Jeep have updated their evergreen Wrangler with a new, yet equally iconic, seven slot grille, new active safety features, standard side curtain airbags and a 12.3-inch Uconnect touchscreen radio.
The Jeep Wrangler is backed by more than 80 years of 4x4 engineering expertise and is also one of the most recognisable and capable vehicles on the planet.
The updated Jeep Wrangler builds on the brand’s goal of delivering freedom of choice, offering an unmatched combination of leading off-road capability, iconic Jeep design, open-air freedom, advanced powertrains and a refined interior, as well as a host of innovative safety and advanced technology features.
As the Jeep prioritises capability, the Jeep Wrangler is built on a body-on-frame design and features a front and rear five-link suspension, solid axles and available electronic lockers. A full-float Dana rear axle delivers torque on demand and ensures optimal and continuous power delivery in any situation.
Upgraded tech inside
Inside, side-curtain airbags are now fitted as standard for first and second row passengers. The interior has also been modernised with the fitment of a 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen radio that offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. 12-way power adjustable leather front seats allow front passengers to optimise their seating position.
A total of more than 85 safety features includes Blind-spot monitoring, Rear Cross Path detection, adaptive cruise control, drowsy driver alert and lane departure warning.
Legendary off-road capability
The updated Jeep Wrangler retains its legendary off-road status. Every Wrangler model’s Trail Rated badge reflects an unmatched specification list which includes Dana solid front and rear axles, a two speed transfer case, traction control, tow hooks, four-wheel disc brakes, four skid lates and 81cm tyres. The new Wrangler continues to raise the bar and is now fitted with the next-generation Dana 44 HD full-float
rear axle on Rubicon models.
The Wrangler Rubicon’s first full float design consists of a wheel hub assembly that is separate from the axle shaft, with a spindle bolted to the axle tube that supports the wheel hub via a pair of wheel bearings. By utilising a full-float design, the weight of the vehicle is transferred to the axle tube rather than the axle shaft itself. Thus the axle shaft is subjected only to torsional loads, with its sole function being to transmit power to the wheel hub, making the axle stronger and more robust.
The Wrangler continues to use the proven five-link coil suspension setup at the front and rear.
Authentic interior deign
The updated Wrangler’s interior is loaded with premium features and technology while retaining Jeep functionality and versatility. A heritage inspired centre stack features a clean, sculpted form that compliments the horizontal dashboard design. A wrapped instrument panel now features soft-touch surfaces in fabric or polyurethane, along with contrast accent stitching.
On Rubicon and Sahara models, a standard premium cabin package adds acoustic front glass, thicker carpet and additional sound deadening foam in the windshield header, front cowl and B-pillars for a quieter ride.
An all-new 12.3-inch touchscreen houses the fifth generation Uconnect 5 system, which sits prominently above the centre stack. The system offers five times faster operating speeds. The utilisation of an Android operating system and over the air updates, ensures flexibility that will allow the system to continuously evolve. Further system highlights include five user profiles, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, a fully customisable home screen, Alexa Home to Car functionality, TomTom navigation and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.
Under the bonnet
The new Jeep Wrangler is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged I-4 engine that offers 200kW and 400Nm and is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Key to achieving these figures is a twin-scroll, low-inertia turbocharger mounted directly to the cylinder head as well as a dedicated cooling circuit that lowers the temperature of the intake air, throttle body and turbocharger, double overhead camshafts, dual independent camshaft timing and a cooled exhaust gas recirculation system, all combine to enable high levels of performance and reduced fuel consumption.
Model range and pricing
Pricing includes a five-year/100 000km warranty and service plan
Jeep Wrangler Sport - R1 199 900
Jeep Wrangler Sahara - R1 249 900
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon - R1 299 900
