FCA
announced the introduction of the New Generation Jeep Wrangler in India. The
iconic 5-door 4x4 from Jeep was unveiled by Indian cricketing legend Kapil Dev
who was Guest of Honour at the vehicle’s press launch in the presence of Kevin
Flynn – President and Managing Director, FCA India.
The
new gen Jeep Wrangler was launched at Rs 63.94 lakh
(all India) and will go on sale in 10 Jeep Destination Stores across India.
Jeep
designers have ensured each generation retains its signature Jeep styling
elements such as:
•
The iconic seven slot front grille
•
Trapezoidal wheel arches
•
Round headlamps
•
Square tail lamps
•
Body-on-frame construction
•
Right-angled body geometry
•
Full-frame removable doors and roof
•
Fold down windshield
•
High ground clearance
•
Jeep 4x4 hardware
The
all-new Wrangler is more sophisticated, more refined and stronger in this new
generation but is still incredibly purposeful and practical.
Exterior
The
all-new Jeep Wrangler is longer than its predecessor by 130 mm, wider by 17 mm,
taller by 9 mm and has 61 mm of extra wheel base. The exterior of the new
generation model is more sculpted but retains the retro Jeep styling elements
like the external door hinges, body-coloured trapezoidal wheel arches, round
headlamps, square tail lamps, angular body and new bumpers with integrated fog
lamps. The iconic seven slot grille now has a nuanced frontal bend to make it
look sharper and the hood has air intakes. To allow owners to enjoy
open-air-freedom, the all-new Wrangler comes with a fold-down windshield and
removable hard roof and doors that can be as easily dismantled and
refitted as on the previous generation
Wrangler.
Solid
axles connect with the Wrangler’s 18-inch alloy wheels which have painted
Granite Crystal spokes.
Overall,
the exterior styling is chiselled and sharper. Headlamps come with signature
LED reflector headlamps, LED fog lamps and LED daytime running lights (DRLs)
and stand out LED tail lamps.
Interior
The interior of the all-new Wrangler features black
leather seats. Dashboard, door panels, grab handles and other elements are
padded with premium soft touch materials, detailed with accent stitching. The
UConnect Infotainment System features a large 8.4-inch touchscreen, which has a
drag-and-drop menu, including Apple Car Play, Android Auto and a built-in,
pinch-to-zoom navigation feature. Phone, media, climate and navigation can be
controlled by voice at the press of a button on the leather-wrapped steering
wheel. Standard features like engine stop / start and cruise control can also
be controlled from the steering wheel.
Bezels,
handles and knobs in the interior space are tastefully finished with ‘Grillz’
brushed paint. The 7-inch driver information display in the centre of the
instrument cluster shows scrollable data that can be accessed from the steering
wheel. The all-new Wrangler also comes with weather-proof push button start,
dual zone air conditioning and remote key access and go features.
Sound
is delivered by an Alpine music system with nine speakers enhanced by an
overhead sound bar, all-weather subwoofer and 552 watt amplifier.
Engine and transmission
A
significant change in the New Generation Wrangler for India is that it will be
available with a 4-cylinder, inline, turbocharged 2.0-litre 268 HP 400 Nm
petrol engine instead of 3.4-litre V-6 Pentastar, which was offered in its
predecessor. The improved fuel efficiency is aided by the engine stop / start
function, electric power assist, extended fuel shut-off along with a smart
transmission shift management system. This 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine is
matched to a smooth and quick-efficiency 8-speed automatic transmission,
replacing the modest 5-speed automatic that was offered in the previous
generation Wrangler.
Capability and Dynamics
Every
Wrangler produced is fitted with a Trail Rated badge. To win this badge it has
to pass gruelling tests across the toughest terrain. The all-new Wrangler has
earned its Trail Rated badge and has the ability to withstand the harshest
conditions making the off-roading experience incredible.
The
all-new Jeep Wrangler is equipped with the Jeep SelecTrac 4WD system that can
be engaged full time in 4H. The vehicle can be switched from 2WD to 4WD by
using the 4x4 gear selector stick. The Jeep SelecTrac 4x4 system analyses the
grip that every wheel encounters and sends extra torque to those wheels that
need more traction. The driver can choose between 50% equal distribution of
torque to front and the rear wheels by shifting to ‘4H Part Time’ mode or to
on-demand torque distribution when shifted to ‘4H Auto’ mode, which gauges the
lack of traction and then allocates torque distribution to that wheel(s). The
Wrangler is of course known for its impressive crawl ratio of 2.72:1 when
engaged in 4L (low) mode.
The
capability quotient has been further enhanced in the all-new Wrangler with a
steeper approach angle of 41.8 degrees, break over angle of 21 degrees and
departure angle of 36.1 degrees. The New Generation Wrangler rides higher from
the ground than its predecessor by 29 mm, at 215 mm compared to the JK’s 186
mm. The new body structure of high strength steel and aluminium rests on a
front and rear five link suspension system with heavy duty gas shock absorbers.
Like
all Wranglers, the new generation model’s underbody is protected by high-gauge
steel skid plates to safeguard critical componentry that would be otherwise be
prone to damage when driving over extremely challenging terrain.
Safety and Practicality
The
all-new Wrangler has more than 70 safety and security features. A few important
standard ones are as follows:
•
Parksense rear parking sensor with back up camera
•
Electronic Stability Control – coordinates Electronic Roll Mitigation, Anti-lock
Braking System and Brake Assist, all-speed traction control and available
Trailer Control sending them into action when needed
•
Advanced multi-stage airbags and supplementary front seat mounted side airbags
•
High strength steel body paired with light-weight aluminium
•
Trail Rail Cargo Management System – this versatile cargo-carrying capability
includes aluminium rails on the tailgate and cargo floor along with cargo
anchors that lock into place
•
In-floor storage bin is located on the cargo floor behind the second row of
seats hides a storage area whose lid secures when the swing gate is closed —
perfect for storing larger items, like computers and tools
•
Two-tiered centre console, with place to store phones, computers, tablets,
vehicle key and sunglasses plus a top tray for smaller gear