NEW WRANGLER

ICONIC JEEP EARMARKED FOR SA

An all-new Wrangler, arguably the most iconic off-road vehicle in the world, has just made its debut at the Los Angeles Motor Show in the US. This Jl-version will be available locally by October next year.

According to the Jeep division of FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles), the new Wrangler has a modern design that stays true to the original. Derivatives will give customers more open-air options, and it will be loaded with more safety features and advanced technology than ever before, including FCA’S Uconnect infotainment system.

The new Wrangler’s unique design includes an instantly recognisable – yet more bulging – keystone-shaped grille, iconic round headlamps, and square tail lamps, improved aerodynamics, a convenient fold-down windscreen for off-road purists, and dozens of different door, top, and windscreen combinations.

Power for the new Wrangler is expected to come from the venerable Pentastar 3.6-litre V6. But, according to sources, FCA is also developing a 2-litre four-cylinder aluminiumblock engine with direct fuel injection for the Wrangler (dubbed Hurricane) that will develop around 220 kw.

The powerplants will apparently be mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a manual ’box version will also be available. A diesel model, probably with a turbocharged 3-litre V6 engine, and possibly a hybrid version will follow later. Oh, and a version is apparently also on the cards for 2019.