FIRST DRIVE | New turbocharged Jeep Wrangler has appetite for fuel and fun

The new Jeep Wrangler with enhancements has been launched in South Africa. The distinctive looks remain but it has tweaks on the front grille.

The biggest change is the new turbocharged 2l four-cylinder petrol engine that replaces the naturally-aspirated 3.6l Pentastar V6, and the withdrawal of the three-door model from the catalogue.

At the media launch this week we travelled from Cape Town to George via tarmac and gravel back roads in the Wrangler Sahara and Rubicon models to see what the new motor promises.

With fewer cylinders, the new heart isn’t sonically as characterful as the V6. Still, it produces 200kW and 400Nm — representing 9kW less and 53Nm more outputs than the outgoing motor. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic and myriad off-road tools, including diff locks, and it displays the similar characteristics and sensations of low down torque and the quaffing of fuel.

Jeep claims 11.5l/100km consumption on average across the range, similar to what we discovered in the previous-generation models, but we experienced 15l/100km averages across the board on long stretches of the launch route. During some of the off-road excursions that demand more from the engine we saw figures rise to 18l/100km. Don’t leave the Jerry cans at home just yet.

Perhaps fuel consumption is not much of a problem for the Jeep faithful who like nothing more than to kit out their cars with weighty accessories. The motor is impressively responsive with no discernible turbo lag. That lack of hesitation bodes well for rock climbing and other off-road obstacles, while the more adventure-focused Rubicon models benefit from a standard fitment electronic front sway-bar disconnect and stronger Dana 44 HD full-float rear axles.

There are levels of pitch, dive and roll that are typical to the Wrangler on the move and the suspension excels at cushiness despite the surface. It remains a steady ride at all speeds but variances can be felt between the Sahara and the Rubicon. The former is the middle-ground offering for urban and off-road applications that was more hushed on the move thanks to more road-based rubber and removable sunroof panels.

All Wranglers are modular-builds with removable parts known as “freedom panels”. These include the roof, windscreen and doors. Be aware though that it’s illegal to drive the Wrangler in this state on main roads. The Rubicons we drove all featured the newly introduced option of an electrically-operated sliding cloth roof that goes all the way back for a breezy drive.

It’s a more convenient way to allow air and sunshine into the cabin, but it makes for pronounced wind buffeting, knobbly tyre rumble and a more intricate procedure when you want to remove the roof. Driving on sand dunes devoid of all the freedom panels bar the windscreen, the Wrangler Sahara’s exposed skeleton makes fun driving and belies that many innovations remain wired into its mainframe.

These include Alexa Home voice recognition, a 12.3" touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air updates, simultaneous connectivity for two Bluetooth-enabled phones, TomTom navigation, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot for up to eight wireless devices, up to seven USB Type A and Type C ports, and a 230V air conditioning.

Active safety and security measures include six airbags, improved side-impact performance, electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, parking cameras, forward collision warning, advanced cruise control with stop feature, blind spot detection with rear cross-path and the new drowsy driver alert and lane departure warning.

The first drive verdict reveals the Wrangler is still the fun buggy we love and the new engine enhances  the experience. Though fuel consumption is heavy, it nevertheless feels as robust to handle the expected load of added lifestyle accessories without compromising off-road grit.

All new Jeep Wranglers are sold with a five-year/100,000km warranty and five-year/100,000km service plan.

Pricing

• Jeep Wrangler Sport — R1,199,900
• Jeep Wrangler Sahara — R1,249,900
• Jeep Wrangler Rubicon — R1,299,900