6-speed
Power is sent to all four wheels through a long-ratio, 6-speed manual transmission (standard). The shifter -- every off-road enthusiast will agree -- requires a preferably smooth manipulation. The fact of the matter is, no one will look to break speed records with this 4x4: accelerations from 0 to 100 kph take more than 11 seconds. You get more fun out of this off-roader when trying to cross a big muddy swamp without getting stuck.
Jeep also offers a 4-speed automatic with all three trim levels. This gearbox is not really sophisticated, although the company says that connoisseurs will find a way to appreciate it.
Cramped interior
Jeep prides itself on the numerous improvements that were made to the new model. Frame rigidity is reportedly up 100 percent and body stiffness, up 50 percent. The vehicle is 5-cm longer, 14-cm wider and rests on a 9-cm wider track.
While the relative lack of noise and vibration seems to back up Jeep's claims, the size increase is barely noticeable. Inside the Wrangler, most passengers will feel cramped, as was the case with the TJ. In fact, it's always been this way.
Access to the cabin remains quite demanding. You literally have to "climb" to get on board. But that's not why people buy this machine; it's the impressive ground clearance that counts -- enough to overcome obstacles that would stall any other vehicle.
The rear seats are still virtually useless, at least for sitting adults. Getting there requires the agility of a gymnast, while legroom and footroom only suit children. Then again, that's not why people buy the Wrangler...
"Better" than a MX-5!
The huge rear tailgate opens up to a tiny cargo area. At 190 liters, it's barely larger than the trunk of the Mazda MX-5 (150 liters). So, if you have passengers in the back (God knows how much I pity them), you'll have to keep your travel gear to a minimum -- a swimsuit and a tooth brush, for example.
That's not all: opening the tailgate (on which the full-size spare tire is mounted) demands extra effort. It also means you have to leave a fair amount of space between the Wrangler and the vehicle parked behind it. On top of that, the door does not feature a restraint mechanism; on sloped ground, you must hold it to prevent it from closing... or smacking you in the back, depending on the angle.
Power is sent to all four wheels through a long-ratio, 6-speed manual transmission (standard). The shifter -- every off-road enthusiast will agree -- requires a preferably smooth manipulation. The fact of the matter is, no one will look to break speed records with this 4x4: accelerations from 0 to 100 kph take more than 11 seconds. You get more fun out of this off-roader when trying to cross a big muddy swamp without getting stuck.
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| Manipulating the 6-speed manual transmission requires a smooth hand. |
Jeep also offers a 4-speed automatic with all three trim levels. This gearbox is not really sophisticated, although the company says that connoisseurs will find a way to appreciate it.
Cramped interior
Jeep prides itself on the numerous improvements that were made to the new model. Frame rigidity is reportedly up 100 percent and body stiffness, up 50 percent. The vehicle is 5-cm longer, 14-cm wider and rests on a 9-cm wider track.
While the relative lack of noise and vibration seems to back up Jeep's claims, the size increase is barely noticeable. Inside the Wrangler, most passengers will feel cramped, as was the case with the TJ. In fact, it's always been this way.
Access to the cabin remains quite demanding. You literally have to "climb" to get on board. But that's not why people buy this machine; it's the impressive ground clearance that counts -- enough to overcome obstacles that would stall any other vehicle.
The rear seats are still virtually useless, at least for sitting adults. Getting there requires the agility of a gymnast, while legroom and footroom only suit children. Then again, that's not why people buy the Wrangler...
"Better" than a MX-5!
The huge rear tailgate opens up to a tiny cargo area. At 190 liters, it's barely larger than the trunk of the Mazda MX-5 (150 liters). So, if you have passengers in the back (God knows how much I pity them), you'll have to keep your travel gear to a minimum -- a swimsuit and a tooth brush, for example.
That's not all: opening the tailgate (on which the full-size spare tire is mounted) demands extra effort. It also means you have to leave a fair amount of space between the Wrangler and the vehicle parked behind it. On top of that, the door does not feature a restraint mechanism; on sloped ground, you must hold it to prevent it from closing... or smacking you in the back, depending on the angle.
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| The subwoofer reduces the available cargo room -- as if it wasn't limited enough already. |