FCA launches 5-door Jeep Wrangler Rubicon SUV at Rs 68.94 lakh

The imported Rubicon – sibling to the Wrangler Unlimited with extreme off-roading capability, is the most capable SUV ever and exemplifies Jeep’s legendary 4x4 capability. Like all Wrangler models across the world, the Rubicon is Trail Rated with a badge indicating that the vehicle is designed to perform in a variety of challenging off-road conditions identified by five key consumer-oriented performance categories: traction, ground clearance, manoeuvrability, articulation and water fording. Rubicon is the most powerful and the most efficient Wrangler ever made with vastly improved on-road manners for everyday driving.

Announcing the roll out of the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, Dr. Partha Datta – President and Managing Director, FCA India said, “Discerning Indian customers generally know what they want to purchase next and there are many who have waited to own the most recognised vehicle in the world. The Wrangler Rubicon has caught the attention of many such connoisseurs who know their Jeep well. We already have an unprecedented order bank of eager customers ready to purchase our iconic off-roader. We are poised to complete delivery of our entire Rubicon import shipment to customers sooner than anticipated. Jeep Wrangler has been a really successful flagship product for us in India and it commands almost 67% our India CBU sales, since its launch in 2016.”

The Rubicon is equipped with Jeep RockTrac 4x4 all-wheel drive (AWD) system features a two-speed transfer case with a 4:1 “4LO” low-range gear ratio, full-time torque management to ensure optimal grip in low traction conditions and also features heavy duty, next generation Dana 44 front and rear axles. A 4.10 front and rear axle ratio is standard as are TruLock electric front and rear axle lockers or differentials.

The Rubicon offers significantly improved articulation and total suspension travel versus the previous generation, with the help of an electronically operated Sway Bar disconnect which enhances its capability especially in extreme off-roading conditions. The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon’s 4x4 hardware is designed, synchronised and tested to ensure it never fails to crawl out of the most adverse challenges one could possibly experience in the remotest of locations.

Compared to the Wrangler Unlimited, the Rubicon stands taller with a ground clearance of 217 mm and has larger approach, breakover and departure angles; black, trapezoidal fender flares, hood decal, rock rails, 17-inch alloys with off-road spec tyres and an abundance of heavy duty 4x4 hardware under its signature Jeep retro exterior, which is the real deal to customers who will own the Rubicon. The legendary SUV is packed with a long list of intuitive features which will keep occupants safe, connected and comfortable.

The Rubicon builds on a sculptural design aesthetic that is immediately recognizable with its traditional Jeep design cues. The keystone-shaped legendary seven slot grille that pays homage to the Jeep CJ, is gently swept back for improved aerodynamics and its outer slats intersect with the round reflector LED headlights. Forming a halo around the headlights are the LED Daylight Running Lamps (DRL). The lighting package also features LED front fog lamps and traditional square tail lampswith LED lighting.

The Rubicon is designed to offer open-air freedom with a fold-down windshield and removable hard roof and doors that can be as easily dismantled and refitted, a feature that has remained constant on every Wrangler ever made.

The Rubicon comes with17-inch alloy wheels with mid-gloss black pockets, which are shod with 255/75R 17 Mud Terrain tyres. The SUV is offered in five colours: Firecracker Red, Billet Silver, Black, Bright White and Granite Crystal.

Interiors

The heritage-inspired centre stack features a clean, sculpted form that complements the horizontal dashboard design. Jeep functionality and versatility are celebrated in the centre console and distinguished with metal-plated accents. The redesigned centre console houses the leather-wrapped gear selector, transfer case and parking brake. Real bolts featured on the shifter, grab handles and frame of the infotainment highlight genuine construction methods.

Occupants can enjoy Jeep branded leather seats, a soft touch premium leather dashboard, ambient lighting, a fourth-generation 8.4-inch UConnect Infotainment touch screen with 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. The 7-inch driver multi-information display in the centre of the instrument cluster shows scrollable data that can be accessed from the steering wheel. The Rubicon also comes with weather-proof push button start, dual zone air conditioning and remote key ‘Enter 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.

Responsive Engine, More Refinement and Better Efficiency

The Wrangler Rubicon comes with a 4-cylinder, DOHC, inline, turbocharged 2.0-litre 268 HP 400 Nm petrol engine, which is tuned to perform like a V-6, deliver torque like a diesel engine and at the same time, ensure much better fuel efficiency than a larger capacity engine. It features a twin-scroll, low inertia turbocharger with an electronically actuated waste gate for exceptional responsiveness and performance while traversing on different terrain. The turbo is mounted directly on to the cylinder head to improve durability. A dedicated cooling circuit lowers the temperature of the intake air, throttle body and turbocharger.

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 an 8-speed automatic transmission which enables the vehicle to optimize engine output while off-roading or enjoying smooth, efficient power delivery at highway speeds. Uniquely suited to the requirements of the Wrangler Rubicon, the 8-speed automatic transmission delivers a crawl ratio of 77.2:1.

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon’s intrinsic purpose is off-roading, in which case, the SUV should be driven at speeds required to crawl over tough terrain. However, the SUV is also tuned for urban driving and is equipped with 75 passive and active safety and security features. Some key features are: driver and front passenger airbags, supplementary seat-mounted passenger side airbags, park assist system, rear back up camera, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Trailer Sway Control (TSC), Anti-lock braking system (ABS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Hill Descent Control (HDC), Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) and Tyre Pressure Monitoring.