choose from.  The Dart offers its drivers class leading technology and up to 4.8L / 100 KM.  The Dodge Dart far surpasses in appearance, options, fuel economy and in the overall driving experience and leaves the competition in the dust.

While facts and figures are great to read, it is much better to hear an individuals opinion of the Dodge Dart and this is what we have done for you, our blog readers.  Decio Menezes, the Internet Manager of Southbank chose to purchase a Dodge Dart as soon as they were first delivered to our lot.  He has never looked back since.  Below,  you will find an interview with Decio, describing why his car is the Dart. 

 

 

 

 

Valerie: Decio, what do you love most about the Dodge Dart?

 

Decio: Honestly, I love the drive, it is a really fun car to drive.  The 1.4 turbo engine meant I did not have to sacrifice my love of driving by purchasing the Dart, if anything, it made it better.

 

Valerie: How does the Dodge Dart accommodate your lifestyle?

 

Decio: The Dart is great for me.  I live in the suburbs, with my girlfriend and my dog.  I get 580 KM per tank in city driving, to me that is unheard of.  There is tons of storage space, I can easily fit all of my gym equipment and hockey bag in the trunk and the extra front seat storage compartments are a real nice bonus to have. 

 

Valerie: How do you think the Dodge Dart compares to its other competitors currently out in the market?

 

Decio: Frankly, there is no competition.  The design and options of the Dart are far superior to the Hyundai Elantra or Chevrolet Cruze.  The Dart is a classic, you can't compare a classic.

 

Valerie: What was the deciding factor in your decision to purchase the Dart?

 

Decio: I am a numbers guy, so it came down to the price.  I paid just over $22 000 for my Dart and when I compared what I was spending, to what I was getting, there was no doubt in my mind.  It makes sense.  Anyone would be crazy not to purchase the Dart.

 

Valerie: What would you like to tell consumers who are currently considering purchasing a Dodge Dart?

 

Decio: I would tell them to go for it and that they will not be disappointed.  I would suggest anyone who is interested to come and see me and to talk to me about the Dart.  I have not regretted my decision and will be a Dart driver for a long time coming.