New features for 2011
The 2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited receives a number of new features – some are convenient and useful, others simply add to its looks. Heated seats are now available, and not just with the leather package; even the cloth-covered buckets can keep your butt warm during winter. New heated outside mirrors are thrown into the mix as well.
The company loves to play the nostalgia card. Just like Porsche with the 911, designers do their best to preserve the classic silhouette of the Wrangler. Now, they've added a couple of unique details to complement such staples as the seven-slot grille and exposed door hinges. Hex head bolts can be found throughout the cabin, like on the front passenger grab bar which, incidentally, bears an engraved ''Jeep – Since 1941'' logo. Talk about making a clear statement!
Sadly, most Wrangler owners will never take on more challenging road conditions than bare asphalt. These people are also fond of flashy body colours, like my tester's Mango Tango (orange), if only to serve as a visual reminder of where they parked the vehicle when they go shopping.
It's these customers Jeep had in mind when they upgraded the interior to include softer-touch materials, a smaller steering wheel integrating radio, Bluetooth and cruise control buttons, and a USB slot to plug MP3 players. The latter comes with the newly-available premium multimedia system, which features a 30-GB hard drive and a Garmin navigation system with 6.5-inch touchscreen.
Ultimate go-anywhere SUV
City limitations and severe winter conditions prevented me from driving the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon off the beaten path. Sorry. I was still able to appreciate the performance of some of its advanced safety technologies, including the anti-lock brakes and stability control. I didn't find them overly intrusive given the intentions of this go-anywhere SUV.
The Rubicon stands out from the two other models (Sport and Sahara) with Dana 44 heavy-duty solid front axles designed for extreme off-road capability. Meanwhile, on-demand Electronic Sway Bar Disconnect increases front-wheel travel by 25 percent when driving at speeds of under 29 km/h in 4LO mode.
The 2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited receives a number of new features – some are convenient and useful, others simply add to its looks. Heated seats are now available, and not just with the leather package; even the cloth-covered buckets can keep your butt warm during winter. New heated outside mirrors are thrown into the mix as well.
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| Wanting to stay true to traditional Jeep styling, designers added hex head bolts throughout the cabin, like on the front passenger grab bar which, incidentally, bears an engraved ''Jeep – Since 1941'' logo. (Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |
The company loves to play the nostalgia card. Just like Porsche with the 911, designers do their best to preserve the classic silhouette of the Wrangler. Now, they've added a couple of unique details to complement such staples as the seven-slot grille and exposed door hinges. Hex head bolts can be found throughout the cabin, like on the front passenger grab bar which, incidentally, bears an engraved ''Jeep – Since 1941'' logo. Talk about making a clear statement!
Sadly, most Wrangler owners will never take on more challenging road conditions than bare asphalt. These people are also fond of flashy body colours, like my tester's Mango Tango (orange), if only to serve as a visual reminder of where they parked the vehicle when they go shopping.
It's these customers Jeep had in mind when they upgraded the interior to include softer-touch materials, a smaller steering wheel integrating radio, Bluetooth and cruise control buttons, and a USB slot to plug MP3 players. The latter comes with the newly-available premium multimedia system, which features a 30-GB hard drive and a Garmin navigation system with 6.5-inch touchscreen.
Ultimate go-anywhere SUV
City limitations and severe winter conditions prevented me from driving the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon off the beaten path. Sorry. I was still able to appreciate the performance of some of its advanced safety technologies, including the anti-lock brakes and stability control. I didn't find them overly intrusive given the intentions of this go-anywhere SUV.
The Rubicon stands out from the two other models (Sport and Sahara) with Dana 44 heavy-duty solid front axles designed for extreme off-road capability. Meanwhile, on-demand Electronic Sway Bar Disconnect increases front-wheel travel by 25 percent when driving at speeds of under 29 km/h in 4LO mode.
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| All three trim levels feature a sinister full black interior, although Sahara and Rubicon models also offer a black and beige combination that matches nicely with the McKinley leather upholstery. (Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |