The Jeep Wrangler is definitely become a cult vehicle. Primarily responsible for making the brand a common name, it attracts more and more popular with age. The 2012 Jeep Wrangler sales have skyrocketed in the last year, in part because the SUV won slightly more refined look while maintaining its rugged off-road abilities and undeniable.
Do not forget to greet the other drivers on the road Wrangler as them, they will greet you. Consider this gesture as a handshake secret clan. Little advice for new owners: do not send out to drivers Compass and Patriot.
As before, the 2012 Jeep Wrangler is available in two sizes and four doors, the latter benefiting from a longer wheelbase and a more comfortable ride on the road. In addition, Chrysler has seen fit to insert the new 3.6-liter V6 under the hood of the Wrangler, and his tone was even set to properly reflect the character of this SUV rough.
Changes for 2012
First and foremost, the engine. For his work in the Wrangler, it develops 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet. It comes with a 6-speed manual transmission (a first for the Pentastar V6) or a 5-speed automatic, our test vehicle is equipped with the manual, and share a little reluctant to engage reverse, the lever is easy to handle despite its length. To advance to a snail’s pace off the beaten track, the clutch allows slight pressure on the accelerator without choking the engine.
With 40% more horsepower, Jeep is faster and more comfortable to engage in traffic. The experience on the road is more significant in the version in the version that Sahara Rubicon Wrangler last I tried: if your off-road adventures are limited to dirt roads leading to the cabin, finishing Sahara will amply the case.
The change in engine also provides better fuel economy, although Unlimited in the model, the difference is marginal. Rated at 13.4 L/100km in the city and 9.6 on the highway, my average week during the test was 14.7 L/100km. I have not done a lot of highway, and I probably got a better result with the automatic transmission. Still, one cannot expect miracles with an SUV so little aerodynamics.
The other notable change this year is the addition of color-matched hardtop for Rubicon, Sahara exclusively in 2011.
Champion off-road
The four-wheel drive system Command-Trac I 2012 Jeep Wrangler have a simple mechanical although effective. When you move the lever to 2H 4H transfer case distributes engine torque 50:50 front and rear axles. In 4WD mode, however, the front wheels Wrangler hop during parking maneuvers, we cannot really leave it in 4H all the time.
Should we really explain why the Wrangler is so clever in the woods? Low range transfer case, excellent angles and output, high ground clearance and the rigid axle’s front and rear ensure to always obtain adherence to more than one wheel.
Our test Jeep dons all MOPAR Chrome Edition, which includes tubular assist steps, I spend my turn this accessory, for two reasons: they could damage during off-road excursions, and they are so high that they impede the access and exit the cabin. Chrome grille I do not really no longer a question of personal choice.
Modern interior
You can always get the door, lower the windscreen and polish up inside the hose as before, but since last year, the Wrangler has a lot more pleasant cabin. The new steering wheel is very nice and includes controls for the audio system, cruise control and trip computer. The climate controls are an improvement over the old. And in general, the quality of materials is on the rise.
The large front seats are firm and provide good support, while the rear seat includes a backrest divided 60/40 to increase cargo capacity. Unfortunately, the back, the soft top is folded cumbersome when trying to carry larger objects.
Base price attractive
A base Wrangler Sport is available from $ 22,695, and for this sum, we obtain some characteristics of comfort and convenience, but diehard fans do not want the Jeep probably not. Our version Unlimited Sahara well equipped with options such as trailer hitch, chrome trim mentioned earlier and a navigation system, costing more than $ 37,000.
Competitors include the Toyota FJ Cruiser ($ 33,000 to $ 41,000), Nissan Xterra ($ 34,000 to $ 38,000) and a dozen other SUVs or crossovers that do not have the same skills as the off-road Wrangler.
Even if it shows little rounder for everyday driving, Wrangler sales are increasing since 2011. It is more refined than ever without betraying its origins Jeep. The faithful follower of the Wrangler can sleep soundly, since he or she is not part of a clan that declining leave unprepared, spiritually and financially. Provided that the new followers learn to acknowledge when they are behind the wheel.