Jeep Wrangler Sahara 3.6 V6 (A) Review
25 Jul 2012|13,951 views
The choice of ride, more often than not, provides a window into an individual's personality.
The afore-statement couldn't have been more accurate for the car in question. Putting your characteristics to the test: with sense of sportiness, and the love for that out-of-the-world ruggedness being the key attributes - it takes a substantial dose of these factors to commit to a Wrangler.
With links to the illustrious Willys Jeeps originally commissioned for military use, it leaves no lingering doubts about its off-road prowess and abilities to hold it together when the tough gets going.
Exterior
Since its beginnings, little has been changed about the Wrangler. Despite taking on a seemingly civilianised high-gloss coat of black paint, the car still looks distinctively rugged bearing the protruding arches with matching matt bumpers.
Not your usual SUV - the Wrangler retains the proportions and features of its build-for-military predecessors
The afore-statement couldn't have been more accurate for the car in question. Putting your characteristics to the test: with sense of sportiness, and the love for that out-of-the-world ruggedness being the key attributes - it takes a substantial dose of these factors to commit to a Wrangler.
With links to the illustrious Willys Jeeps originally commissioned for military use, it leaves no lingering doubts about its off-road prowess and abilities to hold it together when the tough gets going.
Exterior
Since its beginnings, little has been changed about the Wrangler. Despite taking on a seemingly civilianised high-gloss coat of black paint, the car still looks distinctively rugged bearing the protruding arches with matching matt bumpers.
Not your usual SUV - the Wrangler retains the proportions and features of its build-for-military predecessors  |
The age-old facet layout looks timeless with roundel headlamps flanking the seven-slot grille - a signature of the marque which has seen the most of its years in existence. In two-door trim especially, the Wrangler looks handsome to say the least, putting off a stance that is un-replicable from its tamer-looking crossover rivals.
An authentic bearer of the Jeep badge - Seven-slot grille a reminiscent of its heritage  |
Interior
Like what you would expect in a purpose-built Jeep, interior are infused with hard plastics - looking all set to endure any punishment set by the external elements. This does put in place a sense of isolation for incumbents who are more acclimatised to creature comforts - not that the Wrangler was built to achieve that though.
This, by no means allude that the interior poses any sense of un-bearableness for the occupants. In tropical Singapore, the Wrangler will still get you from point A to B without much fuss. The elevated view, instead, provides great all-round visibility. As with the panel trims, switches feels hardy, but no miserly to say the least. More relevantly, local variants enjoy a slightly better ergonomics, with the standard gear lever situated on the right of the shifter assembly (both LHD & RHD models receive identical arrangements).
Interior a stark, unblemished display of its fortified nature; differential-lock lever a clue to the Wrangler's hidden potential
Like what you would expect in a purpose-built Jeep, interior are infused with hard plastics - looking all set to endure any punishment set by the external elements. This does put in place a sense of isolation for incumbents who are more acclimatised to creature comforts - not that the Wrangler was built to achieve that though.
This, by no means allude that the interior poses any sense of un-bearableness for the occupants. In tropical Singapore, the Wrangler will still get you from point A to B without much fuss. The elevated view, instead, provides great all-round visibility. As with the panel trims, switches feels hardy, but no miserly to say the least. More relevantly, local variants enjoy a slightly better ergonomics, with the standard gear lever situated on the right of the shifter assembly (both LHD & RHD models receive identical arrangements).
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Large windscreens and windows bestow a bright, lively ambience to the interior, giving a better sense of space. The visual perceptions will soon be battered by the rear occupants, with the less adequate leg room, not helped by the raised cabin floor. The cause for concern, too, may lie in the rump. For the sporting individuals especially, the boot space will hardly satisfy the need to carry gears, calling for the need to fold down the rear seats.
Boot space perhaps the biggest cause for concern for the sporting individuals
Boot space perhaps the biggest cause for concern for the sporting individuals  |
The Drive
The highlight of this latest iteration is inevitably the powerplant. A revelation from the previous 3.8-litre, the 3.6 powerplant delivers 284bhp and 347Nm of torque, an increase from the 199bhp and 315Nm despite the smaller capacity.
Then there is the sense of security imbued by the taut, solid chassis, coupled with the tall ride height, which sets the mind at peace even when driving in adverse weather conditions (keeping in view that the car will thread flash floods with ease).
I'll cut to the chase and say that the Wrangler is not built with speed in mind. While we have seen illustrations of compromises between off and on road capabilities on the crossovers, the Wrangler remains to be a no-nonsense iteration that is made purely with rocks and mud in mind, with judders being sent to the helm as the car approaches illegal speed limits.
The purpose-build suspension does its bit for off-road manoeuvres, but transforms a wee-bit of imperfection from the tarmac into the cabin. While this causes a stir for those more fondly acquainted with the bread-and-butter sedans, it should not be a cause for worry for die-hard off-road fans.
