Jeep Wrangler

FIRSTDRIVE Daddy of the SUVs takes a big step forward, but doesn’t come cheap

- James Batchelor

.

IF you like your SUVs to be little more than raised, tech-laden, leather-lined hatchbacks, this isn’t the review for you. But if you’re an enthusiast who values departure angles over traffic jam assist systems, then keep reading.

Jeep fans will know the Wrangler is in the elite class when it comes to heritage. With a bloodline dating back to World War Two, its status is gilt edged and sits in that special tier alongside the Land Rover Defender and Porsche 911. But like the Landie and unlike the 911, the Jeep has barely changed over the past 80 years.

Until now, that is. The new Wrangler has made the biggest leap forwards in this iconic model line’s history, and while the basic ingredients are the same – it’s still essentially a body mounted on to a steel frame – it’s been spruced up and made more comfortable.

At first glance the styling hasn’t changed from the outgoing Wrangler, but look harder and you’ll see that both body styles (two and four-door) are longer and wider, while there are new tail-lamps and a trapezoidal grille. There’s no badge on the nose; Jeep says the circular lights and seven-slot grille are recognisable enough not to need one.