New Jeep Wrangler Unlimited review
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited: Good on-road and off
Author: David Miles
Published: 02 September 2007
There are six models in the new Jeep Wrangler line-up. The short wheelbase is available as Sport, Sahara and Rubicon models.
Only Rubicon has a 3.8-litre, V6 196bhp, 315Nm petrol engine and this is mated with an automatic transmission with high and low ratio transfer box.
The other two models use the new 2.8-litre CRD, 174bhp, 410Nm common-rail turbodiesel unit supplied by VM Motori. The Sport version has a manual gearbox, the Sahara an automatic transmission; both have a high and low ratio transfer box.
The long wheelbase four-door Wrangler Unlimited models all use the 2.8 CRD diesel engines with manual transmission for Sport and Sahara derivatives but the Sahara also has the option of an automatic transmission.
My test vehicle was the top of the range Wrangler Unlimited 2.8 CRD Sahara Auto priced at a very competitive £23,090. This is 16.7 per cent lower in price than the comparative Land Rover Defender 2.4TD 110 County SW and about the same price as a fully ‘specced Double Cab with rear load area canopy.
The long wheelbase Wrangle Unlimited is 4,751mm in length, longer than the Defender 110 and it is wider too, so there is plenty of room for five adults and luggage and load carrying space to match. The vehicle, like all Wranglers, has novel feature such as the removable fully framed doors, fold-down windscreen, rugged bonnet latches, revealed door hinges and the distinctive 7-slot Jeep grille with round headlights either side - all true to the Wrangler heritage.
However a must-have feature, if the weather should improve, is the Freedom Top. This is a three-piece modular hardtop which has left and right front passenger panels that can be removed and stored in the vehicle. There is also a rear section that can be removed separately.
However this is a big unit and it will need more than one person to take it off the vehicle. Jeep supplies as an option a hoist for doing this. There is a roll-cage incorporated within the rear of the vehicle for added safety.
The specification of fixtures and fittings is of course high being a Jeep. The list is long but the main items of interest are; cloth seats with adjustable head restraints, leather wrapped steering wheel, rear 60/40 folding seat, under seat storage, air conditioning, full sound system with six speakers with subwoofer and electrically operated windows.
Driving aids include electronic stability programme, brake lock differential, traction control, on and off road anti-lock braking, two and four wheel drive with high and low ratio transfer box, underbody protection ‘skid’ plates, 18-inch alloy wheels, flared wheelarches and tubular side steps.
The Wrangler Unlimited looks ready for ‘real’ 4x4 action and this is no soft off-roader. It probably is the best production 4x4 for really rugged terrain but with the new chassis the vehicle has better torsional stiffness for improved and controlled handling.
The revised suspension has coil springs, dampers and stabiliser bars front and rear. The long suspension travel allows the wheels to remain in contact with the ground over the most arduous obstacles. On road the ride comfort is very good, not too firm, not too soft.
The recirculating ball power steering layout is not as precise as a conventional rack and pinion system so there is some ‘vehicle wander’ especially with side wind gusting conditions. It is a relatively tall vehicle, although the centre of gravity is low, but body roll is evident and needs to be driven with respect.
The latest 2.8-litre turbodiesel is excellent in this vehicle, ideally matched with the five-speed auto gearbox. There is plenty of power and response and the huge torque output makes it a gutsy performer on and off road.
The fuel economy wasn’t bad either 27.7mpg against the published figure of 28.5mpg in the combined cycle. However CO2 emissions are in the top Group G bracket at 263g/km so the road tax will cost you £300 this year and £400 from next April. For the record the top speed is 112mph and the 0-62mph dash is covered in 13 seconds.
So if you are a fed up and bored double cab owner or a Land Rover Defender diehard looking for a change, or just a 4x4 user looking for the ‘real-deal’, the new and thoroughly modern Jeep Wrangler Unlimited could be just your four-wheeled sturdy steed.
MILESTONES
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 2.8 CRD Sahara Auto
Price: £23,090
Engine/transmission: 2.8-litre, four-cylinder, direct injection common rail turbodiesel, 174bhp, 410Nm of torque from 2,000rpm, five speed automatic, high and low ratio transfer box
Performance: 112mph, 0-62mph 13 seconds, 28.5mpg (27.7mpg actual), CO2 263g/km, VED Band G £300
Insurance group: 10E
Payload: 525kg
Towing weight braked: 3,500kg
For: Unique all American iconic off-roader design, better road behaviour, brilliant off road, now having a diesel engine, well equipped, versatile removable roof and door functions, tough, a legend
Against: Slow acting and vague steering, unknown future residual values
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