Test driving the Jeep Wrangler Sahara.

I love Jeep.  In fact being on off-road enthusiast I love any 4x4 yet Jeep is associated with the original Willys MB back in 1941 therefore making it the pioneer in this field. I myself drive a Land Rover Defender on a regular basis so I was pretty much at home driving a similar vehicle and at ease with the idea of tackling some mild off-road, which we did with ease. 

The vehicle on test today was the mid-range ‘Sahara’ model powered by a 4-cylinder, 2.8lt turbo diesel engine, a 5-speed automatic gearbox and permanent four wheel drive. With nearly 200bhp on tap and 624Nm of torque at a very low 1600 rpm this engine propels the 2075kg vehicle like a sports car! 

This newest Wrangler features improved interior materials, added acoustic insulation and new amenities like automatic climate control, heated and very comfortable seats, and a much quieter cabin. Age-old and desirable attributes such as the compact dimensions (provided you choose the two-door version), reasonably high ground clearance, steep approach and departure angles and a no-nonsense four-wheel-drive system with an aggressive low-range function still apply to today's Wrangler, and it remains a popular choice among hard-core off-roaders. The ride is still on the stiff side and buyers migrating from their family saloons or SUV’s will take some getting used to but for any off-road enthusiast the ride, is literally, perfect. With its removable doors, removable rear roof and sides and cabin top the Wrangler may be too rough for many consumers, but unlike past Wranglers the new model is much more appealing thanks to a much quieter cabin and lovely leather seating. It still looks like ‘your traditional’ Wrangler from the outside but once inside one feels no different than sitting in a classy executive saloon.

Inherited design with hi-tech interior

Designers maintained the Wrangler’s round headlamps and seven-slot grille, both of which date back to Jeep’s heritage as a World War II military vehicle. A small emblem at the top of the windshield uses the same elements as decoration, and there is also little detail around the windscreen trim showing the vehicle in miniature.

Functionally, the Wrangler retains its removable doors and drain holes in the floor, that enable the driver to hose the interior out. A new storage area in back holds bolts for the top when it’s removed. Live front and rear axles are better suited for extreme off-road driving than an independent suspension and ample approach and departure angles coupled with 10.6 inches of ground clearance enable the Wrangler to climb and descend steep grades without fuss. 

Although the exterior retains the same shape and basic features, the rear window is now enlarged for enhanced visibility.

Mean off-road machine

Off-road trails are what the Jeep Wrangler is designed for, and it excels in its ability to traverse them. Being able to remove the doors enables the driver and front passenger to monitor rocks near the wheels and the flip-down windshield enhances forward visibility and although we did not attempt doing so it is a very quick and simple procedure to leave your doors in the garage. Our off-road trail was quite mild as I choose places what would not scrape the chassis but I was still impressed by the ease that the Jeep clawed over rocky outcrops, slippery undergrowth and stepped terrain. 

Unlike the Jeeps of old, the new Wrangler has all the tools the driver’s needs right at his fingertips: the shift lever for the four-wheel drive system is located next to the gearshift, and operates ‘on the fly’.

Off-roading safely

The Jeep Wrangler comes with front airbags, four-channel antilock brakes, traction and stability control with roll mitigation. A very impressive hill start assist prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards when accelerating from a stop on a steep grade, something I got to appreciate and is a help I would not mind having on my off-road vehicle. An accident response system shuts off fuel delivery to the engine when the airbags deploy, unlocks the doors and turns on the interior lights. There are more safety features that I could go on about but have now become commonplace on most new cars, therefore we tend to render them a must have.

This was a most pleasant afternoon, spent driving a well designed vehicle over diverse roads and terrain. I really fell for the powerful engine, together with the improvements to the interior’s classy finish and convenience features makes the Jeep Wrangler more versatile, especially for active families. 

Text by John Peel

Photos by Jonathan Borg & John Peel