The two-door Jeep® Wrangler and long-wheelbase four-door Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited range starts from just £18,595. With a fuel economy of nearly 30 mpg plus the option of an automatic gearbox and a convertible hard roof, really makes the new Wrangler range stand out.
Simon Elliott, Managing Director of Chrysler UK, said: "The new model was a significant step forward from the old vehicle, as it offers a diesel engine for the first time, a choice of two-door and four door models, much better road manners, reduced noise levels, a host of safety features and an all-new interior with space in the Unlimited model for five adults and their luggage."
Building on the successful, original Jeep® formula with a new frame, new exterior and totally refreshed interior design, new engines, ESP and brake traction control standard across the range, the latest Jeep® Wrangler delivers more capability and on-road refinement without losing what makes it a Jeep®.
The Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited both offer removable full-framed doors and fold-down windscreen together with a removable hard top that provides more options for open-air driving. The Freedom Top™ is a three-piece modular hardtop and features separate left- and right-front passenger panels that can be removed and stored in the vehicle, together with a rear section that can be removed separately.
"Combining four-door convenience with Jeep® Wrangler's unique open-air design and unmatched off-road capability means that the four door Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited is the only four-door convertible in the world," added Simon Elliott. "Wrangler Unlimited offers more than twice the cargo capacity of the two-door Wrangler, but doesn't compromise on fun. Drivers, who want to go anywhere and do anything, can now do it with more family and friends than ever before."
While the majority of Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimiteds sold in the UK will be powered by a new 2.8-litre diesel engine, a handful of Jeep® Wrangler 'Rubicon' models will be sold with a new 3.8-litre petrol engine and a host of additional off-road features that will make this the best off-road Wrangler ever and the ultimate showroom standard off-road vehicle available in the UK.
For 2008 new features including a tyre pressure warning system and the optional MyGig infotainment sat-nav system have been added across the Wrangler range.More On-road Refinement
While improving its legendary 4x4 Jeep® capability, the Jeep® Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited feature a much more refined on-road experience as a result of an all-new frame that is 100 per cent stiffer in bending and 50 per cent stiffer in torsion together with a refined five-link coil suspension front and rear. In addition, new steering and suspension geometry provides precise ride and handling characteristics, while new sound-deadening techniques reduce cabin noise by more than 20 per cent.
"The Jeep® Wrangler reaches new levels of on-road ride, handling and refinement - an achievement realised while also boosting its off-road capability," said Mike Donoghue, Vice President - Body-on-frame Product Team. "The all-new suspension enables Jeep® Wrangler to corner flatter with less lateral motion, provide better on-centre steering feel, and more effectively absorb on-road bumps and cracks."
Jeep® Wrangler's shock absorbers are tuned to provide improved balance between jounce and rebound motions, achieving an extremely responsive suspension.
The Jeep® Wrangler's recirculating-ball steering configuration features a robust cross-car steering linkage system, providing the stiffest possible steering linkage in a solid-axle vehicle for a precise on-centre feel. Lower spring rates on the suspension provide more of a soft, comfortable on-road ride.
Standard across the Wrangler range is Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), which aids the driver in maintaining vehicle directional stability in severe driving manoeuvres on any type of surface. ESP works in harmony with the on-road calibrated Brake Lock Differentials that aim to improve vehicle traction if one wheel is on ice or gravel and the other is on a dry surface.
Improved interior
The Jeep® Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited's interior were designed with a focus on functionality, increased passenger comfort and improved ergonomics. The spacious, durable interior features a new instrument panel and centre stack, and new high-back front bucket seats.
The front seats are sculpted and conform to the body, and a driver's seat height adjuster is standard for optimised seat position and comfort. Sahara and Rubicon models feature cloth seats with YES Essentials fabric - an easy-care, soil-repellent and anti-microbial textile that protects seats from stains, odours and discolouration.
The Jeep® Wrangler offers more cargo capacity than its predecessor, together with more space for front and rear passengers. The Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited features room for five adult passengers and more than double the cargo storage space of the short-wheelbase Wrangler, together with a 60/40 split folding rear bench seat.
