Stellantis has made significant alterations to the Jeep Wrangler in South Africa, adding a new engine and several features to the 4×4’s brochure.
The SUV is now available in three specifications – Sport, Sahara, and Rubicon – and prices start at R1,199,900.
Performance
The biggest addition to the Wrangler is a new 2.0-litre, turbocharged petrol engine that replaces the old 3.6-litre, naturally-aspirated V6.
Despite its smaller size, the addition of a turbo means the new plant generates 200kW and 400Nm, compared to the V6’s 209kW and 347Nm.
The added torque means the Jeep can now tow up to 3,500kg – a 1,000kg upgrade from the outoing models.
This powerplant is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission, resulting in an average fuel consumption of 11.1l/100km.
The Wrangler is also fitted with a two-speed transfer case, which negotiates inputs to the four-wheel-drive system when drivers need to tackle difficult terrain at a slower pace.
Another benefit of the facelift is that the vehicle now comes standard with full-float axles typically used on heavy-duty trucks, which transfer weight onto the axle tube rather than the axle shaft itself.
This means the axle shaft is only subject to torsional loads, making it stronger and improving durability.
A similar treatment has been afforded to the five-link suspension, which uses two upper and two lower high-strength steel control arms for longitudinal control, and a cross-car track bar for lateral axle control.
The shocks have been retuned to provide an ideal balance between handling, body-roll control, and comfort, and the Jeep also features four skid plates to protect critical components like the fuel tank, transfer case, and transmission oil when off-roading.
Features
The automaker has given plenty of attention to the interior, which features new 12-way electric front seats wrapped in leather, and soft-touch surfaces in fabric or polyurethane with contrast stitching for added flair.
The voice command system has been improved with new microphone array tech, and there’s a new 12.3-inch infotainment screen on the dash running the brand’s fifth-generation Android-based Uconnect operating system (OS).
Uconnect 5 is five times faster than the previous OS, said Jeep, and it supports over-the-air software updates and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
It can also connect to two devices via Bluetooth at once and features TomTom onboard navigation, a 4G WiFi hotspot, and a built-in Alexa virtual assistant.
Additionally, the Wrangler offers up to seven USB ports, including new dual Type C ports that can charge devices four times faster. This is on top of the 4×4’s standard 12V sockets and a 230 three-prong AC outlet for accessories.
The other area that has been given a major overhaul is the Jeep’s safety equipment, as it now comes standard with first and second-row side curtain airbags, complementing the existing front driver, front passenger, seat-mounted driver, and passenger side airbags.
The company has improved the car’s side structure to better protect against impacts, and the list of assistance functions now includes drowsy driver alert and lane-departure warning.
As a reference, the SUV already offered forward-collision warning, advanced cruise control with stop & go, blind-spot detection with rear cross-path alert, and front and rear parking sensors.
Onto the list of model-specific improvements, the Sahara and Rubicon have a more premium cabin with acoustic front glass, thicker carpets, and foam lining for the windshield, B-pillars, and front cowl for a quieter ride.
The mid-range Sahara also gets a rearview camera with dynamic grid lines, and the top-spec Rubicon throws in a front camera, traction control, and electronic stability control with electronic roll mitigation.
The Sport is fitted with 17-inch steel wheels, while the Sahara has 18-inch alloys, and the Rubicon has forged 17-inch rims with mud-terrain tyres.
Pricing
The South African pricing for the updated Jeep Wrangler is as follows:
- Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 2.0T Sport – R1,199,900
- Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 2.0T Sahara – R1,249,900
- Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 2.0T Rubicon – R1,299,900
This includes a 5-year/100,000km warranty and service plan with roadside assistance.
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