Walking up to the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is a daunting experience because it is arguably one of the brawniest and squarest off-roaders around. Hinting at its capabilities are those oversized front fenders, long front bumper (that creates a huge overhang) and Goodyear Wrangler tyres with a very chunky tread pattern.
Then there’s the iconic Jeep grille flanked by a pair of round headlights that evokes memories of the legendary Willys Jeep used by the US army during World War 2. Its tough character is further espoused by those exposed door hinges and a bonnet secured by latches. This Wrangler looks so testosterone-laden that you probably have to be as macho as one of the actors who starred in The Expendables to drive it.
The act of climbing aboard this Jeep only reinforces this feeling. Standing at 1840mm tall, it’s a good thing that there are side boards to help passengers. Once inside, however, you’ll find that the cockpit is a civilised affair. The standard kit includes air-conditioning, cruise control and a 5-speed automatic gearbox. There’s even an auto-dimming rear view mirror, although this probably caters to suburban dwellers instead of intrepid explorers.
Die-hard jungle-bashers, however, won’t be disappointed. The doors and roof, for instance, can be removed to provide a truly “outdoor” experience. There’s also a grab bar for front passengers to hold on to during rock climbing manoeuvres and the enormous handbrake (which is designed for giants because it’s the biggest we’ve ever seen) has a very reassuring feel to it.
Off-road enthusiasts will certainly feel confident taking this Jeep off the beaten path thanks to the vehicle’s tough, body-on-frame construction and Command Trac four-wheel-drive system. Having driven a two-door Jeep Wrangler powered by a 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine during last year’s The New Paper SUVival Challenge, I can attest to just how capable this model is when it’s taken off-road.
The Wrangler you see on this page, however, is even better because of its 2.8-litre turbo-diesel motor (it’s the first diesel-powered Jeep in Singapore). Unlike the smooth-revving 3.6-litre V6, this 4-cylinder unit emits a rough note and literally roars when pushed. But the low-end torque it produces adds to its character. With 460Nm available from 1600rpm (as opposed to 347Nm at 4300rpm for the petrol V6), the Wrangler diesel moves with a lot more conviction and has the soundtrack to match, too.
The best part about this “Yank Tank”, though, is its intimidating presence. Since its vague steering feel and long front overhang makes it tricky to manoeuvre through built-up areas, being able to compell other cars to avoid you makes this Jeep as fun to drive in the urban jungle as it is in the actual one.
SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE 2776cc, 16-valves, inline-4, turbo-diesel
MAX POWER 200bhp at 3600rpm
MAX TORQUE 460Nm at 1600-2600rpm
GEARBOX 5-speed automatic with manual select
0-100KM/H 10.7 seconds
TOP SPEED 172km/h
CONSUMPTION 11.4km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 230g/km
PRICE INCL. COE
$258,000 (after $10k CEVS surcharge)
