The all-new Wrangler has just landed in New Zealand and is already creating the sort of stir that greeted its historic predecessor.
More than 65 years after the first Jeep appeared, a new and improved version of the iconic off-roader has been unveiled - the 2007 Jeep Wrangler.
Completely redesigned, highlights include:
The 2007 Jeep Wrangler has retained the authentic, rugged Jeep styling, a move applauded by traditional fans of the legendary Jeep shape. The long bonnet, bolt-on fenders, fold-down windscreen, flat side panels, rear-mounted spare wheel and large round headlights flanking the famous seven-slot grille hark back to the wartime Jeep of 1941.
But times do change, and so has the Wrangler. The silhouette may be familiar, but it's design as been updated by sloping the grille back slightly, putting a gentle curve into the windscreen, sculpting the front and rear bumpers and introducing some sharper angles to the panels, which all helps to smooth airflow over the Jeep, reducing wind noise and aiding fuel economy.
The new 4-door model is the most anticipated addition to the Jeep Wrangler range. "The Wrangler has always been a vehicle that has sold itself because of its uniqueness in the market, but the 4-door Unlimited opens up new and unexplored opportunities for us, illustrated by orders already taken for this model," says Brett Aspden, General Manager for the Chrysler Group of DaimlerChrysler New Zealand.
"Like the 2-door Wrangler, the 4-door Unlimited is unique, yet far more practical. We believe there is an untapped demand in New Zealand among families and people with active lifestyles who love the idea of the open-top Wrangler but need a vehicle with more cargo space."
The addition of a brand new 2.8-litre CRD diesel engine to the range is also a significant addition to the lineup. With fuel prices remaining high, Mr Aspden expects diesel to make up a high proportion of Wrangler sales in New Zealand, where it will be available in both 2 and 4-door models, alongside a brand new, more fuel efficient 3.8-litre V6 petrol engine.
Whilst much focus is on the Unlimited model, the 2-door Wrangler remains the Jeep icon and has changed considerably over the previous model. It is 34cm longer and 13cm wider than before, with the wheelbase growing 5.2cm, translating into more legroom for rear passengers and improved luggage space, plus extra shoulder and hip room for all occupants. There's even a hidden storage space in the rear cargo area for valuables and accessories. The Wrangler Unlimited is 52.8cm longer than the 2-door Wrangler and its wheelbase has grown by 52.3cm.
The more compact dimensions of the 2-door Wrangler make it ideal for adventurous off-road outings, where its superb agility - including a much improved exit angle - is unmatched. The upgraded Command Trac four-wheel-drive system - standard on Sport and Sahara models - is smoother and stronger, as are the beefed up solid axles (Dana 30 on the front and heavy-duty Dana 44 on the rear).
The Rubicon model features the off-road-designed ultra low ratio Rock Trac transfer case, locking front and rear Dana 44 axles, an electronic sway bar disconnect, improved suspension and tougher tyres to enable this model to conquer the most demanding terrain. All Wranglers get at least three skid plates for maximum undercar protection.
Open air driving has always been a major drawcard for the Wrangler and the new, improved soft top has a "sun roof" feature, allowing the front to be folded back over the driver and front passenger, providing a midway open air option. The new 3-piece hard top has a similar facility, with individual removable panels over the driver and front passenger. The rear panel can also be removed, leaving the two front panels in place. The same soft top and hard top options are available on the 4-door Wrangler Unlimited.
Jeep engineers designed a completely new ladder chassis, making the 2007 Wrangler 100% stiffer against bending and 50% more torsionally rigid. At the same time, the frame and the body are built to act just like a car in crashes, with crumple zones absorbing front and rear impacts. With a 5-star NHTSA rating, the new Wrangler also boasts electronic stability programme (ESP) and Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) as standard across the range. Incorporating ABS anti-lock braking, traction control, brake assist and brake lock differentials, the ESP system increases safety margins of the Wrangler both on and off the road.
The 2007 Jeep Wrangler is superior in comfort and handling. The steering system is more refined and the all-round coil suspension has been tuned to improve ride comfort and handling, which is especially noticeable in the Unlimited, aided by a wider track and its very long wheelbase. Bigger wheels - 16inch steel wheels on the Sport and 17inch alloy wheels on Sahara and Rubicon, with 18inch options for the Sahara. The new Wrangler is also 20% quieter than before, thanks to better insulation from road noise, improved wind flow and reduced mechanical noise, especially from the new petrol and diesel engines.
The 2.8-litre CRD diesel, dubbed the ‘Panther,' is completely different to the similar size CRD engine used in the Jeep Cherokee. It's a generation three common rail diesel, designed to meet tough Euro 4 emission standards, with power output rising to 130kW and peak torque of 410Nm between 2000 to 2600 rpm (400Nm for the automatic transmission models). Among latest technology in the DOHC 16-valve Panther is a variable geometry turbocharger that practically eliminates turbo lag at low revs. Matched to a 6-speed manual or 5-speed adaptive automatic transmission, the new Panther CRD engine can deliver a combined fuel consumption of 9.9L/100km.
All Wrangler models are well equipped, with the standard package including power windows, remote door locking, air-conditioning and overhead soundbar. The Sahara and Rubicon get the 7-speaker Infinity system, trip computer, alloy wheels, cruiser control, fog lamps, premium Yes Essential anti-stain upholstery and leather wrapped steering wheel. The Sahara has side-steps and painted fenders, whilst the Rubicon has full length, bolt-on tubular rock rails and black fenders.
The 2007 Jeep Wrangler is priced from $39,990 and the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is priced from $44,990.
