The Jeep Wrangler is arguably older than anything beyond pickup trucks, tracing its original roots to military duty some 74 years ago.
And, while the world has changed greatly since the 1940s, the Wrangler has carried the prestige of its predecessors. It marries modern high-tech electronics with old-world mechanical machismo.
There are two wheelbases and six models of the Wrangler available, but our tester, the Wrangler Unlimited Sahara Altitude III, lays in between the Diesel and the range-topping Rubicon in the Wrangler lineup. It is also a limited edition model, with only five in Singapore (four as of press time).
Up close and Personal
The Wrangler is one of the few cars on the road that isn't expected to change how it looks. In fact, Mark Allen, Jeep's design head, ever claimed that the Wrangler will look pretty much the same year after year.
That isn't a bad thing as the Jeep can be considered one of the most recognisable cars in the world with its timeless design. Round headlamps, a seven-slot grille, separate fenders are examples of proven Jeep cues.
Based on the Sahara trim, the limited edition Altitude III Wrangler features a number of cosmetic tweaks that set it slightly apart from other Wranglers.
For starters, the grille inserts are blacked out, an aggressive bulge called the Power Dome takes centre spot on the hood, and a set of black 18-inch wheels accentuates the extra style.
Regardless of where they sit, passengers may experience a high climb into the vehicle. So while the Altitude III's standard rock rails offer protection to the lower body off-road, they also double up as assistance for entry and exit.
Leather seats and a few pieces of piano black trim lend a dressy air inside and the traces of hard plastic on interior surfaces look like they will last longer than the 10-year COE lifespan.
It's a very handsome place to spend time in, and is made all the more enjoyable by a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, a nine-speaker Alpine audio system, navigation, and Bluetooth connectivity. In short, it's certainly a more luxurious Wrangler than what we're experienced thus far.
The Drive
Powering the Wrangler is a Pentastar 3.6-litre V6 that is good for 284bhp and 347Nm of torque. The four-wheel drive components along with the high/low range transfer case conspire to make it feel considerably less powerful than the same engine in the Chrysler 300C. But if you decide to punch it aggressively enough, you can still manage a decent 0 to 100km/h time of 8.9 seconds.
The ride is comfortable under most driving conditions, but the presence of heavy duty springs and gas charged shock absorbers can introduce a bit of bounce when the brakes are applied in short order, or when large road undulations are encountered.
More importantly, Jeep has continued to refine the Wrangler in an effort to keep its customers satisfied. As a result, the cabin is much quieter than before and there is very little intrusion of engine or road noise. At highway speeds, however, you will still notice a hint of wind noise around the edges of the removable roof.
Thus, the performance of the Wrangler is probably better measured in terms of off-road capability than on-road gusto. In its natural playground, the Wrangler's motor manages plenty of grunt to get up whatever boulder or pit you're looking to conquer. Its torque and power delivery are fairly linear all the way up to its 4,300rpm sweet spot, which is helpful on low-speed off-road excursions.
Powering the Wrangler is a Pentastar 3.6-litre V6 that is good for 284bhp and 347Nm of torque. The four-wheel drive components along with the high/low range transfer case conspire to make it feel considerably less powerful than the same engine in the Chrysler 300C. But if you decide to punch it aggressively enough, you can still manage a decent 0 to 100km/h time of 8.9 seconds.
The ride is comfortable under most driving conditions, but the presence of heavy duty springs and gas charged shock absorbers can introduce a bit of bounce when the brakes are applied in short order, or when large road undulations are encountered.
More importantly, Jeep has continued to refine the Wrangler in an effort to keep its customers satisfied. As a result, the cabin is much quieter than before and there is very little intrusion of engine or road noise. At highway speeds, however, you will still notice a hint of wind noise around the edges of the removable roof.
Thus, the performance of the Wrangler is probably better measured in terms of off-road capability than on-road gusto. In its natural playground, the Wrangler's motor manages plenty of grunt to get up whatever boulder or pit you're looking to conquer. Its torque and power delivery are fairly linear all the way up to its 4,300rpm sweet spot, which is helpful on low-speed off-road excursions.
A quick pull of the Command-Trac shift lever activates the part-time four-wheel drive system and this proven system will boost your confidence when the road conditions become hazardous.
Conclusion
It is valuable to believe that you have the ability to dash off into the wilderness if you ever want to and be able to return safely. The Jeep Wrangler is, at its core, among the very best no-nonsense avoiders of beaten paths.
More importantly, the four-door Unlimited model grants spaciousness for up to five occupants inside. And with this limited edition Altitude III model, there is an extra sense of style to help you stand out from the crowd.
Long live the Wrangler.
Conclusion
It is valuable to believe that you have the ability to dash off into the wilderness if you ever want to and be able to return safely. The Jeep Wrangler is, at its core, among the very best no-nonsense avoiders of beaten paths.
More importantly, the four-door Unlimited model grants spaciousness for up to five occupants inside. And with this limited edition Altitude III model, there is an extra sense of style to help you stand out from the crowd.
Long live the Wrangler.
