Jeep’s ‘Go Anywhere, Do Anything’ 4x4 has always been at home when you take it off the beaten track.
Now, thanks to some significant changes, the Wrangler feels much happier on city streets too.
In that sense, the new Wrangler brings together Jeep’s legendary off-road prowess with much-improved on-road comfort.
The two-door model will probably be the preference for those after a more classic Wrangler look, while the four-door version, tested here, has a longer wheelbase and offers improved practicality.
Three trim levels are available in this country, namely the entry-level Sahara; the more refined Overland; and the Rubicon, which is the variant most tailored towards off-road driving.
Buyers can choose from various roof styles, including the three-piece removable roof that came with this test car.
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This Overland version came equipped with Jeep’s impressive new turbocharged 2143cc MultiJet-II diesel engine, paired with a slick-shifting eight-speed automatic gearbox.
The combination works well and means the Wrangler is capable of getting a wriggle-on when needs be, while also feeling to have a huge amount of torque available (332lb from 2000rpm).
With full-time four wheel drive, the Wrangler never lacks grip and feels sure-footed in most circumstances.
The vehicle has recirculating ball steering with electric power assistance. You still have to use a bit of muscle if you want a sudden change of direction but, generally speaking, it doesn’t require too much elbow grease.
The improvement in the on-road manners is immediately noticeable compared to the old Wrangler, which was fun if not rather unforgiving.
At £48,420, this clearly isn't a cheap vehicle, but the improved road manners, more refined interior and new technology go some way towards justifying the price tag.
The new model is more akin to a modern SUV with ride, comfort and build quality equal to any 4x4 on the road.
Indeed, it meets all the needs of modern day motoring thanks to high-quality connectivity and infotainment through the pinch and swipe TFT screen, 3D satnav, a reversing camera plus voice recognition.
Long-time Jeep fans will surely like the way designers have retained tradition while improving dynamics at the same time.
Equally, lifestyle buyers could be attracted by the Wrangler’s slightly softer side.
In terms of appearance, the Wrangler’s iconic look is still instantly recognisable.
The latest front end design is not dissimilar to the Wrangler seen in the late 1990s with a raked front grille with seven vertical slots and round headlamps.Meanwhile, the traditional Jeep logo has been moved off the grille.
In terms of length, the two-door version is now 2.5 inches longer than before and the four-door is longer by 3.5 inches.
Once inside, the leather found in the cabin adds an air of sophistication, while the controls are well laid-out and easy to use.
The driving position is high and very upright, which offers a comanding view of the road, but doesn’t give much opportunity to sink into a more laid-back driving position on longer journeys.
Meanwhile, second-row leg and headroom is fine for adults. The back seats can be folded flat in order to provide for good outright luggage capacity.
Removing the three-piece roof is at the opposite end of the convenience scale to the Mazda MX5, with each part having four clips that need to be unhooked. You then have to clamber out of the car and onto the side footrests to lift off those sections one by one, before finding somewhere to store them.
But it’s well worth the effort to achieve the rugged open-air driving experience.
At £48,420, this clearly isn't a cheap vehicle, but the improved road manners, more refined interior and new technology go some way towards justifying the price tag.
Jeep Wrangler Overland
PRICE: £48,420 on the road
ENGINE: 2.2-litre Multijet II 200hp four-cylinder diesel
ECONOMY: 36.7mpg combined and emissions of 202g/km
TRANSMISSION: Eight-speed automatic with manual function, four-wheel drive
TOP SPEED: 112mph
0-62MPH: 9.6sec
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