The highlight of this latest iteration is inevitably the powerplant. A revelation from the previous 3.8-litre, the 3.6 powerplant delivers 284bhp and 347Nm of torque, an increase from the 199bhp and 315Nm despite the smaller capacity.
Then there is the sense of security imbued by the taut, solid chassis, coupled with the tall ride height, which sets the mind at peace even when driving in adverse weather conditions (keeping in view that the car will thread flash floods with ease).
I'll cut to the chase and say that the Wrangler is not built with speed in mind. While we have seen illustrations of compromises between off and on road capabilities on the crossovers, the Wrangler remains to be a no-nonsense iteration that is made purely with rocks and mud in mind, with judders being sent to the helm as the car approaches illegal speed limits.
The purpose-build suspension does its bit for off-road manoeuvres, but transforms a wee-bit of imperfection from the tarmac into the cabin. While this causes a stir for those more fondly acquainted with the bread-and-butter sedans, it should not be a cause for worry for die-hard off-road fans.
Conclusion
The Wrangler stays true to its original purpose of a rugged, no-compromise off-roader. It is also the unwavering spirit that gives it the iconic status in the industry, not to mention a place in the hearts of the 4x4 fans.
The no-compromise dynamics may put off the more practically-inclined motorists, especially on our urban landscape where there is a lack of natural 'playground' for the purpose-built off-roader.
That said, the adoption of modern efficient technologies should give the die-hard fans more reasons to adore, and for the lucky few, to attain this piece of respectable kit. Moreover, its ability to turn heads in our urban landscape should add to its overall appeal.
It takes a fair bit to tame this mule, but in return it offers the sensory authenticity that few others can replicate.
The Wrangler stays true to its original purpose of a rugged, no-compromise off-roader. It is also the unwavering spirit that gives it the iconic status in the industry, not to mention a place in the hearts of the 4x4 fans.
The no-compromise dynamics may put off the more practically-inclined motorists, especially on our urban landscape where there is a lack of natural 'playground' for the purpose-built off-roader.
That said, the adoption of modern efficient technologies should give the die-hard fans more reasons to adore, and for the lucky few, to attain this piece of respectable kit. Moreover, its ability to turn heads in our urban landscape should add to its overall appeal.
It takes a fair bit to tame this mule, but in return it offers the sensory authenticity that few others can replicate.
The choice of ride, more often than not, provides a window into an individual's personality.
The afore-statement couldn't have been more accurate for the car in question. Putting your characteristics to the test: with sense of sportiness, and the love for that out-of-the-world ruggedness being the key attributes - it takes a substantial dose of these factors to commit to a Wrangler.
With links to the illustrious Willys Jeeps originally commissioned for military use, it leaves no lingering doubts about its off-road prowess and abilities to hold it together when the tough gets going.
Exterior
Since its beginnings, little has been changed about the Wrangler. Despite taking on a seemingly civilianised high-gloss coat of black paint, the car still looks distinctively rugged bearing the protruding arches with matching matt bumpers.
Not your usual SUV - the Wrangler retains the proportions and features of its build-for-military predecessors
The afore-statement couldn't have been more accurate for the car in question. Putting your characteristics to the test: with sense of sportiness, and the love for that out-of-the-world ruggedness being the key attributes - it takes a substantial dose of these factors to commit to a Wrangler.
With links to the illustrious Willys Jeeps originally commissioned for military use, it leaves no lingering doubts about its off-road prowess and abilities to hold it together when the tough gets going.
Exterior
Since its beginnings, little has been changed about the Wrangler. Despite taking on a seemingly civilianised high-gloss coat of black paint, the car still looks distinctively rugged bearing the protruding arches with matching matt bumpers.
Not your usual SUV - the Wrangler retains the proportions and features of its build-for-military predecessors |
The age-old facet layout looks timeless with roundel headlamps flanking the seven-slot grille - a signature of the marque which has seen the most of its years in existence. In two-door trim especially, the Wrangler looks handsome to say the least, putting off a stance that is un-replicable from its tamer-looking crossover rivals.
An authentic bearer of the Jeep badge - Seven-slot grille a reminiscent of its heritage |
Interior
Like what you would expect in a purpose-built Jeep, interior are infused with hard plastics - looking all set to endure any punishment set by the external elements. This does put in place a sense of isolation for incumbents who are more acclimatised to creature comforts - not that the Wrangler was built to achieve that though.
This, by no means allude that the interior poses any sense of un-bearableness for the occupants. In tropical Singapore, the Wrangler will still get you from point A to B without much fuss. The elevated view, instead, provides great all-round visibility. As with the panel trims, switches feels hardy, but no miserly to say the least. More relevantly, local variants enjoy a slightly better ergonomics, with the standard gear lever situated on the right of the shifter assembly (both LHD & RHD models receive identical arrangements).
