All-new Jeep® Wrangler
Contributed by Shereen Shabnam
For everyday urban adventures, the new generation of the iconic Jeep Wrangler offers excellent levels of comfort and superior driving dynamics. I drove the all-new Jeep Wrangler a few times in different countries and terrains and it is indeed a one-of-a-kind vehicle that is perfect for both young and seasoned drivers.
The common selling point for the Jeep Wrangler was always the legendary off-road capabilities, but in the new model, the more contemporary Jeep styling that stays true to the original and advanced technology features in terms of safety and connectivity are definitely an added bonus.
The all-new Jeep Wrangler builds on a sculptural design aesthetic that is immediately recognizable with its traditional Jeep design cues, from the round headlights to the seven-slot grille, the trapezoidal wheel arches to the visible hinges, the folding windshield to the sport bar, the removable doors to the open-air configurations with hard top or soft top. From the roughest terrain to city streets, the all-new Jeep Wrangler drives perfectly at ease and offers more open-air freedom.
The interior of the new Jeep Wrangler combines authentic styling, versatility, functionality and intuitive feature use, in addition to a more stylish and comfortable cabin, thanks to the use of high-quality materials and finishes. Functional features, including climate and volume control knobs, Engine Stop Start (ESS) control and media charging and connectivity ports are all sculpted for quick recognition and are easily within reach of the front-seat occupants. I found it useful to have two USB ports up front and two in reach of occupants in the back seat connect to the media centre.
The upgraded 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine delivers 285hp @ 6,400 rpm and 347 Nm of torque @ 4,100 rpm, and now features Stop-Start (ESS) as standard equipment. The new eight-speed automatic transmission enables the vehicle to optimize engine output while on the trails or enjoying smooth, efficient power delivery at highway speeds. Uniquely suited to the requirements of the all-new Wrangler, the new automatic gearbox delivers unmatched off-road capability.
Jeep Wrangler has always stood out for its functionality and the ability to give drivers the possibility to enjoy any adventure with the utmost ease. The all-new Wrangler is no exception, offering a host of clever storage solutions, durable mesh pockets that extend the entire length of the doors, cup holders and numerous phone storage areas. An under-floor storage area provides room to secure small items out of sight. I loved the functional new “screws and bolts” organizer at the bottom of the trunk, to store away individual screws, and a tool kit with instructions inside the central armrest.
The new Wrangler features shift on the fly technology which allows for shifting between 2WD and 4WD High range at speed up to 72km/h. In normal driving conditions, Selec-Trac operates in two-wheel drive (2WD) and transfers 100 percent of engine torque to the rear axle. By shifting the dedicated lever to the 4WD High position, the driver can switch to four-wheel drive mode ideal when driving on slippery surfaces, such as sand, mud, snow or ice. 4H mode can be selected comfortable use in any driving conditions.
I drove the Rubicon in Europe in the hills and found that it added articulation and total suspension travel with help from an electronic sway-bar disconnect. This system allows drivers to disconnect the front sway bar to deliver additional wheel travel for traversing the toughest trails. Every Wrangler receives a “Trail Rated” badge that proves its legendary 4×4 capabilities in the following areas: traction, water fording, maneuverability, articulation and ground clearance.
As an authentic full open-air 4×4 SUV, the all-new Jeep Wrangler offers various top combinations to ensure even more open-air freedom and allows customers to choose multiple configuration possibilities. The all-new Jeep Wrangler comes in 10 different exterior colours: Black, Firecracker Red, Billet Silver Metallic, Bright White, Granite Crystal Metallic, Hellayella, Ocean Blue, Punk’n Metallic, Mojito and Sting Gray.
