It makes sense then, that Jeep experiences a similar customer profile
 |
| All the details have stayed put; they include the round lamps, seven-slot grille and separate fenders. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
on the dealership showroom floor, pulling in new Wrangler buyers that range from urban trendsetters to burly adventurers, and all should be pleased with the 2007 model's updates. Most noticeable is the redesigned grille and front fascia, still sporting twin circular headlamps up top and six vertical slats separating seven slots in between, the entire façade is now canted rearward at a "wind-cheating" angle while the turn signals have been pulled inward, off of the front fenders and onto to the grille panel, just as they were in days of yore. Those fenders are now more suited to roughing it, not only because most of the electrics are inboard to minimize repair costs (only a tiny side marker remains) if hit by a wayward tree, but also because their matte black finish is less expensive to fix or replace once torn off.
The front bumper is finished in matte black too, and more streamlined compared to the rudimentary chunk of steal and plastic that used to hang under the grille. The NAIAS show vehicle boasted a set of fog lamps integrated at centre, a nice touch stylistically as well as handy when off the beaten path.
Moving
 |
| You can still fold down the windshield and have your Wrangler with frameless zip-up doors, if you wish. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
towards the back, purists will delight that the Wrangler's new flush-mounted windshield can still be folded forward and strapped onto the hood; held up with little rubber stoppers to protect the glass when bushwhacking. Overall, the Wrangler's profile looks much the same as its predecessor, other than the lack of a creased shoulder line that previously ran frontward through the door panel, larger exposed forged hinges, the aforementioned new fender flares (still trapezoid in shape mind you), full-length matte black rocker covers, redesigned "sport bar" roll cage, and new door pulls ahead of Liberty-like hemispherical hand indents. OK, it's changed quite a bit, but its updates are even more noticeable in the rear.
The tail lamps are still external units, true to Jeep tradition and easy
 |
| In good form, the Wrangler is built to be durable, and easily fixable. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
to replace if smashed or knocked off (although easier to smash or knock off due to being external and protruding out from their rear corners), but now they're vertical in design; tall rectangles instead of simple squares. It's amazing how such a minor change can appear so significant, but when combined with a new rear door handle that is nothing more than a side door pull and button placed vertically on the tailgate, boldly designed rear door hinges it looks totally revamped. And if capped off with a hardtop the Wrangler gets a much more rectangular overall shape, for an even more radical departure.
The
 |
| Interior is nicer than ever, with many new features, and a more organized centre stack. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press) |
modifications inside are even more obvious, starting with a completely revised dash and centre stack. The old TJ's user interface had already improved dramatically when compared to those in YJ and CJ interiors, but Jeep has stepped up style, functionality and quality for 2007. A sportier four-spoke steering wheel frames a more organically shaped instrument binnacle; the previous unit was rectangular. The only rectangular object in the new Wrangler is its new audio head unit, being that circular HVAC knobs and vents plus a rounded dash continue the shapely theme forward; that dash capped off with two equally round smart fortwo-like stereo speakers that protrude out from the dash-top like a set of scale model mountain-top observatories.
