Unveiled at the Los Angeles Motor Show at the end of 2017, the new 2018 Jeep Wrangler promised high doses of customization and a lot of desire to make the beast. And he has fulfilled. The 4x4 has improved while retaining its classic off-road essence and with Easter eggs that recall its 77-year history.
In Europe, sales of the new Jeep Wrangler will begin in September, and although there are no fixed prices, it will probably start at 46,000 euros. It will initially be available in the Old Continent with only the 2.2-litre Multijet II diesel engine. And to check out the upgrades, we got down to Camp Jeep in Spielberg, Austria, getting dirty with the new Wrangler Sport and Rubicon trim, and we had a really, really good time.
Jeep proves on paper that it is a cornerstone at FCA
FCA is immersed in an impasse. With the CEO, Sergio Marchionne, about to retire and rumors of all kinds of meetings with Chinese giants interested in buying the Detroit giant, the firm is finalizing a plan to consolidate.
FCA will stop being a generalist group to become an automobile group with specialized brands, limiting or letting the generalist brands die. Jeep, Ram, Alfa Romeo and Maserati (these last two in the spotlight) represent the most important part of income and benefits, especially Jeep, which brings together 70% of the group's income.
Jeeps are currently manufactured in 10 factories spread over six countries, and Jeep's new product plan for 2018-2022 implies that the brand is present in all market segments with an SUV and/or an off-road vehicle, including versions electrified (10 PHEVs and 4 100% electric models in 2022). Look these led lights for Jeep Wrangler, the accessories aftermarket is hot as well. That means going from the six models that currently make up the Jeep range to 11 models.
In fact, during the presentation of the new Wrangler in Austria, they confirmed that there will be a Jeep plug-in hybrid for 2020.
In terms of sales, Marchionne's off-road jewel has experienced beastly growth. Sales have increased sixfold since 2010 and the Jeep Wrangler alone has sold five million units. In the Spanish market it is also good news. In June it achieved a total of 1,637 units (+95.8%), while in the period from January to June it already exceeds 7,000 units: 7,717 (+83.3%).
Updated look with a classic smell
The fourth generation of the Wrangler retains the essence of the Willis to such an extent that we find it in small details scattered throughout the car. Round headlights, seven vertical slot grille from the original Jeep CJ5, trapezoidal wheel arches, windshield that folds down to the roll bar, removable doors... it's an offroader built for play.
In fact, there is a screw and bolt organizer in the lower part of the trunk, to store screws individually, and a tool kit with instructions inside the center armrest.
The top of the waterfall grille has been sloped to improve aerodynamics, and on Sahara and Rubicon trims the headlights and optional LED fog lights have a crisp white light. At the rear, traditional square taillights feature optional oem Jeep Wrangler led headlights.
The new top bar now connects the A-pillars and stays in place even when the windscreen is folded down, allowing the rear view mirror to stay in place when the windscreen has been folded down.
Continuing with the cosmetic changes, the high-strength aluminum doors now feature a Torx system stamped directly into the hinge for effortless removal.
As for the roof possibilities, the Wrangler's two previously available roof configurations have been updated: the new 'Zipperless Premium Sunrider' soft top and the lighter 'Freedom Top'; a removable three-panel hardtop that can be stored in the trunk without much effort, as we found.
The roof takes 20 seconds to open when you press and hold the button above the rear view mirror. A good option to mess around in the countryside, but not recommended on the highway; even with the windows up, a rather annoying air bubble forms inside.
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