A guide to Jeep Wrangler cars

The Jeep Wrangler is a compact four-wheel drive SUV which is manufactured by Chrysler under the Jeep marque. The car is a successor to the Willys Jeep which was used by US troops during the Second World War.

Evolution

Development The Wrangler has been evolving for more than 70 years. Today, the fourth generation is designed to be driven on and off road. It’s purposeful and luxurious, comfortable and yet strong. It’s powerful and yet economical for a car in its class.

Carbon footprint

Reduction in the carbon footprint Wranglers with diesel engines and manual transmissions automatically benefit from the Stop - Start system. This reduces the vehicle’s carbon footprint and saves fuel by shutting the engine off when the car’s at a stop. The engine management system then waits for the driver to depress the clutch before the engine is restarted.

Safety

Safety requirements Multi-stage front airbags match the airbag's output to the crash’s severity and energy absorbent rails which make sure that the effects of a crash aren’t transmitted to the cockpit. The fuel tank is mid-mounted and protected by the energy absorbent rails. There is also a 2.5mm skid plate on the under-side to protect it whilst the Wrangler goes off road. An Electronic Stability Control system is in place which uses hydraulic Brake Assist, traction control and Electronic Roll Mitigation to match the driver’s input and the car’s actual route. The system can reduce engine power or apply the brake if necessary and is aware when a wheel is lifted off the ground.

Off-road

On and off road The car is powered by a 4-cylinder, 16-valve common-rail diesel which produces 197bhp. To get this power onto the ground, the Wrangler is equipped with the Command-Trac system which controls the part-time four wheel drive. The system can be used in one of the three settings depending on the situation. Selecting 2-High transfers all power to the rear. This is ideal for cruising on dry roads and general motoring. The 4-High setting puts 50% torque to each axle to provide additional grip in changing conditions and the 4-Lo setting is used in severe off-road situations. With the car in 4-Lo setting, it’s possible to get the car up-steep inclines. To help this, the Hill Start Assist holds the car stationary for two seconds after the brake is disengaged. This gives the driver enough time to apply the throttle without the car sliding back. The Wrangler began life as an off-road military vehicle which was put to many different uses. Today, it remains as versatile as ever and continues to evolve by adding systems, like the Hill Start Assist which are equally useful on and off road.