Charmed by rustic Jeep Wrangler (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Charmed by rustic Jeep Wrangler

4:26pm Wednesday 7th September 2011 in Road Tests By Steve Teale

The new Wrangler is quite a comfortable car. I know, I know. Jeep fans won’t be over-impressed that their rugged mud-plugger is described in such a way.

But there’s no getting away from the fact that behind the sharp lines and bolt-on fixtures, the Wrangler has evolved into a very accomplished motor.

Jeep was always America’s answer to the Land Rover. It began during the Second World War as a military vehicle in much the same way that Land Rover was used by the British Army.

The Jeep became the Wrangler in the 1980s and was originally a short-wheel-based vehicle. Tested here is the five-door version and I must say I’m impressed.

I do like 4x4s. I love the high driving position and the size which for me is far more exciting than a fine-handling sports car. But it’s a few years since I last drove a Wrangler and I must say the improvement was tangible.

The engine is fantastic. The ride and handling for a chunky 4x4 is fabulous. And the cabin is light years away from the old Wrangler. It isn’t without fault, of course, because even a rugged 4x4 needs a luggage cover (the bootspace is exposed) and the doors swing close (they could do with a system which allows them to stay open, as you find on most cars).

But as an overall package, Wrangler is a much-improved motor.

It’s particularly good on the open road. The old Wrangler used to be a devil to handle at anything over 50mph because its ride and handling was designed for off-roading. This version feels positively road friendly.

Let’s not pretend, the Wrangler is unlikely to be the first choice if you’re looking for a refined and luxurious large 4x4 on the lines of a BMW X5 or, dare I say, a Land Rover Discovery. Even though it’s much-improved you wouldn’t want to travel huge distances.

The bulletproof suspension soaks up huge potholes and unsurfaced routes like they’re not there, but that’s makes for handling and cornering less responsive and firm than in an SUV tailored for on-road duties.

As a primary mode of transport, it may have its shortcomings but for leisure use, it’s fabulous. The flexible and powerful engine would be fine for towing and it offers great space for five occupants and a huge loadbay of 430 litres. It does lack a tonneau cover, though it does have a large locking glovebox and central console which would be ideal for wallets and the like.

Specification is impressive, too. Power steering, anti-lock brakes, a fine heating and cooling system, powered windows, a huge multi-media system combining stereo and satellite navigation, traction control, cruise control and split-fold rear seats make this a well-equipped motor. In fact, everything you would expect from a car which costs more than £27,000.

Jeep enthusiasts, however, are a breed apart: more than electricn windows, they want a car which looks the part. They won’t be disappointed for this vehicle has evolved beautifully from the original wartime Willy’s jeep.

The flat panels, round headlights, vast chunky tyres and bonnet fasteners all add up to an iconic-looking vehicle. My favourite feature, however, is the removable roof. Unlike modern convertibles which have one-touch buttons to sweep back the roof, this roof literally unbolts. It’s simpler than it might sound, but quite fulfilling, to turn this hard-top motor into an open-top leisure car.

And unlike many pretend 4x4s, this has a proper low-ratio system which means that this vehicle is almost unmatchable in rough stuff.

Further equipment includes a detachable tow bar assembly, allowing drivers to make full use of the load lugging ability.

Even in two-wheel drive mode, the Wrangler Unlimited’s bulk, engine and chunky tyres mean it can easily cope with a substantial trailer load. Rated to pull 3500kg on a braked trailer, regular towing duties are unlikely to phase it.

The old Wrangler cabins were far from fun. They were almost agricultural with painted metal work, wiring looms, bolts and hinges which meant it could be hosed down in a hurry if required.

This version, however, is far from spartan. It’s a proper, lush five-star cabin with comfortable seats and an executive-style dash.

On the road, the 2.8-litre diesel unit knocks out surprisingly sharp in-gear acceleration for a vehicle of its size with a top speed that means there’s no trouble maintaing a steady cruise.

The high driving position is a bonus and the square body makes the proportions easy to judge for a large vehicle, with the exception of the hilariously styled front bumper.

Despite one or two flaws, it’s hard not to be charmed by the Wrangler’s simple, rustic appeal. It offers a tremendous amount of style and charm. It’s good on the road and tremendous off it.

Jeep Wrangler Sahara five-door:- PRICE: £27,595. Wrangler costs from £22,995 ENGINE: A 2.8 litre diesel engine generating 197bhp via all four wheels PERFORMANCE: Top speed 107mph and 0 to 60mph in 13.5 seconds COSTS: urban (town) 28.3mpg; extra-urban (country) 38.7mpg; combined 34mpg EMISSIONS: 217g/km INSURANCE: Group 21 (1-50) WARRANTY: Three years, 60,000 miles Steve’s ratings: Performance: 3/5 Economy: 3/5 Ride/Handling: 4/5 Space/Practicality: 4/5 Equipment: 3/5 Security/Safety: 3/5 Value For Money: 3/5 OVERALL: 3/5