The New Jeep Wrangler

After 70 years there are plenty of brands that have given up and gone to God but the Jeep brand is still going strong. Last week the new Jeep Grand Cherokee hit the showrooms and this week it’s the turn of the 2011 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited.

The new Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited have arrived with all new interiors and an upgraded turbo diesel that not only delivers a lot more power but fuel economy as well.

Changes to the 2011 Jeep Wrangler interior include a redesigned instrument panel, new storage areas with improved ergonomics and upgraded materials. A new lockable console and upgraded door armrest areas add comfort, while a redesigned centre stack is easier to reach and operate.

In a first for the model, heated, power mirrors are now standard, whilst drivers and passengers alike will enjoy enhanced visibility courtesy of larger rear windows on the popular ‘Freedom Top’ three-piece hardtop option.

The all-new leather-wrapped steering wheel features controls that allow the driver to operate the CD/DVD/MP3 audio, cruise control and other vehicle functions while keeping hands on the wheel. In line with traditional Jeep design, hex-head bolts are utilised throughout the interior, and are used to mount a “Jeep, Since 1941” inlay onto the new passenger grab handle.

Jeep engineers have been working on interior noise and you will find that that extra work has resulted in significantly reduced interior noise.

The engine
In addition to the popular 3.8L V6 petrol engine, customers can opt for the upgraded 2.8L CRD turbo diesel which, at 147kW @ 3,600rpm, has benefited from an extra 17kW of power whilst delivering combined cycle fuel economy of just 7.1L/100km when mated to the 6-speed manual transmission.

New Start-Stop technology is fitted as standard and that adds to the manual diesel’s low fuel consumption. This technology shuts down the engine when the vehicle is in neutral and the clutch released, then restarts when the clutch is depressed.

The new diesel engine is now compliant with Euro V emission standards and features a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) as standard.

Off road
The Rubicon variants of the Wrangler range continue to be equipped with standard remote locking differentials with heavy duty Dana 44 solid axles front and rear, electronically-controlled swaybar disconnect, the tough Rock-Trac® transfer case, 4.10:1 axle ratio, heavy duty rock rails, Freedom Top, premium audio and much more.

Standard features

• Advanced multi-stage driver and front-passenger and available front seat-mounted side air bags
• 4-wheel disc with anti-lock brake system (ABS) with off-road calibration
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Brake Assist, All-Speed Traction Control (ASTC), Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) and Brake Locking Differentials (BLD)
• Sentry Key® anti-theft engine immobiliser
• Air-conditioning
• Media Centre 130 CD/DVD/MP3 radio with Audio Jack
• 6-speakers
• 17-inch aluminium wheels
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring (TPM) warning lamp
• Headlamp levelling system, manual
• Next Generation heavy-duty Dana axles
• Command-Trac® four-wheel drive system
• Quadra-Coil™ suspension with front 5-link solid axle and rear 5-link solid axle with heavy-duty monotube gascharged shock absorbers
• Transfer case and fuel tank skid plates

Prices
The prices quoted below do not include dealer and government charges

WRANGLER SPORT

3.8L petrol, 6-speed manual transmission $32,000
3.8L petrol, 4-speed automatic transmission $34,000
2.8L CRD turbo diesel, 5-speed automatic transmission $39,000

WRANGLER RUBICON

3.8L petrol, 6-speed manual transmission $42,000
3.8L petrol, 4-speed automatic transmission $44,000

WRANGLER UNLIMITED SPORT

3.8L petrol, 6-speed manual transmission $36,000
3.8L petrol, 4-speed automatic transmission $38,000
2.8L CRD turbo diesel, 6-speed manual transmission $42,000
2.8L CRD turbo diesel, 5-speed automatic transmission $43,000

WRANGLER UNLIMITED RUBICON

3.8L petrol, 6-speed manual transmission $46,000
3.8L petrol, 4-speed automatic transmission $48,000

OPTIONS
Premium paint $450
Front seat mounted airbags $450
Voice command Bluetooth $490
Renegade Pack $2,500
Navigation media centre 731 $2,650
Navigation media centre 731 when
added to Renegade Pack $1,750

Renegade Pack includes Freedom Top 3-piece hard top, easy folding soft top, deep tint sunscreen glass, tubular side steps and Media Centre 230 CD/DVD/MP3 Radio with 6 Infinity speakers with subwoofer.