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Jeep's Wranglers spruced up

The Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited models in Jeep’s South African line-up now have the run of a new 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine, an all-new interior for 2011 and a new body-coloured hardtop.

Available in the Sahara configuration, the two-door Wrangler and four-door Wrangler Unlimited are affected. The two new models retain the brand’s go-anywhere philosophy with its removable doors and roofs, and folding windshields and thankfully signature features such as its round headlamps, a seven-slot front grille, trapezoid wheel arches and exposed door hinges remain.

IMPROVED ERGONOMICS


A highlight of the Sahara update is its redesigned instrument panel, which Jeep says provides improved ergonomics and is fitted with upgraded materials. The centre stack is new, too, and said to be easier to reach and operate.

A multifunction steering wheel with satellite controls for the radio and cruise control is new, as is the automatic climate control and the addition of 12-volt outlets. Visibility is also improved through the larger rear window.

The Wrangler Sahara comes standard with the Dual Top Group that includes a Sunrider soft top and the modular three-piece Freedom top for open-air driving.

Seating four (Wrangler) or five (Wrangler Unlimited) occupants, the rear seats tumble forward to free up additional storage space.

FOUR-CYLINDER

Big news, though, is the new 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine which now produces 147kW and 460Nm. It is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission to make city driving, where most Wranglers unfortunately spend their time, even more appealing. For more adventurous pursuits, the range-topping Sahara models are fitted with a Command-Trac part-time, two-speed transfer case.

This engine runs on 500ppm diesel fuel and, according to Jeep, returns an average fuel consumption figure of 8.1 litres per 100km and CO2 emissions of 213g/km.

Jeep Wrangler models come standard with ESC, electronic roll mitigation (ERM), all-speed traction control, tyre pressure monitoring (TPM), Brake Assist, Hill-start Assist (HSA) and Trailer-sway Control (TSC).

PRICES:
Jeep Wrangler 2.8 CRD Sahara – R394 990
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 2.8 CRD Sahara – R419 990

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