The last time the Wrangler had a remake we were all preparing ourselves for the ‘millennium bug’. The Wrangler client base is a dedicated bunch – they’ve put up with the list of the previous model’s shortcomings, such as a cramped and noisy cabin, dreadful behaviour on bitumen and a relatively weak engine.
With the new Wrangler, almost all of that and more, changes. The new Wrangler is higher, stronger, faster and safer. As Managing Director of Chrysler Australia, Jerry Jenkins, stated ‘The Jeep Wrangler is the undisputed global icon in four-wheel driving,’ So it’s no wonder that the new model is flying out the door, not that sales of the old model were declining.
The improved ground clearance together with the short overhang at the front and back of the Wrangler allow you to drive up, and to drive down even greater inclines and declines. I had the opportunity to drive it around a slate quarry at the launch. I hesitantly hopped into the cabin, bracing myself for what I thought would be a harrowing experience driving on a surface where grip was hard to find and declines and inclines were at times close to right angles. Instead, the driving experience was an absolute breeze as the Wrangler took it all in stride and the ease with which it tackled slippery steep slopes was very impressive.
There are now two more powerful engines to choose from, a 3.8-litre V6 petrol and 2.8-litre 4 cylinder turbo diesel, both sitting in a frame that according to Jeep is 100 percent stiffer. And it feels it. For first time the Wrangler also comes in a choice of two door or four door with the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.
Let’s face it: if you own a Wrangler, you are required to take it off-road – as that’s what the thing is made to do. The new version has much improved on-road abilities, and while it’s still no sports car, it’s got greater power and in-cabin comfort. As it stars even more so off-road, it gives the buyer the best of both worlds.
If you are a hard core off-road user, the Wrangler Rubicon should be your Wrangler of choice. Standard is Jeeps’ Rock-Trac® 4X4 system. The Rock-Trac® transfer case is the heart of Wrangler Rubicon’s extreme rock crawling ability. Because of the 4:1 low-gear ratio, Rock-Trac’s low crawl speed makes it easy to ascend or descend sharp inclines and to crawl over obstacles.
Also standard is an electronic disconnect sway bar. In the past you had to manually disconnect, but with just a touch of a button, you can disconnect the sway bar connecting the front wheels, allowing each wheel to have greater travel when negotiating large boulders. The tyres are even larger with 17-inch machine-cast aluminium wheels and 225/75 Goodyear All Terrain tyres giving even more grip and the heavy-duty Dana 44 front and rear axles mean that you are less likely to break down with a broken axle in the middle of the Kimberlies.
For Jeep, which has already built its name largely on Wrangler ruggedness, this upgrade is part of its continued move toward becoming a mainstream nameplate, with the introduction of models such as the Compass and Patriot, which are more suited to not-so-rugged terrain.
The previous model’s standard four cylinder engine is gone. A six-speed manual transmission is also a first for the new Wrangler, while automatics continue as options. Perhaps the most notable change to the Wrangler, however, is improved performance on bitumen due to the stiffer frame, stiffer body, improved suspension, a 51mm longer wheelbase and a 99mm wider track.
Jeep has also added sound-deadening materials it claims will reduce cabin noise by more than 20 percent – I think it is more. Standard on the new Jeep Wrangler is an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) as well as four-wheel-disc antilock brakes that provide wheel lockup during soft surface maneuvering – that should set true off-roaders at ease. The previous model had rear drum brakes as standard. Optional features also include side impact airbags.
Inside, the new Wrangler makes good use of its extra interior room, improving the back seat space thanks to an extra 133mm in the width, more legroom, and more hip room. Front seat occupants will enjoy more space compared to the previous generation model. Cloth seats with YES Essentials fabric are standard on Rubicon models. YES Essentials is a soil-repellent fabric that protects seats from stains, odor and fading. Should you wish to take the back seats out, Jeep says that it’s now easier to do, courtesy of a new ‘fold-and-tumble’ feature.
Yes, the new Wrangler looks like every other Jeep that came before it, which should make traditionalists happy. And they have a point: a Wrangler can only ever look like a Wrangler. Indeed, except for the wider track and longer dimensions, it’s hard to notice the difference. Perhaps the biggest improvement to the exterior, however, is the three-piece modular and removable hard top, which makes the Jeep Wrangler easier to change from enclosed to open-air beach cruiser.
The 2008 Jeep Wrangler, especially in Rubicon guise, is pretty much unstoppable in off-road situations. This is also true for the Unlimited, although its size and weight prevent it from being as maneuverable on tight trails as the two-door model. Although the Wrangler was bred for mountain trails, it is surprisingly fun to drive around the city.
AUTO FACTS
- Price: $30,990 – $45,990
- Engine: 3.8-litre petrol V6, 2.8-litre turbo diesel four
- Power: 146kW, 315Nm; 130Kw, 410Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed manual, 4-speed automatic (Petrol), 5-speed automatic (diesel)
- Good: A true off-roader
- Bad: Virtually no rear ‘boot’ space in two door model
