Jeep

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Jeep Wrangler Overland – Dated In Every Way But Perhaps That’s Part of the Charm?

 

352148_040310jeeThe last time Jeep made significant changes to the Wrangler was back in 2011. The upgrades were all to the interior, adding such luxuries as heated seats and steering wheel controls – plus some sound insulation, which really works!

This may explain why Jeep (now part of the Fiat family) don’t offer any up to date photographs of the Wrangler – nearly everything on their official press site dates back to 2011.

As a journalist, that’s kind of weird. You might notice the images Car Couture are using have 2011 number plates – very dated and hardly conducive to encouraging readers to rush out and buy a new Wrangler!

I imagine the theory is that if you have a vehicle that looks almost the same as it did in 1941, they why worry about a few press images being out of date…

 

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Jeep Wrangler Overland – More Chic Than A Land Rover In The Cotswolds…

 

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There’s some writing inscribed on the dashboard grab handle in the Wrangler. It simply states ‘since 1941’. Not even Land Rover can match that – the first Series I didn’t arrive until 1948.

And while the latest Jeep is a darn site more comfortable that that first model, it still looks very much like that 74-year-old machine that drove the Americans into the Second World War.

Oddest thing is, I am actually enjoying the Jeep so much more than expected. It’s attracting plenty of attention too. The Wrangler is almost chic, in a rough and tumble sort of way. The Cotswolds is awash with Land Rovers of every shape and size – driving the Jeep is that little bit different.

As well as that, the Wrangler is also just as capable in the rough stuff as a Defender. It also happens to be a lot more comfortable, thanks to a softer suspension set-up. Both it and the Defender crash over potholes and can be jolly bouncy but somehow the Jeep edges it.

Land Rover can’t introduce their replacement for the Defender fast enough, I’d say. It’s due in 12 months time…

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Jeep Wrangler – Rather Better Than We Expected For A Dirt-Loving Beast

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I’ve read the ‘other’ reviews and today I’ve experienced the on-road antics of the Wrangler. Nobody seems to like the ride, the jittering nature of the steering and suspension, or the suspect handling. I’ve read all that and today I’ve felt it first hand.

However, what you have to remember about the Jeep is, that just like the Land Rover Defender, it’s not been designed for tarmac. No, it’s a workhorse first and foremost. They can carpet the floor, stitch leather to the seats and add a decent infotainment system but the Wrangler and Defender are essentially beasts that love the dirt.

Anybody who buys either for serious, everyday use really needs rewiring themselves. So, all I can tell you having driven it is that the Wrangler has been a pleasant surprise. It’s a lot softer on the road than a Defender, rather more comfortable and this 2.8 version is pretty quiet too.

So, yes, it’s a lot better than I expected. My spine hasn’t been jolted out of place, my ears aren’t ringing and I haven’t slipped off a wet road into a hedge. Yet.

Fact is, I’m pleasantly surprised. We have a Defender coming in early February and I’m already wondering how it will compare…