Interior a stark, unblemished display of its fortified nature; differential-lock lever a clue to the Wrangler's hidden potential
Like what you would expect in a purpose-built Jeep, interior are infused with hard plastics - looking all set to endure any punishment set by the external elements. This does put in place a sense of isolation for incumbents who are more acclimatised to creature comforts - not that the Wrangler was built to achieve that though.
This, by no means allude that the interior poses any sense of un-bearableness for the occupants. In tropical Singapore, the Wrangler will still get you from point A to B without much fuss. The elevated view, instead, provides great all-round visibility. As with the panel trims, switches feels hardy, but no miserly to say the least. More relevantly, local variants enjoy a slightly better ergonomics, with the standard gear lever situated on the right of the shifter assembly (both LHD & RHD models receive identical arrangements).
| |
Large windscreens and windows bestow a bright, lively ambience to the interior, giving a better sense of space. The visual perceptions will soon be battered by the rear occupants, with the less adequate leg room, not helped by the raised cabin floor. The cause for concern, too, may lie in the rump. For the sporting individuals especially, the boot space will hardly satisfy the need to carry gears, calling for the need to fold down the rear seats.
Boot space perhaps the biggest cause for concern for the sporting individuals
Boot space perhaps the biggest cause for concern for the sporting individuals |
The Drive
The highlight of this latest iteration is inevitably the powerplant. A revelation from the previous 3.8-litre, the 3.6 powerplant delivers 284bhp and 347Nm of torque, an increase from the 199bhp and 315Nm despite the smaller capacity.
Then there is the sense of security imbued by the taut, solid chassis, coupled with the tall ride height, which sets the mind at peace even when driving in adverse weather conditions (keeping in view that the car will thread flash floods with ease).
I'll cut to the chase and say that the Wrangler is not built with speed in mind. While we have seen illustrations of compromises between off and on road capabilities on the crossovers, the Wrangler remains to be a no-nonsense iteration that is made purely with rocks and mud in mind, with judders being sent to the helm as the car approaches illegal speed limits.
The purpose-build suspension does its bit for off-road manoeuvres, but transforms a wee-bit of imperfection from the tarmac into the cabin. While this causes a stir for those more fondly acquainted with the bread-and-butter sedans, it should not be a cause for worry for die-hard off-road fans.
The highlight of this latest iteration is inevitably the powerplant. A revelation from the previous 3.8-litre, the 3.6 powerplant delivers 284bhp and 347Nm of torque, an increase from the 199bhp and 315Nm despite the smaller capacity.
Then there is the sense of security imbued by the taut, solid chassis, coupled with the tall ride height, which sets the mind at peace even when driving in adverse weather conditions (keeping in view that the car will thread flash floods with ease).
I'll cut to the chase and say that the Wrangler is not built with speed in mind. While we have seen illustrations of compromises between off and on road capabilities on the crossovers, the Wrangler remains to be a no-nonsense iteration that is made purely with rocks and mud in mind, with judders being sent to the helm as the car approaches illegal speed limits.
The purpose-build suspension does its bit for off-road manoeuvres, but transforms a wee-bit of imperfection from the tarmac into the cabin. While this causes a stir for those more fondly acquainted with the bread-and-butter sedans, it should not be a cause for worry for die-hard off-road fans.
Conclusion
The Wrangler stays true to its original purpose of a rugged, no-compromise off-roader. It is also the unwavering spirit that gives it the iconic status in the industry, not to mention a place in the hearts of the 4x4 fans.
The no-compromise dynamics may put off the more practically-inclined motorists, especially on our urban landscape where there is a lack of natural 'playground' for the purpose-built off-roader.
That said, the adoption of modern efficient technologies should give the die-hard fans more reasons to adore, and for the lucky few, to attain this piece of respectable kit. Moreover, its ability to turn heads in our urban landscape should add to its overall appeal.
It takes a fair bit to tame this mule, but in return it offers the sensory authenticity that few others can replicate.
The Wrangler stays true to its original purpose of a rugged, no-compromise off-roader. It is also the unwavering spirit that gives it the iconic status in the industry, not to mention a place in the hearts of the 4x4 fans.
The no-compromise dynamics may put off the more practically-inclined motorists, especially on our urban landscape where there is a lack of natural 'playground' for the purpose-built off-roader.
That said, the adoption of modern efficient technologies should give the die-hard fans more reasons to adore, and for the lucky few, to attain this piece of respectable kit. Moreover, its ability to turn heads in our urban landscape should add to its overall appeal.
It takes a fair bit to tame this mule, but in return it offers the sensory authenticity that few others can replicate.
Photos by Nicholas Low
Car Information
Jeep Wrangler 3.6 V6 Sahara (A)
CAT B|Petrol|9.6km/L
Horsepower
212kW (284 bhp)
Torque
347 Nm
Acceleration
8.1sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
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