Jeep by name tough by nature car review
13/11/12
By Peter Hayward
Driving Force
THE chunky shape of the iconic Jeep Wrangler appeals to many people who think they would like to own one but take a good drive before you buy.
This is a serious off-roader with tough suspension and so it can be hard to live with on the road, with an uncomfortable ride.
There was no diesel until the most recent model in 2007 so economy was a real problem.
But the charm of the garden shed shape has changed little in 50 years. After all, this is the one that started the whole 4x4 idea.
There’s lots of roll in the corners even though it does grip pretty well and of course, it has off-road ability that that will take you just about anywhere you could think of going.
After 2007, engines were a 3.8 V6 with 196bhp and a 2.8 diesel with 174bhp, both driving all four wheels through manual six-speed or automatic five-speed gearboxes.
Interior
There are few creature comforts inside - it’s meant to be a workhorse so there are wipe-clean surfaces in most.
There is decent legroom front and rear in the two door, much more in the four door and the boot is much more usable.
FAST FACTS
Jeep Wrangler
Price: Pay about £9,000 for an ’07 07-reg Sport, or £8,500 for an ‘06 55-reg Renegade
Mechanical: 174bhp, 2,777cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving four wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 107mph
0-62mph: 11.2 seconds
Combined mpg: 34
Insurance group: 18
CO2 emissions: 215g/km
Main rival: Land Rover Defender
Motors.co.uk value verdict:
