We’ve known that the new Jeep Wrangler was coming for a long time now. And now Jeep have detailed the specs that will hit the European market.
The headlines feature two four-wheel drive systems, two brand-new engines, updated tech and security systems and they will be in showrooms come September.
Both two and four-door body styles will be ready at launch, with roofing options and doors removable, plus a fold-down windscreen offering true open-air adventure.
Off-road ability is what underpins the very nature of the Wrangler. Whether it’s for image or practice, that is why Jeep’s halo vehicle is adored. To continue in true Wrangler style, there are two off-road systems within the range. Command-Trac is present on both Sport and Sahara trims, whilst Rock-Trac is the system on Rubicon models.
Command-Trac comprises of heavy duty Dana axles, a two-speed transfer case with 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio, plus four driving modes: 2WD high, full-time 4WD, part-time 4WD and low-range 4WD. The shift between high ratio 2WD and 4WD can be made at speeds up to 44mph. Tru-Lok electric lockable axles are standard, and a rear limited slip-diff is available as an option. On Rubicon models, Roc-Trac adds next-gen Dana 44 axles and electric sway-bar disconnect, and gets lockable axles, too.
Every Wrangler will receive Jeep’s Trail Rated badge, which means skid plates and rear tow hooks, up to 76cm of wade depth and 1,500kg and 2,500kg towing capacities for two and four-door models respectively.
A new eight-speed automatic transmission is the only gearbox offered with the new model, but it has been tailored specifically to the Wrangler and to off-road driving.
Two new engines sees a petrol and a diesel option, but the V6 Pentastar won’t be an option. The new petrol 2.0-litre turbo’d inline four offers 272hp at 5,250 rpm, whilst 295lbf.ft comes in at 3,000 rpm. Stop-start features as standard on the new unit, which features a twin-scroll turbo, double over head camshafts and a cooled EGR system. The other new unit is a 2.2-litre turbodiesel MultiJet II unit. This offers less power – 200hp – but trumps the petrol for torque lower down – 331lbf.ft at 2,000 rpm.
Jeep have looked to improve the Wrangler’s on-road behaviour, with a body-on-frame structure with a five-link suspension setup. Aluminium and Magnesium both feature in the body to reduce weight but retain strength.
The five-link coil system remains in tact but has been tweaked to improve comfort on the road.
Jeeps Uconnect system features with the fourth-gen infotainment available on either 5″, 7″ or 8.4″ touchscreens screens – the biggest of which adds Uconnect Live services. These include live TomTom navigation, web radio, Deezer streaming, Reuters news updates, plus Facebook and Twitter capabilities. Oh, it also has dedicated off-road programming that shows pitch and roll angles and diff-locking.
Safety tech includes blind-spot warning, rear cross-path detection, parking sensors both front and back with a rear camera, electronic stability control and roll mitigation, plus four standard airbags.
It will come as no surprise that there are upwards of 180 official Mopar accessories available for the new Wrangler when it launches. The Sahara spec Wrangler will also have two factory customisation packs. The Off-Road choice adds a 2″ lift, 17″ off-road wheels, ‘1941’ and ‘Moad’ body graphics plus splashguards, a mesh bikini, snorkel and off-road windscreen lights. The second choice is Urban, consisting of chrome detailing of the side steps, fuel door and doors sills, plus a tyre cover, ‘1941’ decal and Granite Crystal paint.
Pricing hasn’t been confirmed yet for the Wrangler, but we do know it’ll be hitting showrooms later this year.
Miss our first impressions of the new Wrangler? Catch up here!
